Malika suffered for her faith, but she desires to raise her son to love the Lord. |
Malika Singh, 26, was pregnant with her first child when her husband divorced her. The problems within their marriage began when she prayed to receive salvation in Jesus Christ.
Malika’s faith started as tiny seeds planted by her older sister, Sajala, who had come to Christ years earlier. Malika’s heart softened the more she heard her sister speak of Him until she decided to learn for herself and started to regularly attend church. But while her faith was still growing, her parents arranged her marriage to a man of a different religion.
Taken away from the teaching and fellowship of Christians, Malika set aside the teachings of the church and worshipped the deities that her new husband followed. But there was no peace in her life or marriage. She bluntly questioned these gods and goddesses.
“Why am I not getting peace in my mind?” she asked them.
She fasted and prayed for an answer, but no reply ever came.
For two years, this unsettled war continued in Malika’s heart until she could bear it no longer. Sajala, who knew of her younger sister’s struggle, came to her once again. She told Malika that if she would repent and receive Jesus into her life, she would have peace and her heart would be free.
Eagerly, Malika surrendered her life to Christ. She stopped worshiping her husband’s idols and went back to the prayer meetings and church activities with her sister. In return, the Lord filled her heart with the peace and joy she was yearning for.
But as her inner turmoil disappeared, conflicts in her marriage and family relationships erupted.
When her husband divorced her because of her faith, Malika had no choice but to return to her parents’ home. But they were no better and tortured her mentally and physically because of her decision to follow Jesus.
Malika stayed with Sajala for a little while, during which time she gave birth to her son. A month later, she went back to live with her parents, hoping things would be different, but they still treated her with disdain.
Today, Malika remains with her parents, but her situation is difficult. Her brother wants her to leave, and she isn’t allowed to cook food for herself. Her entire family has begun to ignore her. However, none of these circumstances have swayed Malika. She continues to remain steadfast in her faith and her love for the Lord.
Malika requests prayer that her family and her husband will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. She also needs prayers for her future and her son’s future, as Asian society makes life difficult for single mothers.
