South Asia: Pray for courage

My partner and I grabbed coffee with a girl we had met on public transportation. I was amazed to see how Jesus stirred her heart in mighty ways. We shared with her the gospel and our stories.

A Bible study among South Asian believers. (Gospel for Asia Photo)When we met with her again, she said she was overwhelmed by our message, and it had completely changed her heart in two days. She keep saying, “I am a completely different person, I am a completely different person.”

She understood fully the gospel and the fact that Jesus is the only way to salvation. It was incredible. She was intrigued by God’s love and mercy.

She said the only thing that was keeping her from committing fully was that her parents were going to “kill her.” I asked her if that was literal. She repeated, “My parents would kill me.” The fear in her face was an extreme reality. She later explained that if she were to commit to Jesus, she would need to do it in secret. We gave her God’s word to read and study. She said she was going to read and cherish it. She is extremely passionate to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ.

However, a few weeks ago, I lost contact with her. She no longer was responding to my texts or phone calls. I talked with my supervisor about the disconnect, and he explained her family most likely found her Bible or her phone and destroyed it. I was very discouraged at first, however, I was confident that the Holy Spirit was working through her.

Finally, she contacted me, explaining she was compelled to study the Bible together. Praise Jesus! The Father is working mightily through her. At first, I was surprised. But then I remembered that the Holy Spirit is powerful. He is working mightily, and I should recognize that power. I am excited to hear her story and how much Jesus is working in her life. Pray God will give her courage and strength.

Rebecca, a student at the University of Texas in Austin, is serving with Go Now Missions in South Asia. Her last name is withheld for security reasons.