Ministering through Tragedy
March 25, 2009
Shanties like these were the villagers' only shelter from the harsh elements. |
When Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Moti Niraj heard the news, he knew he had to be strong. Ten desperately poor families who attended his church had just lost their homes, and they were devastated. But with the Lord's strength, Moti worked long hours counseling the believers and reaching out to other villagers whose homes were bulldozed, too.
The 10 believers, along with 30 other families, had been struggling to survive, clinging to their small shanties for comfort and shelter. They had set up their makeshift homes on vacant government land and lived there for quite some time without incident. Finally, the government issued them several warnings to move—stating that the land was going to be developed for a railroad.
Without the resources to move, the families had no choice but to stay, hoping that the government would change its mind. But plans went forward, and all of their homes were demolished by work crews.
When Moti received word about the incident, he immediately went and comforted the believers. Even though the incident scattered this small congregation, he stayed and continued serving the Lord in that area. As the villagers saw the peace and joy that Moti had through Christ, four more of the families decided to follow Him as well.
Even through these incredibly difficult times, the Lord worked through Moti. His encouragement blessed the villagers, and they know that even if their earthly circumstances never change, they have the hope of heaven in their future.
