Bangladesh is a country frequently plagued by disaster. Almost half of this country consists of low-lying islands, most of them less than nine feet above sea level. This geography contributes to serious poverty and huge losses of life during the country's frequent floods and cyclones.

With the partition of British India in 1947, what is now Bangladesh became part of the newly formed state of Pakistan. In 1971, Bangladesh won independence from Pakistan with the assistance of Indian troops. From 1975 until 1990, the country was under military rule. Democratic elections in 1991 brought the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power. Recent elections, although generally fair, have been marked by violent demonstrations.

Islam is the official religion of Bangladesh. Other religious minorities, such as Hindus and Christians, may worship but face societal discrimination. The Vested and Non-resident Ordinance (formally called the Enemy Property Act) states that properties can be confiscated if the owner is considered an “enemy” to the state. This ordinance is often used to seize property from Christians and other religious minorities. However, the majority of discrimination against Christians comes from Muslims who threaten Christian work, deny them access to public water wells, beat them, threaten them in exchange for money, or destroy their rickshaws to eliminate their only source of income. In May 2008, a pastor’s 13-year-old daughter was abducted and gang-raped by five Muslim men intent on stopping his ministry in the area.

• Ask God to protect Christians who face opposition
• Pray for peace and stability in Bangladesh
• Pray for protection for young girls who are targeted by Muslim men