The Missing Photographs

Representative Photo

Written by Julie Mesa

God’s voice is often heard more clearly in the midst of trial and His appeal more readily accepted. This was the case with a couple whom our JFA Bible Workers recently met in Valiodai, India.

One day some JFA Bible Workers visited a photo studio, hoping to share the gospel with the owner. This particular studio belonged to a man named Jebaraj and his wife. They listened willingly to what the Bible Workers shared but seemed very distressed. When the Bible Workers offered to pray for them, the couple readily agreed, asking for special prayer concerning a difficult situation they were facing.

A year and a half ago they had accepted a contract to film a wedding, which was attended by various political party members and other influential leaders in society. The event was considered an extremely important one and all the details had to be meticulously planned. Jebaraj and his wife were careful to do their best.

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us.”

After the wedding they took all the film back to their studio and began transferring it from their camera to an external hard drive. To their dismay, something unexplainable happened, all the data was lost in the transfer. Worried, they retained some hope that it could be restored by a team of experts. Quickly they packaged the program and sent it out to all the major technicians in town. But nothing could be recovered. It was lost and they were dejected.

When the family involved in the marriage found out that the film was lost, they were very angry and wanted to sue Jebaraj and his studio. The couple feared they would lose everything.

The Bible Workers listened sympathetically to their plight and encouraged them to have faith in Jesus. They shared about Jesus' power to make all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). Then they poured out their hearts to God, asking Him to work a miracle. After prayer the Bible Workers promised to come back.

Several days later they returned and were greeted with great excitement. “That very week you prayed with us,” Jebaraj exclaimed, “the deleted data was restored!” The couple was convinced that it was a supernatural power which had worked on their behalf. They accepted the Bible Workers' offer to study the Bible with them. Eventually this led to both Jebaraj and his wife accepting Jesus and being baptized. Please continue to keep them and our Bible workers in your prayers.

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us.” 1 John 5:14