One of our kids' favorite books was 'Mr. Fix-it'--who could mend anything, even hearts! On its cover was a picture of a red cracked heart with a bandage holding it together. My friend Eldon is a skilled handyman and goes beyond fixing things to influencing hearts.
Eldon is an MK. He thrived in his life in boarding school in India and loves speaking Bengali. Years ago we organized a 'game night' in our church basement to which we invited quite a few Bangladeshis. One of them went upstairs to say his Muslim prayers near the cross on the wall. He was quite a sight. Our prayer was that he would recognize the cross not only as a Christian symbol but the only means of grace.
After some games, Eldon picked up his guitar and sang gospel songs in Bengali. They LOVED it. Reminds me of Joy's father in Yemen trying to reach the Somalis with the gospel. He opened up the living window and started singing the gospel in songs! Apparently many Somalis were crouched under the window sill. Delivering the message through music can be quite effective.
Subsequently Eldon and his wife spent a decade in Bangladesh where Eldon ran a training school that focused on both practical skills and spiritual lessons. They needed to return to Canada but wondered how they could continue ministering to Bangladeshis. Fortunately, another family who had paved the way shared their list of contacts. They added to that list by going to cultural events in their city. As Eldon says, its easy to do so when you know the language. It wasn't long before Eldon used his handyman skills with community members and was up to his elbows with solving car problems. He gets to do something he enjoys and others benefit from his skills. God has blessed these efforts in building genuine relationships and trust.
The summer finds them on picnics with their adopted people group or making home visits especially for celebrations like Eid. They have hosted numerous Easter and Christmas celebrations. Bangladeshis love group events. While they may be hesitant to meet with Eldon and his wife all by themselves, they don't mind being included in a 'turkey dinner' with a group. Eldon and Ruth have a team of volunteers who assist them in putting on such events. Donors send extra funds to cover costs of the dinner. Sometimes they show the Jesus film and have had productive talks afterwards and answered the standard Muslim objections to the Christian faith.
Like most newcomers to Canada, many Bengalis are super busy with several jobs. Most are secular people. They are Muslim but don't follow the tenets of Islam 'religiously'. But they have felt needs and here's where Eldon and his wife come in. Visits to doctor or government offices are part of their incarnational witness.
Eldon and Ruth participate in a monthly prayer meeting and pass on the vision by mentoring others. Eldon says that really anyone can do what they are doing even without knowing the language. Love is a universal language.Lord Jesus, thank-you for Eldon and Ruth's servant hearts. Please remove all barriers for Bangladeshis to come to faith in Christ. Amen.
