By first teaching children like these, Bible college students were able to bring God’s love to the Chakma people.

When Gospel for Asia–supported pastor Balbir Mark learned about the Chakmas, he was filled with a heartfelt burden for these people.

The Chakmas are a people group who live in several northeastern states in India, as well as in Bangladesh. They are poor and oppressed with a backward style of living, reports a GFA field correspondent. They are deprived of many privileges; and although the government wants to help them, the local people won’t allow it because they consider the Chakmas outsiders.

In one village, the Chakma men are forced to search for work in neighboring villages just to support their families. Others enter the nearby jungle to gather provisions because they do not have sufficient food to eat. They dig small pits near the river to collect drinking water. There are no schools for children to gain essential reading and writing skills, and the entire Chakma community is totally illiterate.

Some Christian organizations were involved in Gospel work in the Chakma villages but discontinued their work because of various difficulties.

However, Balbir Mark kept going back, and his burden for the Chakmas increased.

The parents took notice of the students’ sincere love and concern for their children, and their hearts were touched.

Four Bible college students went along with him to minister to the Chakmas living in his region for their internship. They began by visiting people in their homes and teaching the children songs and Bible stories. The parents took notice of the students’ sincere love and concern for their children, and their hearts were touched. They asked the students to keep visiting.

The Chakmas tend to be staunch in their traditional religion, but Balbir Mark and the students remain optimistic as they continue to pour out God’s love to them. And the fruit of their efforts are beginning to show.

More than 30 children started attending an open-air-style Sunday school in the village conducted by the students, and eventually five of the mothers also came. Soon a worship service began; and after two months, 10 Chakma people had made a decision to follow Christ and publicly testify of their faith.

Their ministry has grown to include four other GFA–supported missionaries reaching out to this people group. In August, another 40 Chakmas openly proclaimed their faith in the Lord Jesus, while an additional 200 have expressed an interest in learning more about the true God.