Thanks a lot for remembering us in your prayers that indeed enable us to remain firm and strong in faith. It is true that through your prayers, God is continuously opening the doors for us to proclaim the mystery and good news of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I went to a local vegetable shop. The shopkeeper named, R____, is quite friendly. While giving me the vegetables, he came closer to me and said, "Sir, I need your help. Would it be possible for you to do so?"
I saw the grief and distress on his face. I was completely unsure that what kind of help he is going to demand. The first thought came to my mind that probably he will ask me for some contact to acquire employment for himself or for his relative. But by the way he whispered into my ears and asked me secretly, I was a bit surprised. So I replied, "Brother, I will try my best to help you if that would be possible for me."
Then he said, "Come inside the shop!" He forgot about other customers standing outside.
Once inside he expressed his distress saying, "Sir, I have heard from someone that you Christian people acquire the spiritual powers or some special thing. You see I have started my business for a third time, and there is no blessing. If you could give me some special thing, I will put that in my shop and will be blessed."
Once again I saw the desperation on his face. I smiled and said, "Brother, I don't have any magical wand or special spiritual power within me. It is just the special relation with our Creator and God which blesses us, and our works, and which makes us a blessing for others."
This time he looked surprised, as I continued to say, "See, if the president of Pakistan knows you personally, wouldn't that make a difference in your life? And what if his only son, B____, is your fast, or dear friend, wouldn't that be great?"
Now, if your fast friend says to you, 'Dear friend, if you need anything just go to my Dad and tell him that you are my best friend, he will do for you whatever you want.' "
R_____, the shopkeeper, smiled, as he had begun to understand what kind of relationship I was talking about.
I continued, "If your friend took you to his Dad and introduced you, not only as his fastest friend, but like his brother. How would you feel?"
"And what if the president of Pakistan says to you, "R_____, my son B_____ loves you very much and always talks about you. You are also like my son. Please feel free to come and see me whenever you want or need anything. Never hesitate, because I love you as I love my only son, B____."
"Now you tell me, will you remain in distress and misery if you have that kind of relationship with the president of Pakistan?"
He replied promptly, "Of course not!"
"So in the same way, if you have the special relationship with the Creator and the King of this universe, how great and wonderful would that be!"
He asked me, "How could that be possible?"
I replied, "It is possible through Jesus Christ who said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' He also said, 'I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.'" (John 14:6 and 16:23-24)
"Let me pray for you to the King of this universe, and I will pray in the name of Jesus Christ." Then I put my hand on his shoulder and prayed for him. As I said "Amen" and opened my eyes, I saw his face beaming with joy and peace.
I assured him that I will continue to pray for him and we will continue our discussion. I also taught him to pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ, and that "Jesus will definitely bless you as he promised."
There are so many testimonies and experiences that strengthen our faith day by day and make us thankful for the magnificent work God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ. Though things seem to be chaotic in Pakistan, we believe that God is in control.
Many TV programs compare and demote the Christian faith. But God is opening new doors for the masses to be involved in the open discussion and try to research more from the Scriptures by themselves. Indeed "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Once again, thank you very much for your prayers regarding us, our country and for God's work which he has been doing through us.
In Him
S. G. (used by permission)
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