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Wrapped up in this simple, sturdy church building in South Asia are months of heartfelt prayer—and a labor of love by its congregation. Their journey was marked with many opportunities for prayer and growth in trusting God.
The church had humble beginnings. Jayesh Verma, a GFA-supported missionary, started ministering in the village about 10 years ago.
As hearts were being drawn to the Savior, he started holding prayer meetings in various homes. And as the work grew, the need arose for a Sunday worship service, so Jayesh rented a house and they began to gather there.
Then they outgrew the rental and met for a while in a thatched-roof structure. But water leaked through the roof in the monsoon season. "One day we were worshiping the Lord, and it was raining and we all were wet," recalls a church leader. "Though it was difficult for us, we were very happy."
While this congregation waited for a church building, they continued to seek the Lord. Several GFA-supported missionaries joined them in prayer as well.
The Lord provided land to build a church on, but it was not level and the locals used it for a dump. But the believers and pastor worked hard to level the land and made it desirable.
The believers continued their labor of love, volunteering their time on construction. Then the church was completed, and they joyously stepped inside this sturdy building—a beautiful testimony of a God who answers prayer.
Every Saturday, the women in the church gather for prayer and worship. They lift up personal and ministry-related prayer needs to the Lord.
After their meeting, they clean the church building and grounds before the Sunday worship service. It’s a labor of love they are glad to offer in this building that is an answer to their prayers.
Having a church building of their own has given this congregation a more established presence in the community, and several families have been added to the church since the building was dedicated.
The believers are so grateful the Lord has given them a safe haven to worship their Savior, even during the rainy season.
And it's given their congregation room to grow.
date posted 04/13/2010