One Opportunity Leads to Another

Thursday - October 28th

Scripture to Read Today: Romans 12:1-8

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Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters,

in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a

living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—

this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1

Enjoy this story about a woman reached through one of Calvary's international partners. She lives in a closed country - where the Gospel cannot be preached freely. But, the Good News keeps spreading. She is a living sacrifice. We can learn a lot from her attitude. Enjoy her story and let it motivate you to love those around you every day.

"I missed out on a beautiful childhood as death took away my father. My small world which includes my mother and a brother, went through dark tunnels of life thereafter. Growing up, my heart was longing for fatherly love and care. I felt a kind of discontentment in every facet of life. I never imagined a life that is dissimilar than that." - Priti (not her real name)

Priti is 18 years old now. She comes from a small village. After the death of her father, her mother did odd jobs to provide for her two children. Their needs were barely met, and they had no peace in life.

As years passed, her mother began to suffer from physical ailments. She started taking various treatments but found no healing. This created more difficulty for the family. Priti's mother became weak and anxious about her children's future.

Around this time, Priti's mother heard about a local gathering of Christians in their nearby village. So one day, she went there to see whether there was any possibility of hope and healing for her family. On that day, she was highly encouraged as the church leader shared about peace and hope with everyone. She started attending the local gathering regularly.

As a result of everyone's strong support and prayers in the group, her mother experienced a peaceful life and healing. It was like a new beginning to them. Gradually Priti also felt peace and contentment in life. She says, "Attending the local gathering had a positive impact on my entire life. I began to richly experience my Heavenly Father's care and love and it changed my destiny forever. At the same time, I felt the need for more guidance and wisdom in my new journey of life."

In 2018, she came to know about a specific center for the training of Christian women and joined. While undergoing training, she gained more awareness and a sense of Gospel responsibility towards her family, friends, and community.

Soon after graduation, she started to work for the good of others. Her work was within a mile of her home. She met many people there who were really in need of someone's care and guidance. Her motivation and encouragement became a source of hope for many. They asked her to continue to visit their homes. Gradually, she started a local Bible Study at one of their houses. At present, more than 25 people are attending the Bible study gathering.

Lives are changing dramatically through the local gathering. Most of those that attend are daily wage workers. However, they find time to participate in the group every week.

Satyam (not his real name), a teenage boy, met with an accident and was admitted to the hospital for many days. He was seriously injured and found little hope for his survival. His parents were worried and asked Priti and the women who attend the gatherings for prayer and encouragement as they heard about their good works in the community.

Priti met Satyam's parents and encouraged them and prayed for their son. Gradually, his condition improved. His parents said, "It is the prayer and hope that did wonders in the life of our son. If Priti did not help us in this, we would have totally despaired without hope and healing."

Within 15 days, Satyam was discharged from the hospital. His family is now attending the local gathering of believers and growing with a whole new mindset and life values - centered in Christ.

Priti says this about her journey and work for the Lord:

"I did not get much time to work in the community due to the Covid- 19 pandemic. There were constant lockdowns and various restrictions in our village. So, I had to wait at home for many months.

On the other hand, people would make phone calls to seek help in their various problems. This was my God-given chance to help people.

Looking back, sometimes I wonder, how can a girl like me who gave up on dreams too early in life motivate others to find a better life in Christ? But every end has a new beginning. I have experienced that motivation and inspiration from the Lord can create a more satisfying life. So, I look forward to more opportunities in the days to come to help others meet Him."

Every follower of Christ should "look forward to more opportunities... to help others meet Him!"