Bangladesh

In 1974 at the invitation of Bangladesh Baptist Society, Liebenzell began work in the most densely populated country – and one of the poorest – on earth. Bangladesh is also well known for its natural catastrophes such as typhoons, droughts and flooding.

About two of every three Bengali cannot read; it is also a very young country, with nearly half the population under 15 years old. 

Islam has been the official state religion since 1988 and 87% of the country’s 132 million residents practice it in some way. Another 11% are Hindu. Christians account for only 0.3% of the population.


Because open evangelism is not permitted, Liebenzell has focused on strengthening the national church to be a strong witness in the culture. Our various ministries include evangelical work in and with existing Christian churches, theological training of national pastors at the Christian College of Theology in Bangladesh (CCTB) and through Theological Education by Extension (TEE) courses.

The relief organization International Needs (IN) founded its first Children's Village in Bangladesh with six orphans in 1974. Today, there are two villages ministering to well over 500 orphaned and abandoned children. The larger of these villages is located in Savar, about 10 miles from Dhaka. About 300 school-age children live on the ground and an additional 100 or so from the surrounding area attend school and receive care as well. Liebenzell began partnering with IN over ten years ago. Today, about 80 children are sponsored. Liebenzell also offers classes at the school, including TEE sessions (Theological Training by Extension), attracting pastors and church leaders from the region.

In a country where even life's basic necessities cannot be taken for granted, Liebenzell brings a small amount of relief mixed with hope at two medical clinics. Located in the remote and rural areas of Shantikutir and Mallikbari, there are over 200 small villages within 20 miles of the two facilities. They provide a wide range of medical services, and are a first line of help during the country's many natural disasters.

The vast majority of patients are women and children and up to 100 walk-in patients are seen each day. Besides general medical services, the clinics focus specific attention on those with tuberculosis, pre- and post-natal care for mothers and immunizations. Instruction is offered in hygiene and nutrition and conduct weekly programs providing food for babies, infants, pregnant women and tuberculosis-patients.

Ministry Needs:
     • Two missionary couples for TEE, pastoral work, youth ministries
     • An instructor for the Christian College of Theology in Bangladesh (CCTB). An M. Div. is required; someone with previous experience in Bangladesh is preferred.
     • A librarian for the CCTB. Library Sciences emphasis is preferred. this could be a short or long term assignment.
     • English teachers at schools run by the Bangladesh Baptist Society. These can be short term (as short as three months) up to long term (four year) assignments. Native English speakers are desired; other courses may be taught as well.
     • Various medical personnel; nurses for the clinics; doctors in clinics and in Christian hospital, with various specialties

Prayer Requests:
     • Revival in the existing Christian churches
     • Students and teachers in the TEE program
     • Evangelistic ministry to tribal peoples
     • Medical and spiritual care of patients in the Mallikbari and Shantikutir clinics

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