Bhima & Kaaliya Bring Hope and Love

Worth Every Minute

Two hours is a small price for Bhima to pay. He’s made this journey countless times, but when you’re feeding the hungry, the joy is worth it all.

Pastor Bhima travels to the surrounding villages of his home, sharing the love of Jesus with many who have never heard Christ’s name. When Bhima came to a town two hours away, he discovered that several people were hungry to learn about God. So he kept returning.

A Village Steeped in Religion

The majority of the villagers believe in karma and are bound in superstition, and most don’t know how to read. But these hard-working farmers will not put up with anyone mocking their faith.

Padma, a quiet young woman in the town, has worshiped and sacrificed to idols since childhood. Her family is often separated, because her father works in a different state, but she works hard to help her mother and brothers take care of their home. A dedicated student, one would never guess from Padma’s smile the difficulties she has to endure to make it through school.

Tormented by Spirits

Why they chose her, Padma didn’t know, but every time she tried to concentrate on her studies, demons attacked. She wanted to learn but frequent headaches prevented her.

Padma and her mother visited many doctors, but no one had answers to free Padma from her misery.

Pastor Bhima happened to visit Padma’s home one day and shared the Gospel with her mother. Padma arrived later, and he got to pray for her. Padma’s mother noticed a difference in her daughter after the prayer, so she asked Bhima to keep coming. He gladly consented and visited often, reading from God’s Word and asking God to heal Padma.

Where Two or More are Gathered

Bhima invited two believers from his hometown to begin a regular prayer meeting in Padma’s home. One day, as the three believers prayed over Padma, she fell down unconscious, but Bhima and his friends continued to intercede for her deliverance and the Lord rescued her. In moments, Padma stood up, fully restored.

Padma and her mother were overjoyed and thanked the believers profusely. From that day on, Padma started to attend prayer meetings, and gradually God convicted her heart of her need for Jesus.

Now, there is a wide-open door in this village to hear the message of Jesus. The people are amazed at what God accomplished in Padma’s life and they see the power Christ has over darkness. Padma also joyfully shares her testimony with others, and no one opposes her witness because they are so happy that she is healed.

Old Friendship Brings New Life

Kaaliya was home from Bible college and eager to share how God was working through his first year, but not everyone shared his enthusiasm. In fact, his old friend Baalaark looked like he was about to burst into tears. When Kaaliya finally asked what was wrong, crying was exactly what Baalaark did.

While the friends had lost touch over the years, Baalaark’s family had fallen apart. His parents fought every day, and his efforts to unite them were traded in for a divorce.

“I don’t know what to do,” Baalaark said. “I did my best to make them understand, but it was worthless. I feel embarrassed, and I don’t want to show my face to anyone out of shame. I just want to finish my life.”

Despite his despair, Baalaark hoped his friend might advise him. Was there a way to save his parents’ marriage? For them to live in dignity and peace?

Kaaliya knew exactly what to tell him.

Friend’s Plea Answered

Kaaliya’s father was a pastor, and over the past semester, Kaaliya had been training to become one, too. He comforted Baalaark, prayed for him and shared the Good News that Jesus has the power to transform lives.

As Baalaark listened, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace and asked Kaaliya to share this message with his parents. That night, the whole family chose to follow Christ.

Over the next two weeks, Kaaliya connected Baalaark’s family with his father’s church, and they began regularly attending Bible studies and meetings. Meanwhile, Kaaliya continued sharing Jesus’ love with everyone he met.

As Baalaark’s family grows in their new faith and others respond to Christ’s call, Kaaliya knows this is only the beginning. With each new year of school, he’s working toward a lifetime of service—a lifetime of seeing families united under the redeeming shelter of God’s grace.

See how you can pray for Bible college students like Kaaliya as they prepare for full-time ministry.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:3-6

HOPE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

My family – like many in the U.S. – has been touched deeply by addiction to drugs and alcohol. I’m sure many of you can relate. At one time or another, most of us took drugs or drank too much, and years of real, vibrant life were lost to the scourge of addiction. However, when one of my brothers was miraculously, instantaneously delivered and healed of addiction to heroin, alcohol and other substances, our entire family was transformed. The miracle we saw in Steve changed us all, and one-by-one we gave ourselves to Jesus.

This dramatic ending (really a beginning for us) doesn’t usually happen, because drugs and alcohol take their toll before a mind and heart addled by narcotics can absorb the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Steve, however, was shown love and freedom by two of the most Godly women I’ve ever met – Ruth Wynne and Betty Adams, of the Jesus House in Oklahoma City. They loved Steve when no one else would, and he responded. Unfortunately, many people die in their addictions, and families are torn apart because they never receive a credible witness of God’s love. If any of you readers would like to share your story – whether it be sad, painful or glorious – you can post it as a Comment below so others can benefit from your experience.

Tragically, addiction is found all over the world, not only in the U.S. and other affluent countries. Below you can read the account of a family in India that found freedom and healing through the love shared by the people of Gospel for Asia. Transformations take place when we boldly and lovingly care for and empathize with others.

Please read this testimony, then respond by praying for the work of Gospel for Asia, and giving financially to support their efforts. Thank you!

Javesh Crosses the Bridge of Hope

SACHI WATCHED HER HUSBAND BECOME MORE AND MORE DEPENDENT ON ALCOHOL to get through each day. She and Javesh had small children to feed, but whatever money he made, he used on his addiction. The situation grew worse, and their food was beginning to run out.

The only glimmer of hope in Sachi’s and Javesh’s lives was that their son Chakor was enrolled in a Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope center. They knew he was being cared for and given a nutritious meal every day.

While Chakor received the opportunity to learn and grow, things were looking grim for the rest of the family.

One day, during a regular visit to the family’s home, the staff members from the Bridge of Hope center realized how dire Chakor’s family situation truly was. After meeting with the family, they decided to offer Sachi a job as a cook at the center. She was overjoyed at the prospect.

The new job meant income, and an income meant their family wouldn’t have to starve. Sachi was very happy to be able to meet all her children’s needs again.

God Answers Their Prayers

The Bridge of Hope staff continued visiting with and praying for the family, and slowly, Javesh’s life started to change. He stopped drinking alcohol, and he began to use his wages to provide for his family again.

Through the prayers and friendship of the Bridge of Hope staff, Sachi and Javesh saw the love of Jesus and knew that He cared very much for them. The couple and their children embraced the hope that can only be found in Christ.

Today the family attends the local fellowship together, and their home is full of God’s peace. Not only has their outward situation changed drastically, but their inner lives were transformed as well.

See how your prayers can impact Bridge of Hope children and their families.

Here’s an article that outlines the troubles of alcohol abuse in India.