The Bengali are one of the most populous ethnolinguistic groups in the world — numbering over 300 million.The Bengali are one of the most populous ethnolinguistic groups in the world — numbering over 300 million.

The country of Bangladesh wasonce part of India. In 1947 it became anew, overwhelmingly Muslim nationcalled Pakistan. This newly formed

country wasdivided

into two parts—East and WestPakistan, on opposite sides ofIndia, separated by over 1,000miles. It was a nation dividednot only by geography butalso politically, economicallyand by language and culture.In 1971, war broke outbetween them and, with theassistance of India, East Pakistan wonits independence and becameBangladesh.

The population of Bangladeshis primarily Bengali and Bengalispeakers (over 98%). Bengalis, whoalso reside in the West Bengal provinceof India, are one of the most populousethnolinguistic groups in the world:numbering over 300 million world-wide. The population of Bangladesh isestimated at 170 million—the majority

of which are Sunni Muslim, which isthe main and more moderatebranch of Islam. Islam is theworld’s largest practiced reli-

gion, after Christianity, withapproximately 1.7 billionfollowers. Of these anestimated 250 million ormore are Bengali.

Recently, God has been moving in amighty and unusual way among a num-ber of unreached people groups. TheGospel is rapidly and spontaneouslyspreading, tens of thousands are com-ing to Christ, and thousands of churchesare being planted — all within a shortperiod of time. It is a phenomenonunparalleled in history. These occur-rences have been termed “church plant-ing movements.” More than forty suchmovements have been documented inthe last 25 years — but only a fewoccurred within any Muslim population.Now that is changing for Muslims.

An exciting new and similarmodel is emerging in Bangladesh thatmay point the way for effective out-reach to Muslims in more than 800major language and people groups.

What started as a flood that affected thousands offamilies has turned into an unprecedented flow ofGod’s Spirit among Muslims.

Volume 8 • 2011

Continued on back

From a Devastating Flood tothe Flow of God’s Spirit

Around 1976 one Muslim convert toChristianity began oral translation forMuslim villagers from the William CareyBible for Hindus. This was the begin-ning of a “Jesus movement” that hasnow grown to all districts ofBangladesh. It has also extended overthe border into India and other nearbycountries. The Gospel is presented tothe heads of extended families. Thisallows the Good News to flow alongnatural lines of relationships. As aresult, whole Muslim villages are fol-lowing Jesus Messiah.

A growing Jesus movement needsthe whole Bible translated into the locallanguage. With the help of computersand outside technical teachers, Bengalibelievers are doing their own transla-tion from Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic,very ancient and difficult languages.They are paying for the translationthemselves, but need help for printing.

The process of translation includesinvolvement at every level. Villagebeliever groups are asked to give inputinto what words and phrases work bestwithin the Bengali language andwithin their Muslim context. What hasresulted is an effective New Testamentthat is easy to read with understand-ing. Not only is this translation makinga significant difference among the Ben-gali people, it is also serving as a modelfor Bible translations among Muslimcultures everywhere. ‘

“Injil Sharif” to Muslims means the Holy Gospel. Our goal is a whole Bible.However, the four Gospels are ready now for printing and widespread distri-bution. This Injil was translated by Bengali nationals and produced specificallyfor Bengalis, using Muslim-friendly terms. SOW International is raising fundsfor this strategic translation. Funds are needed to print 500,000 copies.Believers in Bangladesh are ready to publish, print and distribute immediately.

You and your church can be instrumental in providing the Scriptures tothis Muslim people group. Your help in funding the printing and

distribution of the Injil Sharif is strategic and vital in theefforts to reach the Bengalipeople with the Gospel.

To find out more informa-tion or to give to this strategicproject, please call SOW Inter-national at:

866-807-7676or visit our website

www.sowintl.com.

P.O. Box 1302 • Holly Springs, GA 30142

866-807-7676www.sowintl.com

From Flood to Flow Continued Bengali Injil Sharif

An encouraging observation is how Bengalibelievers are helping to underwrite their trans-lation. Traditional Muslims support theirlocal mosque through a custom called“moshti chal” or, “handful of rice.” Bengaliseat rice at every meal. As each meal isprepared, one handful of rice is setaside and placed into a small vessel. Atthe end of the week, the vessel of riceis taken to the mosque and given tothe village Imam, or priest.

This practice is being usedby local believers for the pur-pose of funding the transla-tion of the Scriptures. Whenthe average annual house-hold income is less than$360, this is a demonstra-tion of commitment to theWord of God and a sinceredesire to make it available intheir language.‘

A Handful of Rice