GFA-supported native missionaries aren't always welcome when they first enter a village for ministry, but through earnest prayer, they often see incredible breakthroughs.

When Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Balaji Dal first started ministry in the village where God had led him, he knew he had his work cut out for him . . . and that much of his labor would be on his knees.

Two anti-Christian extremist groups were active in the area, and they immediately tried to stop his ministry. Balaji was not allowed to even give out Gospel tracts, and he had to conduct prayer meetings only at night due to opposition.

Balaji was not allowed to even give out Gospel tracts, and he had to conduct prayer meetings only at night due to opposition.

But Balaji was firmly resolved in his heart to continue ministry no matter what. He spent many nights in prayer, faithfully bringing the village before the Lord. He yearned for them to know the love of the Savior he had found.

He, too, had grown up in the traditional religion of the village he spent his childhood in, not knowing any other way of life. Along with his parents and siblings, he worshipped one goddess in particular. When he was just a young boy, his mother, Rebika, showed signs of suffering from a strange sickness. As days passed by, her condition grew worse.

As a family, they went to many temples in their home state, even traveling to other states to pray for the ailing woman. But still Rebika was not healed.

Then a Christian pastor became part of the family's lives, visiting them often and sharing the hope of the Gospel with them. One day, Balaji's father poured his heart out to this pastor, telling him about the problems his wife was going through. After hearing about the family's struggles, the man encouraged them to put their trust in Jesus, who was more than able to heal any sickness.

As Balaji heard this, he responded in faith, telling the pastor that he would believe in Jesus if Jesus healed his mother.

The pastor prayed for Rebika. As he was praying, the woman began to shout and scream loudly. Immediately sensing that Rebika was demon possessed, the pastor continued to pray for her. After a few minutes, the evil spirits left her and she was delivered and healed! After seeing this miracle, Balaji and his whole family received Christ.

As a young man years later, Balaji enrolled in a Bible college to study God's Word. After graduation, he began his ministry as a GFA-supported missionary in a village in his native state in South Asia.

Despite the obstacles to sharing Christ's love in this village that was staunch in its religious practices, Balaji persevered and prayed fervently with great compassion for them. As he was faithful in prayer, he began to see the Lord work, opening the hearts of his opponents to be more accepting of his ministry.

At present, he leads prayer meetings with no opposition. Children in the village are attending the new GFA Bridge of Hope center there. And to his great joy, Balaji has seen 20 people enter into the kingdom as they have personally experienced the love of Jesus.

Please pray for Balaji to stay close to the Savior and to continue to see much fruit for the Gospel in his village. Pray, too, that the Lord will touch the hearts of the people who once opposed him.

• You can join in the prayers of missionaries like Balaji by becoming part of the GFA Prayer Team.