Sadhu’s Missing Son
Sadhu was a devoted Hindu, but there was one god in particular to whom he held special devotion. Many others also worshipped this god, and over the course of history, several grand temples were built for people to come and worship him.
Every year, millions of families make pilgrimages to these grand temples, and Sadhu’s family was one of them. The grand temple nearest to Sadhu’s home was around 100 miles away, at the top of a large hill. Visitors to the temple could climb a set of stairs to the top of the hill, or ride on the incline railway.
After Sadhu worshipped in the temple, he and his family decided to sit at the bottom of the hill to eat their lunch. As the family rested and chatted, Sadhu’s youngest son, five-year-old Kumaran, wandered off to play by the incline railway station. He was fascinated by all the people who were coming and going from the railway cars.
An incline railway car, much like the one at the temple where Sadhu’s son went missing.
After a while, Sadhu and his family lost sight of Kumaran, but they were sure he was near. When an hour passed and he did not return, they were no longer so so sure. The family looked all over the area for their little boy. They called out his name and asked everyone if they had seen him, but no one could help them. After two days they had to return home, distraught at the calamity that had befallen them.
When they got back, they shared with their relatives what had happened. Soon after, a JFA Bible Worker named Albert came to visit Sadhu’s relatives in their home.
“Do you have any problems or concerns I can pray for?” Albert asked.
The family shared the sad story of their young, missing relative, and asked if Albert could pray for his safe return. Albert did pray, and he told Sadhu, who was also visiting his relatives, about Jesus. He told Sadhu that Jesus loved him, and if he believed in Jesus, He would bring back his son.
Two weeks later, Sadhu just happened to run into Albert again. Albert inquired about Sadhu’s son, but they still had not found him. “I am worrying so much for him,” Sadhu said.
Again, Albert told Sadhu to believe in Jesus and He would bring back his son. This time, Sadhu decided to test Albert’s declaration.
“If you are a true God;" He prayed, "bring back my son in a week’s time.”
Although Sadhu did not know at the time, God had already started to answer his prayer. Soon after Sadhu’s family went to the temple, a Christian family also went to visit. They wanted to see the beautiful scenery near the temple and to see how the Hindus worshiped.
Sometime during the day they found a little boy, all alone, crying inconsolably. They tried to ask him his name but he was too scared and upset to answer. They found no one who looked like they could be his parents, so, not wanting to leave the child alone in a strange place, the family took him home with them. They fed him and gave him a place to sleep, but for two weeks he would not talk to them. Finally, they gained his trust and he told them who he was and where he was from.
The week after Sadhu’s prayer, he heard a knock on the door. He opened it to see a couple he had never met… and his son!
Sadhu and his wife were so happy to see Kumaran again! They knew God had answered his prayer and they believed that Jesus had brought him home through the kindness of these strangers. Now Sadhu fully believes in the God of heaven. He is attending church with his family and he has removed all the pictures of the Hindu gods from the home.
“Praise the Lord and all Glory to Him,” Sadhu said, and we agree.
We serve an all-powerful, all-knowing God who loves each person on Earth more than we can imagine. He cares about our needs, our concerns and our distresses. And when we bring our burdens to Him, we know that He hears us.
Even before Sadhu prayed, God already sent a Christian family to find his son. Can you think of a time when God has answered your prayers before you’ve asked?
Please pray for Sadhu’s family as they continue to grow in faith and for our Bible Workers, like Albert, who are faithfully working to share the Gospel with their people.
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