Worldwide Prayer Meeting

Mar 19, 2025 | by Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee

Prayer Focus - Bangladesh Territory

Boat festival on the Dhaka Buriganga River in Bangladesh

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,

The name of the Lord is to be praised.

The Lord is exalted over all the nations,

His glory above the heavens.

Who is like the Lord our God,

The One who sits enthroned on high,

Who stoops down to look

On the heavens and the earth?

Psalm 113:3-6

Prayer

Dear God, I praise You with my whole heart although I feel like I have a voice so tiny. How can I be heard over the noise in my own life, let alone all that is going on just outside my doors right now? How can my needs mean anything to You when there are so many people who are starving and there are people aiming guns at each other? How do my concerns stack up when I know there are homes today darkened with grief? But You say through Your Word that not a sparrow falls to the ground without Your notice and that the very hairs of my head are numbered. Of course, these big things are heavy on Your heart, but You assure me that my little things matter to You as well. So, dear God, I bring to You what I cannot share with anyone else and let You see what no one else can begin to understand. You hear my whispers. Thank You that one of the ways You show Your greatness is in how You do not overlook the smallness of Your servants. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Background of the

Bangladesh Territory

            Bangladesh has been one of the world’s poorest nations, suffering from over-population that is complicated by its extreme vulnerability to natural disasters such as cyclones and flooding that causes huge loss of life and property damage. Its economy is based largely on agriculture, textiles, clothing, jute, and money sent back from Bangladeshis living abroad.

            After being under British rule as part of India, it became a part of Pakistan in 1947. After 24 years it achieved independence from Pakistan after a bloody civil war. Political instability followed with numerous assassinations and military coups, until it emerged as one of the Islamic world’s few democracies. Still, it is among one of the world’s most corrupt nations.

            More recently, encouraging progress has been made in improving education as well as the poverty rate going down, mainly through microfinance. From that and other efforts, Bangladesh has emerged as the second largest economy in South Asia with per capita income exceeding that of both India and Pakistan. Infrastructure projects have also improved prospects for the nation as well as efforts to transform Bangladesh with green factories, with the country having the largest number in the world in 2023.

            When independence was achieved in 1971, Bangladesh was a secular state but that changed in 1988 when Islam was declared the state religion. Although religious freedom is said to exist, in practice there is discrimination against Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. Nonetheless, Christianity has been growing faster than population growth, for the past 50 years, especially among indigenous denominations. The most receptive group are the Hindus, although there are “Jesus mosques” as well.

            The Salvation Army: Work opened immediately after the Liberation War with Pakistan in 1971. Thousands moved back into Bangladesh from refugee camps in Kolkata, where they had been served by Salvationists, and a team of Salvationists accompanied them. A year later, The Salvation Army provided relief operations after a cyclone hit the country. On April 21, 1980, The Salvation Army was incorporated. Bangladesh was made a command on January 1, 1997, and then upgraded to a territory in 2023.

Facts, Stats and Leadership of the

Bangladesh Territory

• Total population to fish and disciple: 173,562,364
• 98 officers, 6 cadets, 112 employees
• 5 retired officers
• 32 corps, 22 outposts
• 1,449 senior soldiers
• 1,099 adherents
• 171 junior soldiers

Leadership

Lt. Colonel Elizabeth Nelson - Territorial Commander

Major Gabriel Dewri - Chief Secretary

Major Chaya Dewri - Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries

Prayer Requests for the

Bangladesh Territory

Praising God for:

Commissioning:

In December 2024, we celebrated the commissioning of cadets. We thank God for helping three couples complete their officer training. We were also blessed by the Commissioners.

Territorial Leadership:

We are grateful that the Lord has given us strong and capable leaders in our territory.

Please pray for:

• Our retired officers: Please pray for their health and the healing of those who are sick.

• Our leadership: TC- Lt. Colonel Elizabeth Nelson, CS- Major Gabriel Dewri, and TSWM- Major Chaya Dewri.

• Our newly appointed officers.

• The spiritual development of our officers.

• The peace of Bangladesh.

USA Southern Territory

Prayer Requests

• The family of Major Mary Hall, who was recently Promoted to Glory
• The family of Major Hellon Merrifield, who was recently Promoted to Glory
• The family of Lucy Carr, mother of Major Bobby Carr, who was recently Promoted to Glory
• The family of Joseph Harold Starks, father of Major Jessie Chapman and Major Janice Dahlin, who was recently Promoted to Glory
• Major Valencia Lewis, Territorial Social Services Support Officer, Social Services
• Music and Creative Arts Department
• Derrick Doster, Food Services Worker, Conference Center
• Tianna Roberts, Mailroom & Administrative Clerk, Finance
• Lee Auvenshine, Territorial Legal Director – General Counsel, Legal
• Major Carey Richmond, Director of Personnel/Health & Wellness Center, Evangeling Booth College
• Cadet Ryan Thorson
• Captain Elyse Doborwicz, Divisional Candidates’ Secretary, Arkansas & Oklahoma Division
• Colonel Sue-Ellen Betts, National Personnel Secretary, NHQ
• Lt. Colonels Ronnie & Sharon Raymer, officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers of the North & South Carolina Division
• Emergency Shelters

Something to Consider

Rejection

Stephen Goodell

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

            We all have an inherent need to be accepted by others and to be loved. However, when we are rejected instead it can be devastating. As we interact with more people in our lives, we are bound to come across those who are not interested in associating with us or want to have any kind of relationship, for whatever reason. Deep down, these rejections can hurt our confidence and self-worth. It can be shattering for us if they come from a parent, family member, spouse, or friend.

            I experienced a hard rejection when my marriage ended. In the four years I was together with my wife, I was more focused on having a successful career and was not at the level I thought I should be at (i.e. Vice President or higher). I went on a downward spiral emotionally and became very depressed. I was a Christian, however, was distant from God and more wrapped up in the importance of having a higher worldly status. I lost my identity on who I truly was as God’s child. As a result, my marriage suffered and ended, and I was asked to leave. The last-ditch efforts to try and improve myself were too late.

            Divorce can be very traumatic, and I believe that the ongoing hurt and anguish from this experience can be worse than death itself. At 45 years old I lost everything and had to move back in with my parents. All the relationships I had with my wife’s family and friends were gone and it felt like I didn’t have anybody in the world. My stability and sense of security in a home were abruptly taken away. In addition, the thought of my wife potentially being with someone else was heart-wrenching. I had prayed to God to save this marriage, and He allowed the divorce to happen.

            The shame and guilt I experienced was overwhelming. I felt that everyone had turned their backs on me. Nobody wanted to be around me because I had a failed marriage hanging over my head. I was so alone and had come to believe that I was a loser and failure in life. However, during this time I decided to lean more into my Christian faith and seek closeness with God. Despite not answering my prayer, I did not feel that He abandoned me. I cried out for help, and He showed up. On nights when I was overwhelmed with emotions, I would pray to the Lord. I just kept saying the simple words, “Jesus, please be close to me.” Those prayerful words kept coming out of my mouth and then His wonderful presence came onto me. I began to experience His peace and love.

            The amazing thing I realized about getting close to Jesus is that His love is greater than any human can ever offer. His love provides comfort, security, and healing. It is unconditional, forgiving, and available 24/7 when we need to lean on Him. His love also provides hope and renewed strength as He promises us, ^“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary” (Isaiah 40:31).

            By drawing close to Jesus during this challenging time, I realized that I could also place my trust in Him. The Bible tells us how much the Lord will provide for us if we believe in Him, and He says this many times with such verses as…

^“He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him?” (Romans 8:32).

^“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

During this time, I prayed more and asked Him to help me get my life back together. Remarkably, blessings started to happen. I got a new job right away. A car was given to me. I met some wonderful Christian friends whose fellowship helped me heal. I then found a new place to live that was in a perfect location for me.  

            Initially, I gave my trust to the Lord a little bit at a time. But, as He continued to bless me with more and more, this trust grew, and I now dedicate every area of my life to Him. This period of my life proved that God was always with me. He cared for my needs and wanted to lift me back up.     

            If you are feeling depressed and alone, ask Jesus to be close. If you’ve experienced abuse or trauma, and feel rejected and worthless, ask Jesus to be close. Drawing close to Him during these hard times can be an assurance that you are truly and deeply loved by God. You matter to Him and are so special in His eyes.

Prayer

Father God, Your love is all-powerful and unconditional. You have proven that by sending Your only begotten Son to die on that cross for us. Our sins are forgiven, and we have eternal life through You, Jesus. And You don’t stop there! You want to be a part of our lives every day and be there for us when we are going through our trials and tribulations. Shower Your love on those who are experiencing devastating rejection and give them peace and renewed strength through Your Holy Spirit. Jesus, it’s in Your holy and matchless name we pray this. Amen.