There's always a way

I learned on my latest travel into Bangladesh that God is never caught off guard and always has a plan. It may not be the same as my plan and it may be more creative than I would expect. But he always has a way of accomplishing his purposes.

I arrived at my hotel in Bangladesh in the midst of a countrywide strike that felt more like a marshal law to me. I was enjoying the safety of the hotel when I received a call from our contact in Bangladesh who explained to me that he would be unable to get to me for a meeting because all transportation in the country had been shut down.

Bangladesh is a long way to travel for a meeting that doesn’t work out. I was determined not to give up so easily. I told my friend I would figure out a way to get to him and I hung up.

The lobby of the hotel was a buzz of activity and I was not the only frustrated traveler. I began to talk with the hotel employees who told me emphatically that there was no way to travel to my destination by way of a car.

Finding this hard to believe I pressed on asking what would happen if a guest of the hotel were sick and needed transportation to the hospital. I was quickly assured that in the event of illness an ambulance could be arranged.

I asked how much it would cost for me to take an ambulance to the hospital. The ambulance service in Bangladesh is private and I learned that for $8 I could get to the hospital of my choice.

It was then that an idea came to me. I gave the hotel employee the address of my contact and told him I would pay $15 for an ambulance to that address. It wasn’t long before a call came to my room to let me know that my ambulance had arrived and was waiting for me in front of the hotel.

My travel companion and I strolled through the lobby, climbed into the back of an ambulance and laid him out on the stretcher. The happy driver flipped on the lights and the siren and we were off to make our appointment. We traveled through the empty streets in noisy fashion and were delivered to the address without incident.

It was made clear to me that a repeat performance could be arranged for our return to the hotel, for another $15, of course. The meeting was eventful. A plan for Answering the Call to be involved in support of local missionaries and of assistance to some who have suffered because of their faith in Jesus was arranged. God had his way, like he always does.

As I learned on my last trip of what God was doing in some very difficult places where we are involved, I see that no matter the obstacles, God emerges victorious. I am constantly learning that his love causes him to go to great lengths to rescue people from oppressive Islamic religious systems and the bondage that comes at the hands of false gods. An example of this is the following report given to me on this recent trip. Obviously the location is concealed and any names are changed.

I am the only daughter to my parents. I have studied up to the eighth

class in the general school and later entered into Islamic school to

study the Islamic faith and to become a teacher.

During the course of six months two women met me in my school and

invited me to their house. When I had gone there they shared with me

the truth of Jesus from the Bible.

During the first meeting I was unhappy and told them what they are

doing is wrong. But for nearly six months I read some literature given

by them. I prayed to Allah to reveal the truth and at last I was convinced

that salvation is through Jesus.

When I spoke to the Muslim priest about this he declared that the devil

has made me mad, but I did not change my views about Jesus. The

Entire village came to know this.

Then I shared with my husband. He consulted my in-laws. Finally I

was asked to deny Jesus in public so that I would be taken from the

house and the village. According to Romans 8:35, I was so determined

that nothing could separate me from the Lord.

At last my husband divorced me in front of all the villagers. My

in-laws framed a theft complaint against me and proceeded in court.

The proceedings are on. My parents and me are now dwelling in a

corner of the village.

I am praying to God to intervene and establish the justice and favor

me. My father has also become mentally sick. Probably he is unable

to bear this torture.

In this unnamed village God went to great lengths to reach this young woman with salvation in Jesus. I am sure he will walk the rest of the path out with her as well. Think of it. He has also gone to great lengths to bring salvation to your doorstep. He loves you no less. God always has a way.

Pray for this young woman and for many all over the world who suffer because of their faith in Jesus.