If some one came down the street yelling “unclean, unclean”, what would you do? Before we get into today’s post, I encourage you to watch this video. Please note that some images in the video may be disturbing to some people.
Now let’s meet the man responsible for the Awana clubs in Bangladesh, reaching the lepers, and more… Prodip Karmakar
How long have you been an Awana Missionary?
I have been serving the Lord as a AWANA missionary more then 21 years.
What area do you serve?
I’m the National Director for AWANA Bangladesh.
# of churches under your care:
There are 171 churches/clubs in Bangladesh reaching 10,010 boys and girls. I personally take care of 30 churches, but as National Director I’m responsible for all of them. I’m also responsible for equipping and mentoring our missionaries/staff and run the National office day to day functions.
Fun Facts: Favorite food, favorite sport, something interesting people don’t know about you, etc…(whatever info you want to share):
I like beef shish kabab with garlic nan and Biranee with mutton korma. Favorite sports is cricket. Nobody imagine and think how much l like fishing and swimming. Yes, it is one of my favorite things to do during my vacation or free time. Another interesting thing is my wife Shikha grew up in AWANA and she has the same calling to work with the children and we both enjoy work together.
Why are you an Awana Missionary?
AWANA saved my life. I got the eternal security because of AWANA. Yes, I came to know the Lord through the AWANA ministry when it is started in Bangladesh. I felt burden to reach out the children in Bangladesh. What I learnt from the clubs I wanted to share to our next generations. I believe this my calling from God to serve HIM in this ministry.
Share something God is doing in your ministry:
AWANA is very popular ministry in our country. Many boys and girls accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior when they were in clubs program. Many of them are now pastors, evangelist, Doctor and faithful servant to many organizations in our country. AWANA is building future leadership in our country.
Tell us something about the materials used and how Awana is designed for your country:
Bangladesh is a Muslim country. Starting from the beginning John 3:16 does not work very well here. All of our children are from non-Christian background. The truth-seeker curriculum works very well for our country’s situation. It is well fixed according to the culture and will give good foundation to our next generation.
What would you say to a local Awana Commander or Leader in the U.S.?
Over the last few years US clubs financially supported us for running the clubs in Bangladesh. I would like to give Thanks to all for your prayer and support. Please continue pray and support us. The need is great but many are coming to know and accept the Lord Jesus as their personal savior.
How can we specifically pray for you over the next month?
Many churches are waiting to start our clubs program. We need more funding for events, running national office and printing materials. Please pray to God so He help us to find out more ministry partner for Bangladesh ministries. Pray for the Missionaries as we travel place to place for train and equip more leaders in this Muslim country. Pray for your security and safety.
Read a post from Prodip on the Eye on Awana blog from last month.
Ministry website: http://www.awanainternational.org/southasia
If you would like to support Prodip and the Awana ministry in Bangladesh, you can make a donation by clicking here and selecting Bangladesh in the drop down list.
For more information, visit these Awana International Websites:
Main Web Site / FaceBook / Twitter / Blog / YouTube
Children at Risk Initiative
I have had the honor to meet Prodip and his family. What a humble servant of God. Awana is really growing in Bangladesh. Now there are more than 200 clubs and 11,600 boys and girls are evangelized and discipled each week. God is doing mighty things through faithful servants like Prodip.
Thanks, Commander Bill, for this exciting interview post with such a godly Brother in the Lord. God is at work! Let’s all join in prayer for Awana Bangladesh.
Love the video – people tend to think that leprosy doesn’t exist in the world anymore – far from true. It’s incredible to think that God is working and moving among this leprosy colony in Bangladesh and that His love is shining through despite circumstances and disease. Thanks be to God!
Prodip and Shikha are truly a “couple” called by God to reach the children of Bangladesh with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When you meet them, you can just sense their passion and love for the children of their country. Having both grown up in Awana, they understand the importance of reaching children while they are young. Pray that God will continue to use this couple and their daughters Catherine and Katrina to reach many boys and girls for Christ!
As you can see from the video, Prodip and Shikha have a heart for reaching even children that are in tough situations. Where most people might just walk by these children, they extend a hand to show love and care, just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry.
A cool fact about Prodip, he was a clubber in the very first Awana club in Bangladesh…a LONG time ago!
Thanks for sharing Commander Bill.
Prodip and His wife grew up in Awana and they are carrying the legacy on to other kids – even in places unexpected that people don’t even think about. God has called Prodip to bring the love of Christ to all children.
What a joy to know Prodip.
AJ