Abinas resides with his family in a region of the Chittagong Hill Tracts which is inhabited by small indigenous groups. As a member of the Chakma community, he converted to Christianity and now serves as a pastor in his local church. Despite facing opposition from his village, Abinas remains determined in his mission to share the Gospel and prays for the people in his community, recognizing their need for the living Word of God.

The region’s diverse cultural landscape and politically hostile environment pose significant challenges for Abinas’s ministry. “We have people from different tribes living in our hilly region, each with their own religious beliefs and cultural practices,” he says. “However, when we spread the Gospel, we encounter numerous social barriers.” Village leaders and armed political parties actively oppose their preaching efforts. Abinas remains hopeful. “Despite these obstacles, people are accepting Christ, and churches are emerging in our area,” he says.

Abinas recounts a harrowing incident that took place in January 2022. Following a baptism ceremony, he and fellow pastors were surrounded and subjected to torture by an armed group. “Displaying their weapons, they forced us to walk through the jungle for an extended period before eventually releasing us. This incident left us all shaken,” he recalls.

Despite the persecution he endures, Abinas continues to serve Christ and provides support to new believers who face pressure from the Chakma ethnic group and opposition from the local Buddhists. He emphasizes the importance of the training he received from Bible League International, which equipped him with effective methods to share the Gospel and distribute the Word of God.

“The training and lessons provided by Bible League have played a pivotal role in my spiritual growth, the development of my church, and bringing others to Christ through evangelism,” Abinas acknowledges. He recognizes the significance of placing God’s Word in the hands of those with whom he shares the Gospel.

Reflecting on his transformation from Buddhism to serving God’s Church, Abinas shares, “Before embracing Jesus Christ, I practiced Buddhism and held negative attitudes toward Christians. However, after accepting Jesus Christ, my life began to change. I realized that my salvation lies solely in Christ.” Abinas finds immense joy in serving as a pastor and gives glory to the Lord for using him, despite his previous opposition to Christianity.

One of Abinas’s favorite Bible verses is Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.”