Choosing Jesus during Islamic festival in Bangladesh

In early June, Muslims across Bangladesh observed the Feast of Sacrifice, or Qurbani, one of the most important holidays in Islam. This event observes Abraham, a figure in both the Bible and the Qur’an, who was willing to obey God by offering his son until God provided an animal to sacrifice instead.

For Tesfaye and Hanna, SIM mission workers from Ethiopia serving in Faridpur, Bangladesh, this annual celebration is a special opportunity to share the Christian message that Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins. 

Each year, Tesfaye and Hanna start conversations with their Muslim neighbours by asking, “Who did Prophet Abraham sacrifice?” Most say Ishmael, which opens the door to deeper discussion. 

Tesfaye and Hanna’s ministry reaches across three districts, Madaripur, Barishal, and Shariatpur, where they partner closely with Bangladeshi ministers. This year, Tesfaye was invited by a local church to travel more than thirteen hours to teach on the topic of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice. Over three days, he shared the message of salvation with 35 people on the first day, followed by teaching 30 more about how Jesus stands apart from other prophets and religious leaders. By the end of the visit, several had decided to follow Jesus. What amazing evidence of God drawing people to Himself, even during a Muslim festival. 

Similarly, in the southern region of Bangladesh, Tesfaye and Hanna met with a family of believers and shared the gospel with several neighbours. One neighbour showed deep interest and asked to learn more after listening. In recent weeks, two new believers, a father and his daughter – E, have been baptised despite the real risk of persecution in their community. The daughter’s younger sister – M, is still exploring Jesus’ message and considering her own response, another sign of God planting seeds. 

“We praise God for the lives changed and we pray that many more will come to know Jesus as the true sacrifice.” 

In Madaripur, two educated men who had long accepted the account of Jesus in the Quran were surprised to learn that the historical Jesus lived centuries before Islam and that His story was written by eyewitnesses. They eagerly requested copies of the Kitabul Moqaddas, the Bible translated using Islamic terminology, so they could read and explore the message for themselves. 

Tesfaye says, “God is opening hearts,” and explains that they are ready to share the message whenever He leads. He also praises God for the lives changed through these encounters, saying, “We praise God for the lives changed ” and asks for prayers that “many more will come to know Jesus as the true sacrifice.”