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Christian Burial of an MBB Opposed
Aminur Rahman (60), a Muslim Background Believer, started his church-planting ministry with the Presbyterian Church of Bangladesh (PCB) three years ago. He was already suffering from a weak heart, coupled with high blood pressure. He was known for his dedication and enthusiasm in the ministry despite his condition. As a believer, he was never afraid to live out his faith. In 2007, he baptized 30 Muslim Background Believers under PCB. Aminur was the first worker that PCB lost. He died at 10:30 p.m. on March 2, leaving his wife, two sons, and a daughter.
A team of five staff members from PCB set out on the morning of March 3 to visit the bereaved family. On their way to Madargonj village in Melandaha district, the team received phone threats from some sect members. “They said that the team would die before Aminur’s body was buried,” said an initial report sent to Open Doors.
The family, likewise, was threatened with expulsion from the village and their house would be burned unless Aminur’s burial was held according to Islamic traditions. Pressure mounted as soon as the PCB staff arrived in the village. Feeling the tension, the leader of the PCB team, a pastor from another district, gathered those present to pray.
A crowd of about 10,000 had gathered by the time the PCB team reached Aminur’s house. Fifty to 60 motorcycles were parked beside the house. Shouts and cries were heard. Despite the opposition from the sect members, Liton, Aminur’s son, insisted that his father be buried as a Christian. A grave was dug in one corner of the lot. Believers attending the Madargonj Presbyterian Church helped in the burial that finished at around 6 p.m.
The local Muslims, meanwhile, came quietly and simply inquired about Aminur and his burial. They left just as quietly after learning of Aminur’s Christian ministry. No untoward incident happened.
It was a miraculous turn of events considering that the PCB team had received threats prior to the visit. The team leader preached the word of God during the burial rites. “I am delighted that God used me to preach the gospel in front of a huge gathering. I was not afraid at all because of God and the prayers of the believers. My wife was beside me and strengthened me,” he said, bursting into tears.
“Before leaving my house, I prayed that God would protect us; that nothing would happen to any one of us. And He answered our prayer. I saw how God provided [my husband] with the right words at the exact time,” said the wife of the team leader.
Aminur’s death emboldened more believers in Madargonj. “The believers became more visible. They strongly supported the family [in deciding to have a Christian burial for Aminur]. One said that when he dies, he wants to be buried as a Christian.”
The Presbyterian Church of Bangladesh is asking our prayers for the strengthening of the church in Madargonj now that their pastor, Aminur Rahman, has gone to be with the Lord.
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