From Diverse Backgrounds to Personal Salvation
Philipose Vaidyar
Communicating the Gospel is a vital mission, but we must
consider how and why someone should embrace it. Should we exert effort to
convince the hearer, or leave the rest to the Creator of the universe, who is
interested in each one knowing Him? It's essential to remember that we are mere
communicators; the true guide to faith is God Himself, and His Spirit acts as
the Counselor. He operates effectively, irrespective of the magnitude of our
efforts or even without them.
In the ever-evolving fabric of faith, there exists a
universal yearning—a deep, innate desire within the human spirit to seek and
connect with the Creator of the universe. This desire transcends cultural
boundaries, weaving together a symphony of individual journeys, each uniquely
guided by the hand of the Divine. In this article, we embark on a captivating
exploration of personal encounters with faith, from various corners of the
world to the profound moments when seekers encountered Jesus himself,
demonstrating the deep power of divine intervention in the lives of
believers.
The Mysteries of a
Tribal Pastor's Extraordinary Faith Journey
Devaraj, a senior pastor hailing from the Badaga indigenous
community, has graced various churches, including English congregations nestled
in the picturesque Nilgiris. Having had the privilege of meeting him and
entering his abode, I was compelled to inquire about his spiritual journey -
how he, from a tribal background, encountered the Lord and embraced the Christian
faith. What ensued was a captivating narrative that highlighted divine election
and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit in leading individuals to a
profound understanding and unwavering faith in the Almighty God.
Rev. Devaraj's journey commenced during his boyhood when he
spotted a clergyman donning clerical attire visiting a neighbor's home. A
latent curiosity stirred within him, propelling him to engage with the priest.
He waited by the street, eventually seizing the opportunity to approach the
pastor upon his exit. Expressing his desire to know more about God, the pastor
warmly invited him to further discussions. However, a mix-up followed as
Devaraj inadvertently found himself at a Catholic church mission house.
Undeterred, he persisted and eventually located the intended pastor, a CSI
clergyman. Their meeting was providential, marked by the pastor's heartfelt
welcome and a deep conversation about faith.
Devaraj's interest grew, leading him to attend the church's
Sunday service. There, two seasoned men took notice of the young seeker and
undertook the noble task of nurturing him in the ways of the Word. Remarkably,
Devaraj's journey wasn't shaped by external influence or incentives; he
thirsted for knowledge, delving into literature, history, and everything around
him. Devaraj's pursuit led him to the Creator in his unique way. As the Bible
reminds us, "Seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to
you."
Unni's Secret Journey
to Salvation: A Tale of Faith, Family, and Hidden Struggles
The stories of faith stretch across a spectrum of
backgrounds. Unni came to know his savior during his college studies in
Kottayam. He was compelled to flee his home as his father pursued him with a
chopper upon hearing of Unni's newfound faith in Jesus. A few decades later,
however, Unni's family began to comprehend his transformation, with many
eventually experiencing the salvation he had found.
From Vivekananda to the
Bible - A Journey Cloaked in Mystery
Babu Narayan, once an employee at a tire company in Madurai,
was a religious performer at the company. He happened to read a book by Swami
Vivekananda, where he mentions the claims of Jesus that He is God. This
exploration eventually led him to the reading of the Bible and a profound
transformation. It ultimately led to the excommunication of Babu from his
household. But Babu was determined to follow the newfound faith and also
committed to witnessing. He started to serve among beggars and later moved into
pastoring. Despite initial family opposition, his mother later followed her son
and began to stay with him. She had a peaceful old age with him and passed away
peacefully with the hope of eternal life.
Ravikumar's Unforeseen
Encounter: The Mystery of Divine Intervention in the Quest to Disprove Faith
Ravikumar, initially began reading the
Bible with the intent of challenging his friend's belief that Jesus is the Holy
Son of God and the sole savior. However, as he delved into the Gospel of John,
Ravi found himself reaching a momentous juncture where he personally
encountered Jesus and accepted Him through what appeared to be a divine
intervention. Ravikumar faced many challenges in life and pursued his journey in
faith.
The Hidden Power of
Personal Testimony: A Revelation That Sparked an Unpredictable Flame of Faith
As for me, my personal revelation dawned as I listened to a
testimony being shared. No one had shared the gospel with me personally or explained
the need for a personal commitment before that, even though I had attended
Sunday school classes. This experience highlighted the integral role personal
testimony plays in kindling the flame of faith. Sharing the gospel is a
commandment and mission we are entrusted with, but the ministry of the Holy
Spirit is what truly guides individuals toward salvation.
In the grand embroidery of faith, the diversity of
backgrounds and the individual journeys converge into a symphony orchestrated
by the Creator Himself. The pursuit of the divine is universal, and the Holy
Spirit, our divine guide, continues to call hearts until time's end. The
invitation to seek, the promise that knocking will open doors - these are
timeless assurances.
In closing, a few passages from the Bible aptly capture the
essence of these stories:
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near
to you." (James 4:8)
“Ask, and it will be given to you;
seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks,
the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8).
"Unless the Father who sent me
extends His divine invitation, no one can approach me, and I will grant them
resurrection on the final day." (John 6:44)
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This verse in the Gospel of John highlights the principle
that people are brought into the realm of faith through a divine beckoning and
attraction initiated by God the Father.
To journey in faith, to draw near to the Creator of the
universe, is a profound blessing that transcends all backgrounds and empowers
us to walk in faith.
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