Sharing the love of Jesus in parts of the world where many have never heard His name, GFA-supported missionaries are prepared to face misunderstandings. |
Sharing the love of Jesus in an area heavily populated by shepherds, Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Chandan Dutta has rejoiced to see dozens of people choose to follow Him. But just this past Sunday evening, Chandan faced an interrogation that resulted from a misunderstanding about his ministry. A group of about 200 people came to his fellowship, shouting and accusing him of converting the local people.
Forcing Chandan and his wife to come with them to a nearby temple, the growing mob questioned the missionary about a tract titled Who is our Good Shepherd? They thought the tract was aimed at converting shepherds, and asked Chandan to give an explanation of what he was doing.
This gave Chandan the opportunity to use Psalm 23 and the Gospel of John to tell the crowd about the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life and extended His love to all of mankind. He explained that the tract was not written to target the shepherds in the area.
The crowd of more than 400 listened quietly to Chandan's explanation. When he was finished, the head of the temple agreed and proclaimed that the tract did not contain anything hateful. Chandan and his wife were still asked to apologize publicly for the offense they caused—and warned not to repeat it in the future. A picture of the couple was put in the local papers.
GFA leaders request prayer for the safety of Chandan, his wife and two children. They also ask for prayer that villagers will be drawn to the redemptive love of Jesus through the lives of this family and other believers.
