Names changed for security purposes.
Growing up in South Asia, Vijay was deeply committed to Hinduism. He even became a Hindu holy man and the leader of a local monastery.
One day, Vijay became ill, and his health gradually declined over the weeks. As a holy man, he tried reciting all the prayers and mantras he knew, but nothing seemed to work. He turned to occult practices, and still nothing. Then he sought out modern medicine and received expensive treatments that left him and his family financially destitute.
Still, nothing was working. His illness only got worse.
Finally, he met a Christ follower, who invited Vijay over to his house church for prayer. Desperate, Vijay agreed to go, even though it went against his beliefs. As the Christ follower prayed, Vijay was profoundly moved by the words of Matthew 11:28: “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’”
Vijay decided that he wanted to go to Jesus for rest, and he gave his life to Christ that day. Miraculously, he was immediately healed from his illness! When Vijay returned home, he left the monastery and proclaimed the gospel to others in his community.
Today, Vijay is still sharing his testimony and receiving training from East-West field workers. He and the disciples he has multiplied have planted more than 100 churches in their city. Their vision is to see the gospel spread and churches multiply in every district of the city.
“‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’” -Matthew 11:29-30
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