From Opposition to Faith
STORY FROM THE FIELD • BANGLADESH
Ibrahim once tried to stop a local church planter from sharing the Gospel in his village. But an unexpected friendship, a New Testament, and the story of Jesus changed the direction of his life.
Ibrahim's Story
Ibrahim grew up in a Muslim family in Bangladesh knowing almost nothing about Christianity. As a teenager, his life began to unravel. He became addicted to alcohol and tobacco, fell in with friends who encouraged drug use, and stole money from his parents to support his habits.
When a Christian pastor and church planter named Theofil began visiting Ibrahim’s village, Ibrahim wanted him gone. Believing rumors that Christians paid people to change their religion, he gathered other men and repeatedly threatened Theofil, warning him not to return or preach the Gospel there.
Opposition
An Unexpected Friendship
One day, Ibrahim came across another gathering where Theofil was teaching about forgiveness and the story of a sinful woman in the Bible. Instead of confronting Ibrahim, Theofil invited him to sit down, share a cup of tea, and listen.
That simple act opened the door to an unexpected friendship. Over time, the two met repeatedly. Theofil answered Ibrahim’s questions, gave him a New Testament, and encouraged him to watch the Jesus Film.
As Ibrahim watched the story of Jesus, he began to see his own life differently. He became convinced of his need for forgiveness and called Theofil. In March 2026, Ibrahim placed his faith in Christ.
The change that followed was significant. He left behind the addictions and patterns that had controlled his life and began receiving discipleship from the very people he had once opposed.
A Life Changed
Now Sharing With Others
Today, Ibrahim is no longer trying to stop the Gospel from reaching his community. He is sharing his faith with others and praying that members of his own family will someday experience the same transformation.
His story is a picture of why Taking New Ground invests in indigenous leaders. Theofil already knew Ibrahim’s language, culture, community, and questions. Through patient relationship, discipleship, and local leadership, opposition became opportunity—and an opponent became someone carrying the Gospel to others.