Who knows the plans I have for you…

 

History

The orphanage and school in Gopalganj begins, ironically, with Afzal’s desire to find a Bangladesh wife.  At the age of 21 Afzal felt called to live, work, and carry out his ministry in his home country.  As he contemplated marriage, he wanted to honor the Bangladesh tradition of arranged marriages but with one stipulation; “She must be a Christian woman.”  Through friends of friends of friends a short list of possible soul mates was created. 

 

Juliet Baroi, daughter of Mr. James and Mrs. Maya Baroi, and Afzal Troast were married in 1999 in a traditional Bangladesh wedding ceremony.  Shortly after marriage, Afzal’s rheumatic fever flared up and brought him once again to the edge of death.  His only chance for survival was to return to the U.S. where the necessary medical support was available.

 

This return from Bangladesh didn’t deter Afzal’s dream of building an orphanage.  Juliet’s father, a successful business man with a heart for the gospel, agreed to help. In 2000 HDF provided funding to enlarge the Baroi dwelling to accommodate 15 children.  The first floor would become an orphanage and school and Mr. Baroi’s family would live on the second floor and oversee the ministry.  Mr. Baroi agreed to oversee this orphanage and school as well as the first school in Mothbaria. 

 

The Great Commission is not for the faint of heart!

Many countries and cultures are deeply suspicious of the Christian faith.  Bangladesh is 99% Muslim or Hindu, and this new orphanage/school began to face threats and demands for bribes from locals hostile to Christianity.  The Baroi’s feared not only for their family’s safety, but also for the welfare of their orphans and students.  The heart wrenching decision to move the ministry to Mr. Baroi’s home village meant a loss for the local children, but an incredible blessing for the village of Gopalganj.  With his own resources, Mr. Baroi built a new orphanage and school on land he owned in his native village of Gopalganj.