Medha was excited when she heard that a Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope center was soon to be established in her village in Uttar Pradesh, India. It meant the possibility of a job to help support her poor family.
Medha, 30, lives near a famous pilgrimage site. Sages dressed in flowing yellow robes with long beards are commonly seen, and until recently, no Christians lived in the area.
Although Medha followed her people’s traditional religion, she eagerly sought out the man in charge of the center, native missionary Ranjit, who invited her to interview with the Bridge of Hope leadership. These were Medha’s first-ever interactions with Christians, and she was very impressed with their gentle and loving ways.
When the Bridge of Hope center opened, Medha accepted the job as cook. After preparing the meal for the children each day, she attended the Bridge of Hope programs along with the boys and girls. She quietly learned the songs and listened to the stories about Jesus. As time went by, she grew increasingly interested in the teachings of the Bible. Then one day she attended a Sunday worship service at the Bridge of Hope center and gave her life to Jesus.
As Medha continued to go to the services, her husband and mother-in-law began to oppose her, threatening and pressuring her to return to her former religion. Ranjit visited their home a number of times to explain the Gospel, and eventually the entire family came to believe in Jesus.
All now regularly attend services at the new church in Medha’s village—near the pilgrimage area known for its fervent followers. Medha continues to grow in the Lord and is now one of the leaders of the women’s fellowship group at the church.
Ranjit asks for prayer, that God would bless Medha and help her to become a role model, both for her family and for others in the ladies fellowship group.