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Imagine reading the Bible with no one to help you understand it. No guidance or context, or anyone to provide insight and how to apply Scripture to your life? For many years, this was how Nahid Babu repeatedly read the Bible.
In his own words: "I did not understand the meaning and message of the Bible clearly at that time, but I knew I loved reading the Bible."
"I found in the Bible that only Jesus can save me! Salvation is found in Him."
Nahid, Bangladeshi believer
Where Nahid lives in northern Bangladesh (No. 24 on Open Doors' World Watch List), most people follow Islam. He grew up in a Muslim-dominant community. His mother was devout in her Muslim faith, and his father was a newly converted Christian.
Nahid remembers growing up practicing both religions to appease each parent. He regularly attended the local mosque for prayers. But in his heart, he was more inclined to his father's belief.
It wasn't until Nahid's Muslim cousin challenged Nahid to choose only one faith that Nahid took a deeper dive into both Islam and Christianity, wanting to learn more about both. When he was only 10, Nahid told his father about his interest in Christianity. That's when he received his first Bible—the Kitabul Mukkada, a Bible translation in the Bengali language Nahib speaks.
In six months, Nahid had finished reading the entire Bible.
"I found the Bible so interesting and fascinating that I read it several times, even more than my academic textbooks," he says. "I found in the Bible that only Jesus can save me! Salvation is found in Him."
But without anyone to guide him through Scripture and help him understand what it meant, Nahid had no real answers or defense for his new beliefs when the pressure came from extended family members, neighbors and his Muslim community to renounce his faith in Christ.
"Knowing my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, my friends, even schoolteachers, asked me many questions about my faith and the reasons why I became Christian, and why I rejected Islam," Nahid says. "They often condemned me and said that I made a great mistake by following Jesus Christ." He remembers having no real reason or answers to give them, other than that he believed the decision he had made was right. He lived with that frustration for more than six years.
Nahid was 16 when he determined to be able to respond to the growing scrutiny and questions about his faith. In his search for help, he learned about a youth discipleship program led by Open Doors' local partners in Bangladesh.
"My life was transformed! Now, I had the answers to the questions I was asked by non-Christian people. The training opened my eyes to a deeper understanding and knowledge about my faith and the Lord Jesus Christ," Nahid says. "Through that training, I understood and realized that I am salt and light, and I must shine so that non-believing people may also rejoice in my Lord."
Along with the Light and Salt training, Nahid took several short training courses to further equip himself, gradually growing even stronger in his faith. However, he was still not fully content. He desired to delve even deeper and know more about the Bible and Jesus.
Once again, his search ushered in more opportunities. Knowing his interest and passion for the Lord and the people in his local area, Open Doors' local partners supported him in his studies. He was accepted into the College of Christian Theology Bangladesh to earn a bachelor's degree in theological education. The training and education were an answer to Nahid's prayers—and a reminder to us that God walks with those who seek Him and His Kingdom.
"I have been praying for a long time for such an opportunity," says Nahid, now 30 years old. "God answered my prayers! Now I can access and explore more about Jesus Christ and the Bible. I am learning and growing with knowledge and experiences. I have realized that it [was] very impossible for me to know the Bible in detail and about Jesus Christ deeply without going to theological college."
Alongside his theological studies, Nahid is involved with ministry activities. He's also part of the leadership at his workplace and in his local church. He's passionate about writing and is sharing his testimony and what he's learned through articles to help disciple others like him. Currently, he's a regular contributor to a local Christian magazine, writing on faith-related topics, Christian literature, and Scripture-based explanations.
Nahid was one of the first groups of students who graduated from the Light and Salt youth discipleship training. Light and Salt trainer Saikat remembers him well: "Nahid had a strong eagerness to learn and a passion for his faith," Saikat shared. "He was one of the best students, and I always found him humble, flexible and teachable. I believe he will be effective in the ministry to serve believers."
Nahid dreams of having a small library at his local church where people can easily go and read Christian literature alongside the Bible. He hopes it will help local believers learn more about Christianity, its history and the gospel. He also wants to serve others like him in Bangladesh—those who have left Islam to follow Christ and are on the receiving end of questions and persecution for their decision.
Despite his unwavering commitment and passion, Nahid continues to face significant obstacles and limitations in practicing his faith within his local community. His faithful dedication is often met with serious persecution and hindrances. In Bangladesh, converts from Islam are seen as traitors to their family, community and even country. They can come under heavy pressure and even violence. Recent political turmoil has given extremists the leeway to attack Christian converts with impunity.
Nahid soon will be married to Nipa, who also turned to Jesus out of Islam. They are both passionate about serving Bangladeshi believers. Please take a minute to share this story and pray for Nahid and Nipa as they start this new chapter together, purposing to expand the kingdom of God. They are the future of the church in Bangladesh.
