Sri Lanka
- Jack and Lilian Hay
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 18
This report was forwarded by the assembly meeting in Bethesda Gospel Hall Sri Lanka.
We are continuing our weekly gospel out reach work in the suburb of Dematagoda. It consists of high-rise and low-rise apartment blocks. There is a very high percentage of crime and drug addiction in this neighbourhood. In addition to the weekly meetings we hold in a rented home, we also conduct house-to-house visitation in the area. Some of the apartment blocks are twenty floors high, with lifts that are not operational; however, this does not prevent the saints in our assembly from faithfully climbing all the floors and visiting every home to present the gospel and invite children/adults to our weekly meetings.
Approximately 150 children attend our weekly meetings. When parents are standing and waiting to pick up their children on the street, we also have a team of saints
available to talk to them and explain the gospel.
In addition to our usual meetings, our assembly is continuing its weekly schedule of
ministry meetings and gospel meetings for youth. Over the last fifteen years, we have
found that the gospel and youth ministry meetings have produced much blessing.
Bible studies are held weekly for young men, young women, and a mixed group of
both. These meetings, held in small groups, provide an opportunity for eager young students to ask questions and further deepen their interest in the Scriptures. Systematic
teaching is provided on all the New Testament Assembly principles, including wor-
ship, headship, the roles and responsibilities of brothers and sisters in the assembly,
and more. When the numbers for the group grow too large, making it impossible for us
to provide individual care and attention, we then start a new meeting based on their age
and knowledge. Currently, there are around 70 youths between the ages of 15 and 25
who follow the weekly Bible studies held at Bethesda Gospel Hall.
In August 2025, there was a Hindu procession that was held directly in front of Bethesda Gospel Hall. This procession is held annually to celebrate one of their festivals. Thousands of Hindus were inflicting all kinds of pain on their bodies to appease their gods. We decided to distribute gospel tracts outside the hall during this festival. This exercise was met with much hostility and also threats of violence towards the saints.
Please remember us in your prayers as we serve God among people who are immersed in pagan idol worship. We continue to thank and praise the Lord for the care and concern shown by believers in helping the saints and advancing the Lord’s work in Sri Lanka. We know that He looks with great approval on these expressions of His own great love through His people, and we delight to see that He will grant full reward in that day.
written by Jack and Lillian Hay (Scotland) jhay280247@gmail.com
