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From Guru to Tea Shop Preacher
Singh Tarang walked away from the cremation field, dazed after three days of meditation. He went straight to the nearby temple of the goddess Kali. While he worshiped before the statue, he finally felt relief from the ringing and music that tortured his head. He had been instructed by a yogi to do this for deliverance from the demonic attacks he faced.
However, he was now under the power of the goddess. Singh found a guru, a devoted spiritual leader, and followed him for five years. When his guru's health began failing, Singh was appointed to take his place.
Only 22 years old, Singh was looked up to and even worshiped. Gradually his followers increased to 1,500. But Singh's mind slowly filled with questions. Other gurus devoted themselves to Krishna or Buddha. Which was right?
The answer came from a man named Tamik. A former "holy man," Tamik understood Singh's devotion—and its emptiness. Tamik shared with Singh about his need for salvation, and a Scripture verse sparked his attention.
"Jesus is the way," the missionary read to him. Singh listened, wanting answers to his questions, but not ready to make such a drastic change.
Tamik continued visiting Singh. At the same time, Singh's wife pointed out the difference she could see in the lives of those who accepted the Lord.
"We've seen a lot of people", she told him, "when they become Christians, their lives change a lot. They are doing something very good."
Tamik gave the family a Bible and helped them study it for a few months. One day the Lord opened Singh's eyes to his real need for salvation, that Jesus was the only way. Singh gave his life to the Lord.
After he received Christ, Singh's followers were enraged—they planned to beat him and burn his house. Singh fled to the nearby GFA Bible college, where he was given a job for his protection. At the same time, he was able to study.
Singh was burdened with an intense desire to reach his previous followers with the Gospel. By God's grace, he planted three churches soon after graduating from the Bible college. He now supervises other missionaries and continues to preach. He can often be found at tea shops sitting and talking with men who have no sense of purpose in life.
There are a few from among his former followers who have received salvation, including his mother. Sometimes he faces problems from those who are still angry at his decision to follow Christ, but his deep desire is to see each one of them find the hope he found in Jesus.
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