Rowan (name changed for privacy) and his wife know what it means to faithfully serve their community.
Living in a village in the Bandarban Hill region of Bangladesh, they have spent much of their lives farming the land and growing crops such as ginger, turmeric, papaya, mango and pineapple. But over time, their service has grown beyond the fields and into the life of the church.
Through the ministry of Bandarban Hill Churches of Christ, Rowan and his wife took part in leadership training that strengthened their faith and equipped them to serve others in their community. Rowan now serves as an evangelist, while together they continue to volunteer among teenagers, women and children across nearby villages.
Their ministry is simple, relational and deeply rooted in local community life. Travelling from village to village, they encourage church members, support local leaders and share the hope of Christ with those around them.
“Learning changed our life,” Rowan said. “We are responsible to share with love.”
For Bandarban Hill Churches of Christ, developing local leaders is an important part of strengthening the church in remote communities. In places where congregations often rely on committed local believers, leaders like Rowan and his wife play a vital role in encouraging others and helping communities remain strong in faith.
Their story reflects the heart of local mission. They are not separate from the people they serve. They live among them, understand the realities of village life and generously give their time to support and encourage others.
This kind of ministry does not always begin with large programs or public platforms. Often, it begins with faithful people who are willing to learn, grow and serve where God has placed them. For Rowan and his wife, leadership training became more than personal development. It became a way to strengthen others and share Christ’s love throughout village communities.
As Bandarban Hill Churches of Christ continues to equip and encourage local leaders, stories like Rowan’s show how the church is being strengthened from within the community itself. Through ordinary lives shaped by faith, service and love, hope is continuing to spread from village to village.