INDIA
I was riding my bicycle home one day from the town of Kotpad in East Central India. The path home took me through a dense jungle area. As I approached the jungle, two young men sprang out from behind the trees, demanding, “Give us your money.” Knowing I had only 10 rupees in my bag, I handed it over to them. They checked my bag and found nothing else except my Bible. Since they didn’t find any more money, they forced me to give them my wristwatch. Then, confiscating my bicycle, they rode off in the opposite direction.
Later, as I was walking toward home, I heard someone calling from behind. When I turned around, I saw the same two young men who had robbed me earlier. I was scared to confront them, thinking they might intend to harm me. I started to run.
One of the young men riding my bicycle finally caught up with me. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “We have come to return what we stole from you.” He handed me my wrist watch and returned my bicycle. Then they proceeded to give me 1,000 rupees of their own money. Amazed, I could hardly believe what had just happened. Certainly God had intervened and changed the hearts of these two young men. God graciously spared me from any harm and gave me back my only form of transportation, allowing me to continue my ministry.
Another time, I visited a nearby village to spend some time with relatives. In the evening, I saw people excitedly gathering in a house. My curiosity was aroused, so I went to see what all the excitement was about. A Hindu priest had come to chase the devil out of a young girl. He chanted his mantras; but the more he chanted, the more the girl exhibited supernatural forces, giving her amazing physical power. The priest could not control the girl and soon declared he was helpless and could do nothing for her.
I watched for an hour as the spectacle continued. Finally, I felt it was time for me to intervene in the proceedings. I asked the girl’s parents whether I could be of some help. They laughed at me and asked,
“If the priest can’t help, what can you possibly do?”
“Don’t be afraid. We have come to return what we stole from you.”
I responded to their challenge, saying, “With God’s help, it is possible to give relief to your daughter.” They replied, “Go ahead, and try your luck.”
I stood in silent prayer, asking, “God, please allow this incident to be a witness to everyone so they will believe in You.” I asked for a glass of water and then began to pray aloud. While I was praying, the girl started yelling and became increasingly restless. She challenged me, saying, “You can do nothing about my situation.” I continued praying. When I finally said “Amen,” I took some of the water and sprinkled it on the girl’s head.
Speaking through the girl’s voice, a demon said, “I am leaving her, but I will come back soon.”
I gave the girl the remaining water to drink. Her appearance returned to normal, and she began speaking in her usual voice. The onlookers expressed surprise that the demon had left the girl. They asked, “How did you get the demon to leave her?” I told them about the powerful God I serve. Some of them have asked me to tell them more about this God, and I promised to visit them in their homes and give them Bible studies.
Please pray for me and my family as we continue to serve God in this area.
By Prabhat Mandal Samrath, Gospel Outreach Worker
Prabhat Mandal Samrath works in the village of Botignda in Odisha (Orissa) State, East Central India.