Touched by the Blessing Others Received
Photo by Gospel for Asia
Jayesh stared at the bore well. It certainly was not there before. Who had blessed this neglected community with a new well? Soon, Jayesh was standing in the middle of 60 believers, explaining why their well prompted him to travel approximately three miles so he could enter their place of worship for the very first time.
Husband Disregards Wife’s Love for Christ
Jayesh and his wife, Nirmala, lived in a neighboring village with their three children. Although Jayesh followed a traditional religion of the region, he didn’t oppose his wife’s desire to live for Jesus. He took their children to religious services that aligned with his beliefs, but he allowed Nirmala to faithfully read her Bible and pray with their children.
In South Asia, believers will often meet in homes for prayer meetings throughout the week.
Once, while visiting his Christian in-laws, Jayesh and his family attended a prayer meeting hosted in their home. They attended only one meeting, yet the kindness and friendliness of the believers made an impression on Jayesh and his 6-year-old son. A sense of peace washed over Jayesh’s heart, and he was happy while fellowshiping with the Christians. As impacted as he was, however, life continued as before when Jayesh returned home with his family.
Village Struggles Without Water, Receives Jesus Well
Close to Jayesh’s home, 300 families lived in a neighboring village. The community lacked a water source, which caused incredible difficulties for the residents. They were forced to collect water from Jayesh’s village, lugging heavy water containers back and forth nearly three miles between the villages.
Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Khain led a congregation of believers in this community, where he soon observed the problems caused by lack of water. Pastor Khain requested the village receive help, and before long, a brand-new Jesus Well stood within easy reach of the 300 families. They now had a reliable water source, as well as a reminder of God’s compassion and love for all people!
Jesus Wells often benefit many people in neighboring areas in addition to the communities in which they are drilled.
Impacting More than Just One Village
Jayesh had often travelled through this neighboring community and watched the people walk the long distance to his own village to collect water. He understood their desperate need, and when the new Jesus Well appeared, he was touched at the kindness the Christians demonstrated.
As he spoke with villagers, they shared how grateful they were for the gift of water. Respect and appreciation for Pastor Khain and other Christians grew within Jayesh. Whenever he passed the Jesus Well, his heart filled with thankfulness toward the believers. Remembering a church building he had seen many times in the village, he decided to visit the worship service.
When he arrived with his family, the believers welcomed him with more kindness. Standing up in front of everyone, Jayesh introduced himself, and then he participated in the entire service. He spoke with Pastor Khain after the service and explained how deeply the gift of the Jesus Well touched his heart and how his interest in Christ grew dramatically as a result.
Jayesh and his family (pictured) experienced God’s powerful transformation and grace, both physically and spiritually, because of a Jesus Well.
Prayers Answered, Family United in Love
While talking with Pastor Khain, Jayesh also shared how unusual chest pain troubled him and how not even the healing ceremonies of his own religion brought any relief. Pastor Khain gladly agreed to pray for Jayesh and encouraged him to trust in the Lord for healing.
Jayesh’s family began attending prayer meetings, growing in their knowledge of God and continually asking God for healing. After one month, Jayesh’s pain left completely! Rejoicing in God’s hand upon his life, Jayesh testified of his healing to all those in the fellowship and placed his full trust in Christ. Love for Jesus also grew in the hearts of his children, and soon the entire family was united in their faith.
Nirmala’s Bible and Pastor Khain provided the new believers with trustworthy guidance as Jayesh learned more about Christ, and soon both the father and his children began reading from New Testaments of their own, equipped to grow in their relationships with their Savior.
Once uninterested in Christ, Jayesh now joins believers around the world in anticipating the day he will see Jesus with unveiled eyes and worship Him for all eternity.
Share the Living Water
The simple gift of water through one Jesus Well not only met the dire need of hundreds of families, but also united an individual family, living miles away, in love for Christ. Jesus Wells stand as testimonies of God’s love and point thirsty villagers to the Living Water.
Jesus Wells are just one example of how God is transforming many communities through practical demonstrations of His love.
You can send the gift of water to other thirsty communities while also sharing the news of hope in Christ.
Donate to Clean Water
*Names of people and places may have been changed for privacy and security reasons. Images are GFA stock photos used for representation purposes and are not the actual person/location, unless otherwise noted.
