Bandara hated Christians. He didn’t like that they believed that God created the world and that God can forgive sins. He thought both were impossible. One day, everything changed for Bandara.
Bandara hated Christians. He didn’t like that they believed that God created the world and that God can forgive sins. He thought both were impossible.
One day, everything changed for Bandara.
“God has a plan for me. He used a Christian to change me. This person helped me with my difficulties and also many other things. Through him, I understood the grace of God, and I saw the love of God through him. That is why I became a Christian.”
After accepting Christ through baptism, Bandara wanted to share the light he received with others. With this commitment in his heart, he decided to become a Global Mission pioneer. He wanted to introduce people to Jesus and someday start a new congregation of believers.
His passion and commitment to sharing Jesus grew day after day. The change in Bandara’s life was evident to his family and friends. He started going around the city, from one place to another, sharing the love of Christ and His message of forgiveness.
Bandara’s actions eventually got the whole community’s attention, but not for all good reasons. His regular visits alarmed a group who believed that his actions might harm the community.
A large group of young men plotted to beat Bandara to stop his visits. As Bandara returned home on his usual route, the young men waited for him. They blocked his path and beat him. Bandara considers the beating to be the deadliest struggle of his Christian life.
“I covered my face to protect myself; at least 2 people were beating me for 15 minutes continuously. After beating me that long, I could sense that they were getting exhausted finally. They used a helmet to hit my head. I prayed to God that I wouldn’t have any serious bruises. When I reached home, I checked my face; no scratches or bruises were found on my face.”
Bandara survived several beatings, standing firm in his faith. When people heard about this, many stood by Bandara because they knew that he wanted to help the community.
Bandara’s passion and commitment to bring more people to Jesus grows every day.
“If we are not doing our gospel work, who will do that? God chose us, and God called us —Who is going to work for Me? So, we have to go!”
Let’s pray for Bandara and other Global Mission pioneers, who serve despite the risks that come with their commitment.
Thank you for your support of Global Mission. You help church planters around the world!
