A Goldsmith Turns to Jesus
December 3, 2008
Like Bansi, Dalits all over India are forced to do back-breaking labor for meager wages. |
Bansi was surrounded by gold, but he lived in the depths of poverty. Like all of the other Dalits who lived in his village, Bansi was a goldsmith. He toiled each day in a factory in Maharashtra, India, preparing the precious metal to be shipped to stores across the country. The long hours of hard labor only amounted to a meager salary, and at the bottom of India's caste system, Bansi was treated like dirt.
Then, to add to the tremendous burden, Bansi became sick.
Sharp pains shot through his abdomen. He could hardly take the severe pain. Bansi hoped the pain would subside, but as time passed, it only increased.
Trusting in his traditional gods, Bansi worshipped and made sacrifices to them in hopes that they would hear his prayers and heal his body. When that didn't work, Bansi consulted medical doctors, but they couldn't figure out what was causing the excruciating pain either.
Finally, one of Bansi's friends suggested that he go to the church where Gospel for Asia missionary Lakshman serves as pastor and ask for prayer. Desperate for help, Bansi took the advice and went to a worship service.
When Bansi came through the doors, Lakshman and the believers immediately welcomed him and listened to his situation. When they heard about his illness, they gathered around him and lifted his health up to the Lord.
Within a few days, Bansi's pain was completely gone. He was healed!
After seeing the incredible power of Jesus at work in his life, Bansi decided to follow Him. Today, he is committed to sharing his testimony of God's faithfulness with everyone he meets.
Lakshman requests prayer that through Bansi's testimony, many will come to know the saving love of Jesus. He also asks for prayer that all of Bansi's family will follow Christ, too.
