Many in Asia turn to witch doctors, like Leena’s father, with their problems. |
Chants and sacrifices were normal events in Leena’s world. Her father was a famous witch doctor and diviner. People from the village came to him so that he could perform poojas (symbolic rituals) and pray to their traditional gods for healing. But none of his prayers were as fervent as those he cried out for his own daughter, Leena, who was born mute.
Even though her dad tried to cure her through his witchcraft, Leena never showed signs of getting better. Somehow, the same ceremonies that seemed to help other villagers had no effect on Leena. Her father’s frustration was what eventually led the family to Gospel for Asia missionary Sudhir.
When Sudhir first came to Leena’s village, her witch doctor father strongly opposed him. But longing to find healing for his daughter, he humbled himself and went to Sudhir’s church. He only had one request for this Christian missionary—the witch doctor wanted Sudhir to pray to his God to heal Leena.
The Lord heard Sudhir’s prayer and healed Leena. The words that poured out of this little girl’s mouth were proof enough for this witch doctor and his family that Jesus was the one true God. Nearly everyone in the family chose to follow Christ.
This desperate father turned his back on his life of poojas and prayers to idols. Now he leads his family as they worship and follow Christ.