SEND magazine First Quarter 2007: Roadblocks into Stepping Stones

Roadblocks into Stepping Stones

Gospel for Asia Bible college students Gaurika, Lochana and Sadhana knew God was calling them to share the Good News with the Oraon people. These young women also knew they would face seemingly insurmountable obstacles if they answered God's calling—but they were willing to go forward so the Oraon people could hear about the love of Jesus.

In only their first month with the Oraons, the three students endured crushing hardships, but they turned each one into a stepping stone of faith to share the Gospel.

The language barrier was their first obstacle. Gaurika, Lochana and Sadhana spoke Bengali. The 2.6 million Oraons, who trace their roots back to the original inhabitants of the Indian Subcontinent, speak the ancient language of their forefathers.

Gaurika, Lochana and Sadhana were undeterred. They simply leaned on the Holy Spirit to help them be understood.

The harsh living conditions were another obstacle. The tribe's homeland is in far North India, wedged between Nepal and Bhutan, near the border with China. The weather can be extremely hot, with periods of sudden, drenching rains. They learned to rely on God to sustain them despite their discomfort.

The women also endured several cycles of severe illness. As one would recover, another would fall ill. Gaurika was even hospitalized after contracting a rare strain of malaria.

In the midst of the struggles, they held tight to their vision. They had nightly prayer meetings and spent their days building friendships with the women. The strategy worked, and soon Gaurika, Lochana and Sadhana were being invited into homes.

At one house, they met a bedridden man and immediately committed themselves to fast and pray for him. God answered their prayers, and he was completely healed. His recovery brought great joy, and the happiness doubled when he, his relatives and three other families who witnessed his healing all received Jesus as their Savior.

The news spread, and the women's nightly prayer meetings became very popular. The people wanted to learn more about Jesus, and the missionaries were glad to tell them.

Today, Gaurika, Lochana and Sadhana continue working with love and zeal among the Oraon. Their motto is, "When the battle is the Lord's, the victory is ours." They are grateful that God gave them grace to overcome the obstacles so they can now see hearts changed for the Savior.