SEND! magazine Second Half 2008: The Volleyball Door
The Volleyball Door
"Will you come and join our game?" These were the words Gospel for Asia native missionaries Puru Nilay and Jigar Miland had been waiting to hear. Finally, they might have a breakthrough—and it was happening through volleyball.
Part of a film team in Bihar, India, the two missionaries wanted to show a movie about the life of Christ in this village. Unfortunately, other missionaries had tried to share the Gospel there for about eight years with no success.
Controlled by alcohol and gambling, the villagers lived in deep poverty. With hard hearts, they rejected anyone who reached out with the hope of the Gospel.
Puru and Jigar decided to visit the village and look for a good location to show their film. That's when they noticed the group of young men playing volleyball in a field.
Sensing that it would be good to meet these young people, they walked up and began watching the game. After a while, someone invited Puru and Jigar to join. Delighted for the opportunity to build some relationships, they eagerly accepted.
Afterward, the young men asked Puru and Jigar to come back and play every day. The missionaries knew the Lord had opened an unconventional door. Through each volleyball game, their friendships grew, and these young men soon began asking Puru and Jigar about what made them different.
"We are Christians," the missionaries told them. "We follow Jesus and share His love with others by showing a film about Him."
Intrigued, the young men asked Puru and Jigar to show the film in their village. The missionaries asked about the possible opposition and danger.
"Don't worry," their friends responded. "We'll support you."
The night of the film show arrived—an opportunity to share the Gospel that was eight long years in coming.
From the start to when the credits rolled, everyone watched intently. Many villagers came to Puru and Jigar afterward, wanting to know more about Jesus. The missionaries shared about the love of Christ and also prayed for those who were hurting and sick.
Today, a number of villagers have been transformed by the love of Jesus, and Puru and Jigar have started a Bible study in that village. They continue to walk through doors the Lord opens for the film ministry—even when that door is volleyball!
