2 Women's Stories

Ramesh & Sampa

On Friday I went to a Mt. Carmel Church's Bible School Graduation in our village. After the ceremony, I was talking to a man and his wife (Ramesh and Sampa) who have been wanting to learn more English. They absolutely insisted (even after I had declined multiple times) that I come to their house so I would know where to come in the future. So they gave me water and bananas (pani and cayla in Hindi) and Ramesh told me how he became a Christian as well as the story of how they were married. At the end of our time, I agreed to come over at least once a week to help them with their English.

So this morning I went to their house, where Sampa was cooking lunch. Ramesh works with the Indian police and was unexpectedly called for duty. So I was able to talk with Sampa for more than an hour before she was called to the school where she works. She began to tell me her story. She became a Christians when she was 17, but her family is Hindu. When she got married, she had to live with her in-laws for 4 months because Ramesh had to do military training. During that time, his parents made her (at least externally) worship their household god. But because they knew she and Ramesh believed in Jesus and because she is of a lower caste, they treated her with much contempt. They provided her with only 2 pairs of clothes, which she wore many times every week. Ramesh told me of the physical and spiritual evil that is in his parents' house. The evil kingdom of darkness reigns where Jesus is not Lord of people's hearts. Thankfully, Ramesh and Sampa were able to get away from his family where they are now free to worship Jesus. Pray that they would be baptized soon and even have the courage to tell their families about it. Many Indian believers do not get baptized right away because of fear of what their family will say. But many are not allowed to receive baptism by the churches because either they are not "of age" (usually 18) or they haven't proven repentance. This is a practice which cripples many believers in regards to sharing the gospel with others. They feel unworthy/inadequate/not confident.

One more story...

Sophie with her class

Later that day I met with a dear sister, Sophie. She and her husband are from south India (Kerala, where supposedly Thomas first brought the gospel to India) but moved to Siliguri as missionaries. We talked for literally an hour straight about God's amazing provision. She barely even took a breath in between stories of God's goodness in providing for her family while they have been here. It is very difficult for many pastors here because their churches do not give enough to support them. So they often look for sponsors, similar to the way many people support me :) God uses many Indians who have given sacrificially to support Sophie and Titus. There was even one time where the principal of their daughter's school gave them 1000 rupees to cancel their debt. Sophie told me that she is a worrier...like most women :) But when she starts to fret, Titus says not to worry but to pray because our God is a big God and HE WILL PROVIDE. She just kept saying over and over, "Our God is great." And no one forced her to say it. It overflowed from her heart. She couldn't help but praise Him.

Isn't that what God wants? In the midst of uncertainty, to know that He will keep His promise somehow. When we can't see the road ahead, may we choose to keep walking, trusting that He will guide the way.