NB! The campaign has ended.

For 18 years, Chaminda* has faced fierce persecution as a pastor in a small town just outside the capital of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Yet he still shares his faith in Jesus with the townspeople.

Chaminda leads a church that once consisted of 80 families. Now there are only 20 families left due to persecution. In the small town, the Buddhist faith is dominant. It is the many practicing Buddhists who oppress the Christians. In a church not far away, a priest told Chaminda that he would never have the courage to be a priest in the town where Chaminda lives. In fact, many pastors have urged Chaminda to leave the city.

This makes sense, as Chaminda has experienced beatings, torture and death threats. The family's reputation has been disgraced in the city, perhaps for life, and it has affected the children's schooling and education. For a long time, the city refused to supply the family with water and electricity. But with the help of the Danish European Mission's local project partner, Chaminda will soon be able to help themselves and become financially self-sufficient.

Chaminda experiences so much opposition, but it doesn't change the calling he has been given by God; to testify about Jesus! "If I leave town, who will be there to tell them about Jesus?" Chaminda said. He is fully convinced that God is calling him to be where he is, regardless of the brutal adversity he may face.

For many years, Chaminda has struggled with persecution, and the ravages of the coronavirus in Sri Lanka have not made the situation any easier. On the contrary, the virus has made things worse. His income is dependent on the donations of the church members, who were already poor. Many of the congregation have lost their jobs and are now struggling to find work. It's hard to make ends meet for Chaminda and the church members. Fortunately, the Danish European Mission's donors ensure that in the near future, the family will be able to help themselves and earn a sustainable income.