In January 2005, the SC Baptist Convention will officially partner with the International Mission Board to share the Gospel in South Asia, particularly the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Bhutan. 

On June 21 of this year, a Southern Baptist representative from South Asia named “George” and a Christian native of South Asia, “Abdullah,” visited the SC Baptist Convention.  Abdullah and George, whose actual names will not be revealed due to security reasons, shared about the need for church planting and sharing the Gospel in South Asia.

Abdullah shared his testimony with the group of about 50 church and associational staff members who attended the meeting. 

As he was walking down the street one day, an American man in a rickshaw stopped and asked Abdullah if he wanted a ride.  The American, "Chris," is retired from 33 years of missionary service in South Asia.  While riding in the rickshaw, the two men began a friendship and eventually Chris led Abdullah to Christ. 

Since he was born to Muslim parents, Abdullah’s family and neighbors did not accept his decision to become a Christian and they beat him and spit on him.  Despite this persecution, he was determined to share Christ with others in his village. 

During the meeting, Abdullah was happy to share that now all 1,600 people in his village that persecuted him are now Christians.  Also, 400,000 people have been baptized, 9,700 churches and 500 Bible study groups have been started all because of Abdullah’s commitment to Christ.

“Jesus is my hope.  He has given me hope to continue my life,” Abdullah said.

For more information on the South Carolina – South Asia partnership, contact the Missions Mobilization Group, SCBC, at (800) 723-7242 (in SC) or (803) 765-0030.  To watch a video about Abdullah’s testimony, go to www.imb.org and type “Abdullah” in the search box.