Good morning,
Dana Clark is a missionary, teaching at William Carey Academy, in Bangladesh. Each week she writes a letter to her supporters. It is her life and thoughts. They are a challenge to me.
Dear Rope Holders,
Tuesday was a special national holiday here in Bangladesh, Mother Language Day. The students were excited to wear their black and white clothing and perform traditional music and dance, as well as, recite some poetry to remember their heritage of bondage and freedom. Many feel that their language had been stolen from them by the hands of the oppressive Pakistani government, but earned back by the blood of the martyrs who fought for their independence.
Although my appreciation for the beautiful Bangla language is increasing, my knowledge of it is not increasing. There are days that I find this very frustrating, so I decided to celebrate the language of Our Father. This language is also beautiful, and I am not only increasing in appreciation for it, but also in the knowledge of it. God has several ways of speaking to us, and one of His best communication tools is creation. It can be understood by every nation, tribe and tongue. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands, Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4) “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) I am grateful that no one can take His language from me, yet as I learn more of this language and strive to share it with those here in Bangladesh, I am reminded that there are many false interpreters of this language. Creation and His amazing voice that is heard in nature are constantly being explained away by natural processes and chance mutations.
Thank you for praying for us at William Carey Academy as we strive to share the knowledge and true interpretation of God’s language of love for those He created here in Bangladesh.
Grateful for the opportunity to share the Good News!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001