Together for Bangladesh

Bangladesh is home of the fourth unreached people groups in the world, meaning that many Bengali people have never heard the Gospel. Reaching the unreached has always been central to our mission, and at this time, our primary focus is Bangladesh—seeking meaningful, sustainable ways to share the hope of Christ and make a lasting impact. 

This initiative is being led by Ward Church’s Director of Outreach, Sue Hanstad, whose heart for Bangladesh has been shaped through prayer, long-standing relationships, and a deep sense of God’s calling. Here is her heart behind this work:

“Together for Bangladesh, my heart is deeply moved by God’s call to serve in a land that ranks among the least reached in the world—where so many have never heard the gospel. As Henry Blackaby reminds us in Experiencing God, we are called to find where God is already at work and join Him. Jesus models this in John 5:19, watching for the Father’s work and faithfully stepping into it.

For years, I have been inspired by one of the EPC pastors Ward supports, Shakil Khondocker, who has dedicated his life to ministry in Bangladesh. Through God’s faithfulness, he has helped establish more than 100 home churches, built a training center to equip pastors, and founded an orphanage. He has empowered women through a sewing ministry, affirming their God-given dignity and worth, and launched an ESL program alongside an English-speaking pastor to share the gospel with students.

Now, our efforts are aligning with this ongoing work through a partnership with World Vision as we prepare to build wells in Bangladesh—providing clean, life-giving water to communities in need. In April, I will travel there personally to witness firsthand the opportunities God is opening before us.

Together, let us unite in love and faith, joining God where He is already at work, and making a lasting difference in the lives of the people of Bangladesh.”

We already have several initiatives in place, with more opportunities currently developing. These will be shared with the congregation as they become available. Thank you for partnering with us in this important work. Below are some of the current ways you can get involved. 

Team World Vision 

We have a long-standing partnership with Team World Vision, raising funds for clean water projects through participation in the Detroit Marathon and Half Marathon. You can get involved by running or walking as part of the team, or by donating to support the team’s fundraising efforts. 

All funds raised through this initiative will be directed toward clean water projects in Bangladesh, helping communities gain access to safe water and improving health, sustainability, and quality of life. 

Team World Vision 2026 | Ward Church 

Days for Girls 

Days for Girls International has impacted the lives of more than 2.5 million women and girls worldwide by providing sustainable feminine hygiene solutions and health education. 

Jane Black leads the Days for Girls Team, which includes volunteers from Ward Church and the surrounding community. The team gathers monthly at Ward Church to handcraft menstrual health kits that are distributed to women and girls in Bangladesh. These kits help prevent missed days of school and work due to lack of access to basic supplies. 

Previously, kits made by the Northville Team have supported women and girls in India, Kenya, Mali, Lebanon, Jordan, Chad, the United States, and Ukrainian refugee communities. Moving forward, there will be an increased focus on sending kits directly to Bangladesh. 

New volunteers are always welcome. To learn more or get involved, email jane.black@ward.church. 

ESL Online – Bangladesh 

One of our partners has launched an initiative to connect online with university students in Bangladesh throughout the academic year through an English conversation and ESL-focused program. These Saturday morning Zoom sessions provide students with the opportunity to practice English, build confidence, and connect relationally with volunteers from around the world. 

All materials and guidance are provided, and participation is flexible—you’re welcome to join whenever your schedule allows. If you’re interested in learning more or receiving additional details, please click the link below to sign up. 

Opportunity Details | Ward Church 

Additional Partnerships 

We are continuing to learn more about additional partners and initiatives connected to our work in Bangladesh. As those opportunities become clearer, we will share details on how you can participate and support those efforts. 

Prayer 

Please join us in prayer for Bangladesh. There is great need, and we are grateful for trusted partners on the ground doing meaningful work every day. Prayer is powerful, and we ask you to pray that the people of Bangladesh would be exposed to the Gospel, experience God’s love in tangible ways, and receive the resources needed to build sustainable communities and plant churches.