The Lord said, “It is time.”

Arjun* went to visit a house church near his village. As this dedicated disciple-maker walked through the village on his way to the gathering, six young, strong men came up to him, grabbed him, and began to beat him. They then dragged him to a nearby house and locked him inside. 

Miraculously, Arjun managed to escape and returned home. For three weeks, he did not go back to that village. He was so afraid. He never wanted to return!

Then, as Arjun was praying one day during his self-imposed exile, he heard the Lord say, “Go back.” He recoiled at the thought. “No, Lord!” He didn’t want to go. The Lord said, “It is time.” 

So, Arjun went. He returned to the village where he’d been beaten and locked up. As he walked tentatively through the streets, he kept his eyes peeled for those young men. Would they find him again? 

Finally, he safely entered the house church. The worship service had already begun. He walked to the side of the room opposite the door, and sat down. A wave of relief washed over him; he was safe.

His relief was short-lived though. To his horror and surprise, the very men who had beaten him entered the room shortly after had taken his seat. Locking eyes with Arjun, they advanced towards him.

He was so afraid. There was no escape! They were right in front of him. Then suddenly, one by one, those young men got down on their knees before Arjun. They begged for his forgiveness. They said that during the three weeks he’d been gone, they had become disciples of Jesus!

After the service, Arjun spent time with the young men. It turned out that none of them were from that village. They all lived in other villages in the area. They returned to their homes and in the following days, each young man started a church in his own household.

Arjun says: “I tell you the truth, my enemies have become my friends. They are helping me with the work. God has completely changed them. The ones who beat me now see me as their leader. Amazing work! In this way, God is helping us, and I give him all praise. Amen!”

*pseudonyms

“MY LIP HAS FALLEN OFF”
Krish grew up in a devout Hindu family. For six years, he had been an active member of a radical pro-Hindu group. He persecuted followers of Jesus, read more …