The Grace of Jesus Shining Bright
God Powerfully Uses a Couple in India
Ashok* is a 34-year-old OMS pastoral worker in India, who also owns a provisions shop, selling everyday items of necessity to people in his town. He named his shop “Grace of Jesus” because it is the amazing love of God that now defines his life. My heart was touched by his story, and I would like to share it with you.
He was born in a small village in the central part of India. His father was a farmer who barely eked out a living working hard day after day. The family were Hindus, who worshiped the goddess Maramma, believed to protect her devotees from disease. At some point in his childhood, Ashok went to live with a Christian uncle who was better able to care for him. When he was 12 years old, Ashok put his faith in Jesus. However, in his late teens, his faith gave way to a lifestyle that did not honor God.
At age 23, Ashok married a Hindu women named Sarika*. They do not have children after 11 years of marriage. In India, that is a bitter pill to swallow. He worked at different jobs, including three years as a customs officer at an airport. During this time, Sarika began to have health issues, with pains in her legs and hands. Her behavior also became different, becoming troubled and quarrelsome. She sought help by going to Hindu temples and making various offerings to the idols. Ashok accompanied her, but his conscience would not allow him to join her in the temple. Eventually, they connected with some Christians who began praying for her. They discerned that an evil spirit was at work, and Sarika was set free by the power of Jesus. As a result, both she and Ashok put their full faith in the Savior.
This miracle of God’s grace launched Ashok and Sarika into ministry. They began helping Ashok’s uncle at an ECI church (OMS-founded denomination in India), serving the Lord with grateful hearts. As a shop owner, he has learned to recognize those who are struggling with trials, and he shares his faith story. Sarika has a burden for women who are under demonic influence, sharing her own story and then praying. In a neighboring village, she became aware of a field where several persons had slept and mysteriously died. One women who took rest there, did not die, but was disturbed by an evil spirt and unable to rest or sleep peacefully. Through Sarika’s loving touch and prayers she is now peaceful, happy, and has become a follower of Jesus.
Ashok has now started a house church in that village, plus another. In the second village, he met a childless couple who sought prayer. As a result of God’s gracious answer, they are now expecting. A worshiping group now meets in their home, and the husband in helping Ashok do ministry. Previously, there had been no witness of the Gospel in either of these unreached places.
Today, Sarika received Seed Sower training from Glenda and the team of OMS Dynamic Women. Ashok received a bicycle from OMS, which will be used to get out to the two villages where he and Sarika are serving together. Most evenings, after Ashok closes his shop, they go there to encourage and strengthen believers, as well as share their faith. Ashok has a vision to reach three more villages where the light of Christ has not yet begun to shine.
Please pray for fruitful ministry as new leaders are trained and persons of peace are found in new places. Join me also in asking God for the gift of a child for his faithful servants, Ashok and Sarika.
By Roger Kruse, OMS Church Multiplication Facilitator for India
*Names changed for security.