Asia: Bangladesh

Facets of Ministry in Bangladesh

CRWM currently works in four main areas in Bangladesh.

1.  Forming Leaders through Formal Theological Education CRWM is assisting with new curriculum development and administration, as well as providing direct instruction of theological courses to CCTB.  Through our presence at the college, we hope to support the national leadership and build capacity of CCTB and other theological institutions, while also providing Reformed input into the theological training of Bangladeshi church leadership.

2.  Developing Values Formation Programming CRWM missionaries also assist CRWRC-Bangladesh/India in developing values formation materials and facilitating leadership training workshops.  The goal of our work together is to have CRWRC and partner staff better trained in integrating word and deed ministry in Bangladesh contexts through a Kingdom world and life view, to equip them to minister to those with whom they work, and to support them pastorally.

3.  Strengthening Libraries CRWM works to strengthen the theological library at CCTB and the resource library at CRWRC.  We give support and supervision to CCTB library staff, assist in the acquisition of equipment and resources, and ensure that students are skilled in library use.  We assist CRWRC in cataloging and circulation so that partner staff and others working in Christian relief and development can access needed information and resources.

4. Connecting and Supporting Churches CRWM participates in local networks and movements that promote the above strategies.  We are exploring new areas of ministry that will link resources with the needs, create service and learning opportunities, and connect Christian Reformed Churches with ministries in Bangladesh.  Our hope is to foster a fervor for mission everywhere and create mutually beneficial relationships between Christians in Asia and North America at personal, congregational, and institutional levels. 

Currently Serving in Bangladesh

Jeff and Missy Bos (Isaac, Sophia, Alexis), Project Leader/Theological Education

Jeffrey & Melissa Bos and family have been career missionaries with CRWM in Bangladesh since 2003.  Jeff is the Bangladesh project leader.  He serves on the faculty of CCTB as Academic Dean, teaches in the Master’s of Christian Studies program, and assists to develop the CCTB library.  He also leads workshops for CRWRC partners in Bangladesh.  Besides caring for Isaac and Sophia, Melissa volunteers at the CRWRC Resource Library.

Troy and Faith Bierma (Yazzie) are newly appointed to Bangladesh and will begin serving there in January 2008. Troy will be teahcing at CCTB, and Faith hopes to find a way to use her skills as an RN. 

Partners in Bangladesh

Since 2003, short-term volunteers and library consultants Ray & Barb Bouma have come to Bangladesh four times.  They work with the CCTB and CRWRC libraries, assisting with the on-line library cataloguing systems, training the CCTB and CRWRC librarians, and teaching CCTB students and faculty in library use and research.

The College of Christian Theology Bangladesh (CCTB) is an interdenominational, evangelical graduate and post-graduate degree granting institution supported by over 25 Christian organizations and national church bodies.   CCTB envisions a unified, vibrant growing and evangelizing church that is led and served by leaders educated in the Bible and theology.  www.cctb.org.bd