Pacesetters
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)
Rev: Robert Francis Cutler Bob
Rev. Robert Francis “Bob” Cutler was one of the pioneering leaders who played a foundational role in the establishment and early development of the Bible Students Fellowship of Bangladesh (BSFB). In 1975, he was sent by the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) to Bangladesh to help formally establish the student ministry. His arrival came at an important time when the foundation for student ministry had already been laid through earlier Bible study groups and student camps.
Rev. Cutler worked alongside local Christian leaders and other ministry partners to encourage students to study the Bible, grow in their faith, share the Gospel with their fellow students, and develop a strong vision for student-led ministry. His ministry contributed to the growth of the early movement and helped establish a foundation for what would later become a nationwide student fellowship led increasingly by Bangladeshi Christian leaders.
His life and service remain an important part of BSFB’s history and pioneering legacy. Through his commitment to student ministry, discipleship, evangelism, and the development of local leadership, Rev. Bob Cutler helped lay a foundation upon which generations of BSFB students and leaders have continued to build.
Rev: Narayan Mitra
Rev. Narayan Mitra was an early pioneer and worker of the Christian student movement in Bangladesh that later became BSFB. From UESI in India, he visited Bangladesh between 1969 and 1974, leading Bible studies among students and helping organize the first student camp in 1974. His ministry laid an important foundation for the establishment and growth of Bible Students Fellowship of Bangladesh (BSFB).
Miss Ross Gooden
Miss Grace Dodge
Miss Grace Dodge was an Australian Baptist missionary who served faithfully in Bangladesh for more than 30 years. Based in Mymensingh, she contributed to Christian ministry and community development and remained in Bangladesh during the 1971 Liberation War, caring for and supporting vulnerable people during that difficult time. She was the mentor, provided support in prayers, and had written a good number of Bible study books for the students.
Irene Ghosh (Thorne)
Irene Ghosh (Thorne) was a pioneer of the Christian student movement in Bangladesh. She was the first Bangladeshi to participate in TUZHO activities in India in 1972 and encouraged the camp director to begin student ministry in Bangladesh. She envisioned Bible study groups among Bangladeshi students, helping lay the foundation for the future development of BSFB.
Rev: Michael Mihir Sarkar
Rev. Michael Mihir Sarker was a pioneering leader of BSFB and its first national staff worker, serving from 1982. In 1990, he became the first Bangladeshi National General Secretary after completing theological studies in England. His faithful leadership helped shape the early growth of BSFB until his tragic death in a road accident in 1991.
Rev: Peter Debaker Mazumdar
Rev. Peter Debakar Mazumder is a prominent leader in the history of the Bible Students Fellowship of Bangladesh (BSFB). He joined BSFB as its second national staff worker in 1986 and later served as General Secretary for many years. Under his leadership, BSFB grew significantly, expanding from 9 to 76 Bible study groups. He also played a key role in developing the Living Water Center.