Family Receives New Life in Manipur

Anita's home life in Manipur, North India, was anything but peaceful. Far from nurturing and cherishing her, Anita's husband, Suraj, often picked quarrels with her. He drank heavily, and she would dread the moments he would come in and beat her. Sadly, this was a daily occurrence.

Her life had become little more than a struggle to make it from one day to the next . . . and to somehow be there for their two small children. There was one small piece of joy in the family's lives—their older child was enrolled in Gospel for Asia's Bridge of Hope program, receiving love, tutoring and a nutritious meal each day.

And Jathniel, a local Gospel for Asia-supported missionary, looked with compassion on the family's sad plight. He would regularly invite Suraj and Anita to attend a special evangelistic camp the church held during the summer months.

Finally, Suraj decided they would attend. As the couple took part in the camp, both were touched as they heard about the love of Jesus. Drawn by this great love, they confessed their need for a Savior and received Christ in their hearts.

Three days after the camp ended, Suraj went back Jathniel and shared how his life had turned around. Now he was filled with peace and joy. No longer did he have to seek to fill his emptiness with alcoholism, wife abuse or the many gods that, like most in his village, he had once worshipped.

Jathniel rejoiced to hear of this wonderful transformation. At Suraj's special request, Jathniel and two other believers visited his home to help remove paraphernalia related to their former religion. That same day, they also spent time in prayer with the family, in a home that was now a Christian home.

Suraj and Anita, along with their children, now frequent the local church that Jathniel pastors. Their lives are filled with joy, not turmoil. Please pray for their spiritual growth, and that they will be faithful to spend time daily in God's Word and prayer.