SEND magazine First Quarter 2007: Strength through Fire
Strength through Fire
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"I didn't know what was going on," Rati says of the day seven years ago when she learned her husband had been arrested. She was home with their two children while Manja was out doing ministry during the day, as he always did. But this evening, Manja wouldn't come home.
Rati eventually learned that Manja had discovered a body that day along the trail. He was arrested and accused of being the murderer after reporting it to the police, who were already suspicious of Manja's ministry activities.
When the murder charges led to a 20-year prison sentence—also sentencing Rati to 20 years apart from her husband—she was left with a choice.
In Nepali culture, it would not be unusual if Rati had left Manja for another man when he was imprisoned. But her trust in the Lord kept her strong, as well as the memory of the day eight years before when she became Manja's wife.
"Even though I was very, very young, in our wedding ceremony, I made a promise," Rati says. "I made a promise that 'Unless death separates us, I will not separate from you.' "
She has chosen to remain faithful to her husband, praying for him, visiting him, and waiting for his return.
Staying Strong
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Faced with the prospect of caring for their seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter alone, Rati clung to God's Word.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
"These are promises I hold onto," Rati says. The strength she found has helped her not only stay faithful to her husband and her Lord, but proactively take on the ministry her husband was forced to leave behind.
"I've prayed even up to midnight that the Lord may use my life in place of my husband," Rati shares. And she means it. She has attended a Gospel for Asia Bible college to prepare for this challenge, and now she has many opportunities to share the hope that has sustained her through such difficulty.
Rati teaches the kindergarten class at a Bridge of Hope center, and on Fridays after school she joins an outreach team to bring the Gospel house-to-house, giving out literature and praying for the sick and demon-possessed. She believes very strongly in women's ministry at her church, training up more women to reach out in their communities and earn money in creative ways to fund other outreaches.
But she doesn't consider her ministry independent. She is eagerly awaiting the day when Manja will again take his place in their family.
"While my husband is in prison, I carry the ministry until he comes out, so that as a family we will continue together," Rati explains.
The Christians in her area—many from the churches Manja planted—have gathered around her in support and encouragement. Rati says they have been an invaluable source of help to her.
"Obviously there are times when I become very lonely. But I believe God's blessing is on our side," she says with conviction.
"I know my husband will come out of prison one day. So seeing this hope, I overcome my frustration and loneliness."
Even though he is separated from her, Manja encourages and strengthens her during their regular visits.
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"The Lord has given me such a wonderful husband, even though he is not physically close to me."
And although Manja can't do the ministry that Rati has taken on, a whole new mission field has opened up to him. Manja has been appointed a prison medical assistant and has been able to complete an education degree. He leads a Bible study and has won more than 35 people to Christ.
"God is sovereign," Rati says. "The prison could never be reached with the Gospel unless someone goes and lives there."
Even through the emotional battering of repeated trials, appeals and failed requests for Manja's release, Rati has held firmly to the Lord. She is raising her children in that hope, and as precious years fly by, she knows that it is God who is in control.
"I believe that if we go through the fire, the Lord prepares our soul," she says. "So all this process is fire, and I want to be faithful to my promise. And I know the Lord is going to bless our family."
Learn more about Rati, her life and ministry here.
