Prayer Brought Him Back

A Bible Worker Story

Representative photo

Written by Julie Mesa

Esther comes from a small town in South India. She was born, the only girl, to a Hindu family. Her birth likely brought some joy, though not as much as if she had been a boy. In Hindu culture, where males are considered an integral part of society, the birth of a girl brings little more than the hope of a good match. But in heaven there was great rejoicing, because her Maker – who had formed her from the womb (Isaiah 44:24) – had great plans for Esther.

As time passed, Esther grew dissatisfied with a religion where the best that could be hoped for was endless reincarnation. As Esther looked for answers she was introduced to God and began attending a local Christian church. There she felt the first stirrings of joy.

A few years later Esther was old enough to marry. As is the custom in much of India, her parents selected her future husband. They chose carefully from one of the relatives, with hopes that their daughter’s marriage would bring good fortune for all. Esther hoped for happiness. But after marriage, she was not permitted to attend church.

"What will I do for food? How
can I survive?"
she cried.
No answers came.

At the birth of her firstborn son, happiness filled her heart. Heartache quickly followed when he fell sick and had to be hospitalized. As he improved, she was hopeful. But his recovery was only temporary.

The first few distressing days turned into weeks and he was never well for long. Esther was sick with worry. She wondered whether her son would ever improve and if she would be happy again.

Into the midst of this turmoil came another trial. Arriving home from the hospital one evening, she found her husband gone. “What will I do for food? How can I survive?” she cried. No answers came. 

On one especially hopeless day, she made a short foray outside the hospital and ran into two JFA Bible Workers. Noting her distress, they gently asked, “Are you ok?” The tears started and she poured out the whole story of her son’s illness and husband's departure. 

“May we pray for your family?” they asked.

“Please do!”, she sobbed. Their prayer was beautiful, and hope sprang up in her heart.

“Sister, have faith in Jesus,” they said, “He is the heavenly Physician who heals diseases and mends broken relationships. Don’t worry. Just take time to pray. God will hear and answer your prayers in a way that will make you happy. We will also come and pray with you if you would like.”

"I would really like that!” she exclaimed. 

The JFA Bible Workers came every day and prayed with Esther. Their time began with the reading of some beautiful promises such as Psalms 91, Isaiah 58:10, and Psalms 34:10. Then they prayed, thanking God for His blessings, and laying out their requests before Him. Those meetings were precious seasons, filled with lessons about how to lean on Jesus.

Three months later Esther heard a sound at the door. Peeking around the corner, she almost fainted. It was her husband! He had come home. Tears sprang up in her eyes. She no longer needed to be the sole provider for her family. God had surely answered her prayer!  

For several months she studied and prayed with the sisters from JFA. At the end of that time Esther committed her life fully to Jesus and was baptized. She now fellowships each week at the local Seventh-day Adventist church. Her faith in God grows stronger each day and her heart has found happiness in the love of Jesus.

Please continue to pray for Esther and her family, especially her son's health, and others like her who are being reached by our Bible Workers.