Apologetics

• Reading the Bible with a Curious Stranger

  Aug 6, 2025 Gabriel 0 Comments

  About 3 days ago, I met a young man from France in my hostel lobby. He was curious, open-minded, searching, eager to understand things beyond what he already knew. What started as a simple conversation turned into something more meaningful, a shared journey through the Bible.

  We began reading together, starting with the Gospel of Matthew. Neither of us were scholars. But both of us were hungry to learn, about God, about faith, about what these ancient texts still say to people today.

  We’ve made it through Matthew chapters 1 to 11 so far. It's been intense. These chapters cover a lot, Jesus’ birth, His baptism, the Sermon on the Mount, miracles, and deep teachings about life, faith, and the Kingdom of Heaven. Every page sparked new questions. Every answer led to more reflection.

  We're both committed to finishing the book of Matthew in the few days we have left. Time is short, but the focus is real. 

  Reading the Bible with someone from a different culture, background, and belief system has opened my eyes in ways I didn’t expect. This wasn't a planned Bible study. It was just two people, drawn together by curiosity, learning side by side.

  That’s the beauty of truth, it meets us wherever we are. Even in a hostel lobby.

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• Baptized in Pattaya: Finding God's Grace in a City of Sin

  Aug 1, 2025 Gabriel 1 Comments

  Pattaya, Thailand, is a city with a reputation. Most people don’t think of God when they hear its name. They think of nightlife, sex tourism, and excess. They call it “Sin City.” But in the middle of that chaos, I experienced something holy. I got baptized.

  Yes — baptized in Pattaya.

  I’ve been a Christian for years. My faith has grown through Bible studies, fellowship, and prayer. But I had never taken the public step of baptism. Not because I didn’t believe. I did. But the timing never felt right. Life kept moving. I kept waiting. And then, God surprised me.

  A Trip That Turned Into a Spiritual Milestone

  When I went to Pattaya, it wasn’t for a baptism. I was there with my Bible friends. We knew about the city's reputation, but we also knew we weren’t going there to join in — we were there to be light. Even still, it felt ironic. This wasn’t the place I imagined making a deep spiritual commitment.

  But God’s ways don’t follow our logic.

  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. — Isaiah 55:8

  One evening, during our time of fellowship and reflection, the idea of baptism came up. It hit my heart in a different way. There was no pressure. No hype. Just a quiet stirring from the Holy Spirit. I knew it was time.

  Baptism in a Place No One Expects

  We planned it for the beach but eventually did it in a pool. It was simple, honest, and unforgettable. Just a small group of believers, my spiritual family, standing in the middle of a city known for everything but God.

  And yet, God was right there.

  That moment in the water was powerful. Not because of where I was, but because of where I was. The contrast made it even clearer: God's grace doesn’t avoid broken places. It invades them.

  “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

  That baptism wasn’t just a public declaration of faith. It was a declaration of truth: God is not limited by location. His power reaches anywhere.

  God Doesn’t Wait for Perfect Conditions

  If I’ve learned anything, it’s this, God doesn’t wait for things to be clean, quiet, or convenient. He moves in the mess. He works in unexpected places. He meets people where they are and brings transformation on His terms.

  Pattaya is known for sex tourism, drinking, and parties, and yet, I saw Jesus there. Not just in my baptism, but in the worship we shared, the fellowship we had, the love that surrounded us. God was active in a place most people write off as spiritually dead.

  “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” — Romans 5:20

  If that doesn’t humble you, nothing will.

  You Never Know Where God Will Move

  Looking back, I see the beauty in God’s plan. I thought I needed a peaceful retreat or a quiet church altar to take this step. Instead, God chose a place known for everything opposite, and turned it into holy ground.

  Why? Because He can.

  That’s the point of grace. It doesn’t wait. It doesn’t ask for permission. It shows up, even in the heart of darkness, and does what only God can do.

  My baptism in Pattaya taught me something I’ll never forget:

  You never know where God will lead you, or how He’ll work when you get there.

  And maybe that’s exactly how it should be. Because then, it’s undeniably His doing. Not ours.

  “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.” — John 3:8

  That’s the Spirit. That’s God.

  And that’s my story.

   

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• A Home for the Rejected-- Our Dream to Help Youth Who Chose Jesus

  Jun 19, 2025 Gabriel 0 Comments

  We are just a few simple people with a big dream.

  We want to build a safe place, a home, for young people who were rejected by their families because they accepted Jesus. These young believers are often left alone, with nowhere to go. Some are scared, hungry, and heartbroken. But even in the pain, they still follow Jesus. That is true faith.

  Right now, we don’t have a shelter yet. We don’t have money or land. But we have something important: faith and a burden in our hearts. We are meeting with churches, talking to believers, sharing the idea with anyone who will listen. Some say it’s too big. But we know God can do big things with small people.

  We see this story in the Bible too.
  Joseph was rejected by his brothers because of his dream, but God had a plan (Genesis 37).
  David was forgotten by his family, but God chose him to be king (1 Samuel 16).
  And Jesus Himself, His own people didn’t accept Him. But He never gave up (John 1:11).

  We believe God is calling us to do something like this. To be a family to those who lost their own. To give food, shelter, love, and hope to the ones who feel alone. Just like Jesus said: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

  We don’t know how or when, but we are trusting God step by step. If He wants this to happen, He will open the way.

  This is only the beginning.
  Please pray for us.
  And if God touches your heart, maybe you can help too, Someday soon!
  
  Good bless, 
  Gabriel 

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• From confusion to clarity

  Dec 28, 2024 Gabriel 0 Comments

  It all started with an unexpected request from a friend. She reached out, asking if I could help someone she knew who was in the midst of a financial crisis. The moment I heard about it, my heart stirred. The first thought that came to my mind was, “Let me help.”

  As a writer on facebook, I often get asked for freelance writing opportunities, but most of the time, I’m unable to assist. It’s not that I don’t care, but the circumstances rarely align for me to offer meaningful help. This time, however, was different. There was a call in my heart, a strong urge that I couldn’t ignore. I needed to help this lady, no matter the cost. Why I felt this way, I had no idea.

  I had no freelance work available to give her, but I still wanted to help. After some thought, I asked her, “Would you be interested in writing Bengali articles for our website?” Note: I get some money from you guys and most of it goes for rent and medicine. But still I wanted to share it with her. Why? I don't know.

  I explained that the website she’d be writing for was a Bible-focused platform run by Global Radio Outreach. She was a Muslim lady and agreed to the work, though her enthusiasm was understandably reserved. She admitted she wasn’t excited about learning Christian content, as she had no prior knowledge of the Bible or Christianity. Still, she accepted the challenge.

  To help her get started, I suggested she spend two weeks studying the Bible and familiarizing herself with the basics of Christianity. Surprisingly, she agreed. Over those two weeks, she diligently read and began to develop a good understanding of the material.

  Today, as we discussed her religious thoughts, she opened up about her struggles. She described herself as a confused Muslim who believed in God but felt lost. Her words resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own journey when I struggled with faith. I saw a reflection of my past in her confusion and search for truth.

  As our conversation deepened, I shared the story from Luke 23:32-43, where Jesus was crucified alongside two thieves. I explained how one of the thieves, despite his sins, acknowledged Jesus and was assured a place in heaven. Her reaction was profound. She was overwhelmed and said, “That should be God. That sounds and feels like God!”

  Her response was genuine and heartfelt. It was a moment of clarity for her, a connection that seemed to spark something deep within. From that moment on, she was ready to take the next step. She officially started writing for AlorDisha.com alongside me from day before yesterday. Her journey with the Bible didn’t stop there; she also expressed her willingness to join the Bible community in our country, a group that operates in secrecy due to the risks involved.

  Reflecting on the beginning of this story, I realize how miraculous the journey has been. I had no prior knowledge about her and certainly didn’t anticipate the risks involved in sharing my faith. Where I live, speaking openly about Christianity can be life-threatening. Yet, I felt compelled to go beyond all risks and financial constraints. I followed my heart, and it led to something extraordinary.

  Today, we have another soul who has embraced the truth of Christ. She has started a new chapter in her life, not just as a writer but as someone who is learning about the love and salvation offered by Yashua. This journey has been a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and courage.

  Thanks to Jesus, another life has been touched and transformed. And as I reflect on this experience, I am reminded that sometimes, all it takes is a simple step of faith to make a profound difference in someone’s life.

  Moral: This story teaches the value of compassion, faith, and courage. It shows that by following the call of our hearts, we can create meaningful change in someone’s life, even when it involves personal risk. Sharing faith with love and understanding can lead to transformation. It emphasizes the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to help others and trusting in God’s plan. Ultimately, it reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting, eternal impact.

   

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• Guided by Grace: A Journey Made Easy by God

  Nov 26, 2024 Gabriel 3 Comments

  When faced with life’s challenges, many of us turn to prayer for comfort and guidance. As a 26-year-old kidney patient, I found myself doing the same before a critical journey to seek medical treatment. The trip was filled with unknowns, and I could only place my trust in God. What unfolded was nothing short of miraculous—a story of hope, grace, and divine intervention.

   

  A Prayer Before the Journey  

   

  As the date of my departure approached, I felt a mixture of anticipation and fear. Traveling for medical treatment is never easy, especially when the destination is unfamiliar. The uncertainty weighed heavily on me.  

   

  The night before leaving, I knelt in prayer, pouring my heart out to God:  

   

  "Oh LORD, make this journey safe, smooth, and easy."

   

  With those words, I surrendered my worries to Him. I believed that if God was with me, He would pave the way—even in ways I could not imagine.  

   

  An Unexpected Companion  

  The atmosphere at the airport was bustling with activity, yet I felt a sense of calm. After boarding the plane and settling into my seat, I offered another prayer for safety. Moments later, I noticed the woman seated next to me. She looked kind and professional, and as we exchanged polite greetings, I discovered something extraordinary—she was a nephrologist, a kidney specialist.  

   

  This was no coincidence. God had placed a doctor with expertise in the very condition I was battling right by my side. She wasn’t just a fellow traveler; she became my guide, advisor, and even a friend during the journey.  

   

   A Guiding Light in the Unknown  

   

  From the moment we began talking, the nephrologist offered invaluable advice. She shared insights about navigating the medical system, recommended trusted specialists, and explained treatment options that I hadn’t considered before.  

   

  Upon landing, she went above and beyond to assist me. She guided me through unfamiliar processes, ensuring that I wouldn’t feel lost. Her presence turned what could have been a stressful experience into a smooth and effortless one.  

   

  Looking back, I realized that God had answered my prayer even before I uttered it. He knew my needs and orchestrated events to ensure that I had the right person beside me at the right time.  

   

  Signs of God’s Grace  

   

  As the plane approached our destination, the first rays of sunlight illuminated the horizon. The view from the window was breathtaking—a vivid blend of orange, pink, and gold stretching across the sky. It felt like a reminder from God, a sign of His grace shining over my path.  

   

  Noticing my awe, the nephrologist offered to take photos for me. Each image captured not just the beauty of the rising sun but also the hope and renewal I felt in my heart. It was as if God was telling me, "This is a new beginning. Trust in Me."

   

  Lessons Learned Along the Way  

   

  That journey taught me several profound lessons about faith, trust, and God’s timing:  

   

  1. God Knows Our Needs Before We Do: My prayer for a smooth journey was answered in ways I could never predict. God didn’t just ensure my safety; He provided guidance through someone who deeply understood my condition.  

   

  2. When We Trust, God Makes a Way: The overwhelming aspects of my trip were replaced by ease because I had placed God at the center of my plans.  

   

  3. Blessings Are Everywhere: From the companionship of the nephrologist to the beauty of the sunrise, God’s blessings were abundant throughout the journey.  

   

  4. God’s Plans Are Perfect: Even when we don’t see the bigger picture, God is working behind the scenes, aligning circumstances for our good.  

   

   Embracing the Journey Ahead  

  Arriving at my destination felt like stepping into a new chapter of life. The journey that began with apprehension was now filled with hope and purpose. I knew that my battle with kidney disease wasn’t over, but I also knew that I wasn’t alone. God had shown me that He is always present, guiding and protecting me every step of the way.  

   

  In the days that followed, I explored treatment options and sought medical care with a renewed sense of determination. Every decision was made with the confidence that God’s hand was in it.  

   

   Gratitude for His Blessings  

   

  As I reflect on this experience, my heart is filled with gratitude—not just for the physical journey but for the spiritual one as well. I’ve come to understand that placing God at the start of anything ensures that everything else falls into place.  

   

  Life’s challenges may be inevitable, but so are God’s blessings. They often come in ways we least expect, reminding us that He is always in control.  

   

   A Message of Hope  

  To anyone facing a difficult journey, I want to share this: trust in God. Pray sincerely, and He will answer in His perfect way and timing. His blessings are real and abundant, and His love knows no limits.  

   

  For me, this journey was not just about seeking medical treatment—it was a journey of faith, renewal, and trust in the Creator who makes all things possible.  

  *Written by Gabriel, 

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