Along with his regular job, Durjaya often trekked into the forest to collect firewood to support his family. It was one of these times, as he and two men were loading the wood onto a boat to bring home, when a tiger suddenly attacked Durjaya from behind and killed him. The other two men, unable to save their friend from the attack, ran to safety and gave Sahoj the grave news.
Sahoj lost all hope when they told her what happened.
“What shall I do now?” she asked. “Who will look after my family? There is no one who will support and sustain us in our times of difficulty. How will I take care of my children?”
For the next two decades, Sahoj struggled to lead her family alone, until one day, a visitor came to her doorstep.
The woman at the door introduced herself as Ballari. Sahoj couldn’t help but notice the kindness in the woman’s voice as she spoke. In Sahoj’s culture, society often blames a widow for the death of her husband, whether it happened by accident, illness or natural causes. As a widow, to be treated poorly was not uncommon for Sahoj.
The kind demeanor of this Sister of Compassion missionary comforted Sahoj. The heavy-hearted widow told Ballari all about the struggles of her life. When she finished, Sister Ballari told her something Sahoj didn’t expect.
“Jesus Christ loves you very much, and He will take care of you and your children,” Ballari said.
The woman’s encouragement brought about a change in Sahoj’s life. At that moment, hope replaced her worry, and happiness filled her heart.
Afterward, a body of believers at a church led by a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor gave her a gift of blankets and started to support her financially. The believers there continue to attend to Sahoj’s needs with a supply of rice and dal (lentils). They even gave her 10 ducks, which allows Sahoj to earn some income by selling the eggs.
Sahoj happily attends this church fellowship and thanks God for His provision. She praises God for using the church to, as she says, “wipe away the tears of widows like me.”
See how Gospel for Asia’s women’s literacy program taught one woman how to read.
sister, may the God of all grace and mercy bless you and your family, til Jesus comes again. God says “i will never leave you or forsake you.” we will have trials, but God is our constant companion. stay on the battlefield for God dear sister. He will return soon.
It just warms my heart and I feel moved to tears to read of the kindness GFA offers to all especially widows. I pray for Sahoj and thank the Lord for His blessings upon her family and GFA.
God is our refuge he sustains us when we are in trouble, thank you Jesus for the Blessings given to Sahoj.
I’ve been praying for the widows of Asia. That the people will have a change of heart towards them.For the Lord to heal them from all their pain. It’s very nice to hear this story. Thank you. And yes there are many trials. And yes God is with us through them all.
God is returning soon to bring all believers into a new earth and new heaven. Bless you for believing! The blessed will be on board. The weak and poor will be the strong in the new world. The change has started, HIS plan is coming into being already. God Bless!
This is so moving. Thank you, GFA, for living out the gospel and making such a profound difference in Sahoj’s and her children’s lives. I pray this story encourages many.
Thank you for being Gods hands and feet to go to others. The two high commands from God was to take care of the Widows and the poor. She is both and so they are doing both and I praise God for them being there and helping. God tells us to thank and praise HIM continually. That seems easy as HE taught me how to do that. Every step I take might not happen if I had no legs, or just one leg or had them both but they would not work. This could go on with every thing we have and what other do not have. Thank you Gospel of Asia may God bless you abundantly.
Who was it that said, ” May my heart be broken by that which breaks the heart of God”. May I practice – at the very least – True Religion, which is to care for widows and orphans. Gospel for Asia, your reward is great in heaven!
A wonderful event, not just a story but this was an event that changed her life forever. How can a soul come into contact with our Lord Jesus Christ and not be moved? So often I hear folks say that they will teach and preach but humans are not just spirit, we are also flesh and blood. It’s hard for someone to listen when they are hungry or cold. A glass of water to the thirsty, a bowl of soup, a warm blanket, when we are blessed of God and comfortable, let’s not forget about the needy.
What a horrible thing to have happen, I am so glad that they were able to reach out to you and give you a hand and to show you love and compassion, like it should be widows are suppose to be shown love and compassion not adversity. shame on those who did such things to you and may you know the constant love of our savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging story today – a reminder that God is faithful in His love and care for the widows and orphans. The Good News that Jesus loves us, makes such a wonderful difference, bringing light, hope, and joy! That’s how Jesus introduced the Gift of Eternal Life to Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world…” (John 3: 16).
I thank God so much for His hand upon GFA. Everytime I read these heart touching testimonies, I always ask God to help me to be able to give to support His work in Asia. May God strengthen and increase His presence with everyone in this harvest field. May His countenace continue to shine upon you His laborers. Amen!!!
What a wonderful God we serve… and what beautiful hands and feet of those who beacon His call!
Thank You, God. …
Our loving Father is so great. He humbles other Christian so they can grow in what they do” THE lORD’S WORK”. We have to remember that we are all GODS children and were put here on earth first to worship him and then help his other children to know who our LORD Father really is. He is so loving,compassionate, and most of all forgiving. Gospel For Asia please keep up the good work. We will keep supporting you financially and with prayers. GOD BLESS YOU ALL OUT THERE.