Ashraful has had his house burned down

Sometimes it is difficult to relate to stories we hear from abroad; we are bombarded with so much information that it can feel impossible to respond. Connecting with one story, and putting ourselves in that person's shoes, can help us to remember the individuals behind the statistics and remind us again to pray. As a large supermarket tells us on a regular basis, every little helps!

Ashraful is a Bangladeshi Christian. He lost his house in a fire at around 8 in the evening of 8th January this year. "The house was burned because we have been worshipping in his house and leading Bible study every week. [So] his house was targeted," said another Christian who reported the incident.

Many of us offer our homes to be used for small groups of some kind within the church. How would we deal with our house being targeted?

Ashraful is married with two sons and a daughter. He has two cows for his small business and both were lost in the fire.

What would it mean for us to lose our livelihood and be unable to support our family, because of our faith?

Along with other possessions, the total worth of damage was estimated at around 8,000 Taka ($120). The roof of the house was made of tin and the surrounding fences of jute sticks.

Wealth is relative to some degree, but let's think. How much is my house worth? Where would I go if it was gutted by fire? How much would the insurance payout be?

Baptized in 2001, Ashraful was a faithful member of the Isa-e Jamat Bangladesh (IJB) denomination. He attended church worship regularly and was a member of a Bible study group that gathered in his house every week. His neighbors were against this gathering.

Most of us have experienced some isolation for our faith - people think we're a bit odd. But how many of us experience direct opposition from our neighbours? How many of us actually know our neighbours that well?

At the time of the fire, Ashraful was in another village to attend a worship service. His mother-in-law was present that night, and suffered minor injuries in one hand. His daughter was also inside the house when it went up in flames; it was a miracle that she came out unscathed.

How would we feel if our faith put our loved ones at risk?

There were 18 other houses in Ashraful's area that belonged to Christians, but they were left intact. It was only Ashraful's house that suffered burning; nobody came to extinguish the fire. It is suspected that other villagers were behind the incident, although allegations are pending investigation.

What must it be like to be refused help in that situation? Not even to have other Christians come to your aid?

A worker has been sent from Open Doors to look after Ashraful and his family and encourage him.

Thank God for people who are willing to help. But Ashraful needs his neighbours at this time. Outside help can only accomplish so much.

'For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.' Ephesians 3:15

'And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:19