East India is vast, both by territory and population. The majority of its residents are Hindus. This story is about a young girl grew who grew up in a Hindu home. She was passed from family to family and had little stability. Sadly her birth parents died when she was very young.
Death Leads to Danger
When she was only fourteen, she returned to the village of her birth. Unfortunately, she had no choice but to live with her uncle. This man was a gangster. He spent time in the company of women who had bad reputations. Not only that, but he was also a witch doctor!
The girl, who we will call Anushka,* was clever and resourceful. She did very well in school. Surely a young lady like that would have reason to hope to go on with a happy and successful life.
Sometime later, however, the uncle separated from his third wife. To Anushka’s horror, her uncle tried to make her one of his wives!
He came toward her to put a marriage symbol on her head, to claim her as his own property. Fortunately, the man was so drunk that he fell over. She had the opportunity to escape.
“You Need to Flee!”
By God’s grace, she was able to contact her brothers. “What should I do to get away from this evil man? Can you help me?” Her brothers agreed that she needed to get away, and quickly. They said, “You need to get as far away from him as possible!”
Anushka agreed of course, but how would she survive? She only had fifty rupees to her name. She remembered that there was a computer course running nearby. Maybe the woman in charge would take her in? She recalled that the woman was a kind lady who often spoke of God’s love.
Anushka went to the lady’s house in desperation. She welcomed her and took her in for a few days.
They soon realized the girl would still be too near to her uncle. “You must run farther away! Your uncle will find you if you stay in the area.”
God opens a door for a new home… and a new life!
The woman remembered a YWAMer who might be willing to help. She approached him and asked, “Would you and your family be open to taking this young girl in?”
Thankfully the YWAMer agreed to help. They would arrange for her to live in a location farther away. In a very short time, Anushka was on a train to her new home.
New Place, New Life
In the few days that she was with this lady, Anushka learned more about Jesus and his love for her. She understood her need for a Savior who would forgive her of all her sin.
Soon Anushka arrived in the location that would become her new home. Another YWAMer who was part of the community began to disciple and train her. She grew passionate about the Lord and the lost to be saved.
In time, she learned that God had not chosen her to save and bless her individually. He wanted to use her to bring many to salvation. When Anushka came to understand this she was thrilled! She could not contain her joy. Every day she went with a few other girls to share about Jesus with others.
Ministering Powerfully
One day they visited their next-door neighbor. They discovered this woman was very ill. Together they asked the Lord to heal her. The woman miraculously recovered!
After she was healed, the lady asked them if they would also pray for her paralyzed husband. They were shocked! Would they have enough faith to pray for him?
In simple faith, they prayed for the paralyzed man. They also spent time with him, sharing a story from the Bible.
The man was not healed instantaneously. It had an impact though. He and his wife said that they believed.
Upon leaving the house, Anushka and her friend asked if they could visit again. The couple happily agreed.
Miracles and Discipleship
After two days Anushka went back to her neighbors’ house. She rang the doorbell. To her astonishment, the paralyzed man was the one who opened it!. “What happened?” she cried. “After the time of prayer, that we had, I began to get better and better!” said the man. “And today I actually started walking!”
The elderly couple, along with their two new young friends, rejoiced and praised God together. That day Anushka shared the gospel once again and the couple believed. They were overjoyed!
They began to study the Bible using Discovery Bible Study. Together they worshiped God. The couple was excited to learn all the new things about Jesus. Soon they shared their testimony with their relatives. God began to work in their lives. It was all because two young girls were obedient to the Lord’s command to go and make disciples of all nations!
What about you? Do you believe God could use you to heal the sick and share the Good News of Jesus with others?
For many of us it is hard to believe God could use us in these kinds of miracles. He longs to reveal His power and love through you! Why not offer to pray a simple prayer for someone in need today?