We are so grateful for everyone’s support and prayers for Babu. As mentioned in our last update, we were able to raise funds for the purchase of a replacement rickshaw, to cover his loss of wages during the week he wasn’t working, and even received a surplus that will help support his family in the village. Thank you so much for your generosity!
We saw Babu on the evening of his first full day of work since losing his rickshaw, and we asked him, How are you? How did your day go?
He paused, raised his hands in the air (yes, while still driving the rickshaw) and shouted, “khub bhalo (very good)!!!”. He was so excited to have a new rickshaw and be working again.
As a form of appreciation, Babu brought us a variety of pitha made by him, his wife and mother-in-law. Pitha (পিঠা) is a common winter season comfort food here in Bangladesh, and it was so fun to get to try all the different kinds made by hand, with love, from Babu’s family.
Today on our rickshaw ride with him, he asked if we could show him pictures of the people who helped him. He was surprised to see that multiple people had contributed to his rickshaw fund saying, “wow, I was thinking it was just one person… Many people care about Babu. I am so happy”. On multiple occasions he has mentioned how thankful he is to God for His provision.
Babu’s year started off with despair, which quickly turned to rejoicing and gratitude. This makes me think of Genesis 50 and Joseph’s life as he reconciles with his brothers. The man who stole Babu’s rickshaw intended to harm him, but I believe God intended it for his good – that Babu could experience God’s blessings and provision. And this is our prayer, that Babu would remember this situation and remember that God saw him, cared for him, and provided for him.
Looking back on 2025, I am overcome by all the ways that the Lord has demonstrated his provision over Jahred and I: The opportunity to serve in Bangladesh. Loving friends and family who have supported and encouraged us, and continue to keep in touch despite the distance. Our lovely house helper (who cooks adobo for us 2-3 times a month and is great at it!). Our patient Bangla tutor who has contributed significantly to our language learning. Several new friendships from MTI and here in Dhaka. The opportunity for some much needed r&r over the holidays. New church families. A community to play board games with. — Countless blessings that demonstrate that God surely hears our prayers!
Among all the blessings and wonderful experiences we’ve had this past year, we also went through a lot of difficulties. We have been stretched and challenged in ways we could not have expected or anticipated. During our first 8 months in Bangladesh, I (Jess) was particularly burdened by my work and often felt discouraged, stressed, and at times, hopeless.
In a call with our pastor from Toronto, he gently shared, “I think you’re carrying a burden that you aren’t meant to carry”. He was completely right. Rather than looking to the Lord to work through me, I was trying to do His work on my own. I had begun believing the lie that my worth and value were found in my ability to produce tangible results and meet others’ expectations of me. God in his kindness was reminding me that He cares about the heart, that He is in control, and that He is able to carry my burdens; I don’t need to bear them on my own.
God takes us to hard places not to do things to us, but to do things for us and in us. – Paul David Tripp
My faith was really tested – and I truly believe the Lord has used these hardships to deepen my trust, strengthen our relationship, and redirect my eyes to Him (Hebrews 12:11-12, James 1:2-3).
Since returning to the office from the holidays, a lot of my stress and anxieties have been replaced with an assurance and confidence that the Lord is in control no matter what I do or do not accomplish each day. That He goes before me and walks beside me. And I cling to the truth that in His presence there is fullness of joy, and to be near Him is my good. The Serenity Prayer has been particularly valuable in remembering these things.
Serenity Prayer
God,
grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world
as it is, and not as I would have it
Trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your Will.
That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with You
forever in the next.
Amen
As we look ahead to all that is coming in 2026, please join us in prayer and praise over the following:
Letters From Jahr & Jess in the Desh 
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