Devotional Questions for the 2024 Impact Report
We encourage you to use the following questions in your personal devotions or in a group study as you read through the 2024 Impact Report. Thank you for partnering with Harvest Bridge! To read or download the PDF of the impact report, click here.
Bangladesh
Scriptures to read: Jeremiah 29:11-14, Acts 2:42-47
Pastor Darpan and the other leaders in the report mention how the political crisis and natural disasters made life more difficult. It’s easy to feel helpless in these situations. In the report, what are practical ways you see Christians responding to these crises? Think about your own circumstances – where do you feel helpless? What’s one way you can respond in a Christlike way?
The political crisis in Bangladesh led to an increase in violence against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities. Why do you think changes in government (not just in Bangladesh, but around the world) often lead to persecution of minority groups?
Kashinath received emergency food relief, allowing him time to rebuild his life. Reflect on a time when God provided for you in a season of struggle. What did you learn through that experience?
Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church. How do you see a reflection of this in the testimony of Sister Saavi*?
Along with the passage in Jeremiah, Pastor Darpan shared that Jermiah 29:11-14 brought the pastors and missionaries the most comfort this year. What brings you encouragement from these verses?
Bhutan
Scriptures to read: Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:28
Pastor Jagan explains how Romans 5:3-5 and Romans 8:28 have taught him to wait on God’s timing. What are you waiting on from God? How can you persevere while waiting?
The report from Bhutan mentions that despite difficult circumstances—government restrictions, economic challenges, and persecution—believers in Bhutan adapted to continue in their ministry. What are ways you could adapt to circumstances in your life to continue in showing God’s love to others? What changes might God be calling you to make?
Shoipa, a young leader who teaches near the border, is using her gifts in a variety of ways to minister to those under her care. What are some similarities in her ministry and the ministry you see in your church? What is different?
Missionary Tashi prayed for years for Raju and God miraculously transformed his heart. What does this story teach us about persistence and patience in prayer?
The couple who attended the marriage conference say that although they are Christian, they had still been following their culture and caste. What are areas of your walk with God that you think may be more influenced by your own culture or social status than by “the Bible’s culture”?
India
Scriptures to read: Jeremiah 32:17, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20, 2 Chronicles 7:14
The scriptures the leaders mention at the beginning of the report are the ones that brought the most comfort during a year filled with persecution and difficulties. What gives you comfort in reading these verses?
Hindu nationalism has led to severe persecution of Christians, Muslims, and other religious minorities in India. An aspect of religious nationalism is the idea that to be a good citizen/true patriot of your country, you have to adhere to a certain religion. What are the dangers of this—whether in India or elsewhere? How can Christians respond with both wisdom and faithfulness to avoid it in themselves?
People across India gathered for Christmas celebrations, athletic ministries, and church services. Why is fellowship with other believers important in our spiritual growth?
Priya’s testimony about advocating for gypsy and tribal communities shows how God calls us to fight for justice. How can you be an advocate for the marginalized in your own context?
Women in India received bicycles, business grants, and vocational training, helping them support their families and communities. How does this reflect the way Jesus lifted up and empowered women in his ministry?
Priya says, “I am one person, I am not very rich, I am not a very big person, but I know my God is very much bigger than them. So I boldly talk to them. Then they give approval. So, when you start, God will come and push you to go forward: ‘Don’t worry, I’m here. Walk.’ It’s like the parting of the Red Sea. He says, ‘Don’t worry, I will open the way to you. You walk. Go, happily. Walk. Don’t turn back. Go, go.’” Where do you feel God calling you to walk? What is a step you can take in that direction?
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Scriptures to read: Psalm 2, Haggai 2:4, Zechariah 9:12
In the “Claiming God’s Promises” section, is Pastor Ram’s interpretation of Psalm 2 different or similar to how you would read it? What do you learn from his approach to Psalm 2:8?
The report mentions that many pastors claimed God’s promises in prayer and saw Him move. Have you ever experienced God answering a prayer in a way that strengthened your faith? What should we do when we don’t receive the answer we are hoping for in prayer?
The pastors in the Andaman Islands encouraged others to pray for specific people. Who is someone in your life that God may be calling you to pray for and reach out to? What are ways you incorporate prayer for other people into your daily faith practices?
Pastor Manu speaks about meeting physical needs through medical care, food aid, and economic support. How does Jesus’ ministry in the Gospels show the importance of both spiritual and physical care? How do we provide for both physical and spiritual needs of others in our own lives?
They set a goal in the Andaman Islands faith community for each person to reach and disciple one new believer this year. What would it look like for the church here if each of us reached just one new person through our story of faith? What obstacles keep us from doing this?
Myanmar
Scriptures to read: 1 Peter 5:7, Joshua 1:9, Zechariah 4:6, Philippians 4:6
1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our anxieties on God. How do the testimonies from Myanmar demonstrate trust in God’s care during difficult times? How can we apply this to our own challenges?
Many pastors and believers in Myanmar are forced to flee their homes, yet they continue to serve God. What are some biblical examples of people who serve God in new ways when they are far from home? How can you serve God when outside of your comfort zone?
Throughout the report, the leaders speak of caring for refugees and the poor. Pastor Pan says, ‘We are ready to sacrifice to help the most affected people in our community and beyond.” What could you sacrifice to help the poor, the displaced, and the disaffected people in your own community and country? How are you already doing that?
Pastor Pan says that he asked God, “‘Why do you allow such suffering and struggling in our lives?’ When I questioned God, He gave me the answers through two Bible verses.” Those verses were Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:6. What is a hard question you want to ask God?
Despite the ongoing impacts of the coup, the church in Myanmar continues to plant churches, train leaders, and serve the poor. They speak about preparing for the church to be scattered due to the war. What are ways you can “be” the church in addition to going to church?
Nepal/Tibet
Scriptures to read: Acts 20:24
In Acts 20:24, Paul speaks of his commitment to testifying about God’s grace despite hardships. How do you see this commitment reflected in the ministry in Nepal? How can we apply this same mindset to our own lives and communities?
What lessons do you learn from Juhi and how she ministered to Sashi?
Pastor Shalva explains the extra pressure that missionaries and pastors have due to leading people through difficult times. How can you serve or encourage your own pastor or other spiritual leaders?
The leaders mention the spread of the Gospel through new believers who then lead others to Christ. What are some specific ways we can disciple new Christians so that they can share their faith with others?
The ministry in Nepal includes relief work, medical care, education, and economic development. Amrita shares how she uses her specific skills to help others: “Beyond ministry, I’ve helped local families deal with landslides and soil erosion, assisting with repairs and providing encouragement.” What are specific gifts you have that you could use to help others?