Mission’s First Cry

From Honeymoon to Mission—Ruth and Alex’s Missionary Journey

In 2011, Ruth joined a Nexus short-term mission trip to Bangladesh. Originally, she had thought God was calling her to the Middle East, but she unexpectedly fell in love with this land. The following year, she married Alex, offered her honeymoon to God, and returned to Bangladesh to begin missionary life.

From rural China, they had only a rudimentary education and had never been abroad before they married. When they arrived in Bangladesh, they faced language barriers and cultural differences even within their own team, which included Bangladeshis as well as missionaries from Europe, America, Brazil, and South Korea. It was a shock! They were challenged and motivated to study English and Bengali diligently. Now, the entire family is fluent in both languages.

The Birth of New Hope Education Center:

One day a mother knocked on their door and asked them to hire her 12-year-old daughter Suma to do housework. She was too young, but they decided to help her anyway. But just a few months later, Suma said a tearful goodbye to them — her mother was marrying her off.

This story became the starting point for their education center. Seeing so many helpless children like Suma deprived of an education by their poverty, they decided to establish a place that could change lives and destinies.

Education Status and Our Vision:

Bangladesh is the world’s eighth most populous country, with the fourth largest Muslim population and a still-low literacy rate. Over ten thousand Muslim religious schools (Madrashas) operate across the country, dedicated to adopting orphans and impoverished children. They provide free food, accommodation, and religious training.

Christian educational ministries are scarce yet are quietly working in this environment. The New Hope Education Center’s vision is to use education as a bridge to reach children and teenagers from Muslim and Hindu backgrounds. Its mission is to sow the seeds of the Gospel, build family relationships, bring the good news into homes, and ultimately to plant churches.

New Hope Education Center — More Than a School: a Home

Every day, early in the morning, the children come into the classroom smiling, their teachers prepared to greet them. During prayer time before classes begin, all of them (regardless of their faith) quietly close their eyes, encouraging and preparing themselves for a day of learning.

The classroom is not only a sanctuary of knowledge but also an incubator of dreams. From songs and Bible stories to character education and computer skills, every class is a journey exploring both the world and themselves. Friday’s “Sunday school” is the time the children look forward to the most.

The teachers visit their students’ homes to understand their lives and needs and extend education into students’ homes. Those who graduate are not forgotten either — computer courses help them acquire practical skills and move toward a brighter future.

Currently the center has 78 students and 11 faculty members, coming from diverse faiths and backgrounds. They respect and support each other, living and growing together like a family.

Footprints of Grace, Mission’s Call

In 2003 God chose me, a lost young man from a broken family, to go into full-time ministry. In 2012, my newlywed wife and I embarked on our missionary journey.

This month, my 11-year-old daughter had a profound encounter with Jesus at summer camp. She couldn’t stop crying for three days; and at the end, she said softly, “I’m willing to give my life to my Heavenly Father.” God was already working in her young heart!

I am also grateful for my wife’s birthday. She is the most wonderful partner God has given me! She has run with me on this mission road; she has cried and laughed with me. All we’ve done together reminds me constantly that God never stops working — His grace continues!

From Ruth and Alex

Nexus School, Lebanon — Education and Transformation

In Romania, a brother named Elie is battling stage four cancer and facing the risk of paralysis from surgery. He is a husband and the father of a five-year-old child. We recorded a video with the students, full of prayer and love, to offer encouragement and to teach the children that prayer knows no national borders and love transcends distance.

Elie was deeply moved when he received the video. But the children kept asking earnestly every day, “How is Elie?”

Soon after, two sons of the mayor of Elie’s town, who are doctors, came to visit the Nexus Center students, bringing them candy. But their first question wasn’t for the candy; instead, they eagerly asked, “Is Elie feeling better?”

This genuine concern deeply touched us and the visiting doctors. They exclaimed in amazement, “What a wonderful heart you’ve cultivated in these children!”

Dear intercessors and supporters,

From Bangladesh to Lebanon, from slums to the homes of refugees, we see God’s hand quietly at work. Children’s lives are being transformed, families are being rebuilt, and the Gospel is being spread.

We are not bystanders but warriors of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us continue to ignite hope and save souls through prayer and action. Will you run together with us?

May the Lord’s love and grace continue to flow through you and me to every corner of the world.

Candy

Nexus Mission

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