Sharma* was a devout high-caste Hindu, deeply offended that a lower-caste couple in his village hosted gatherings to worship Jesus in their home. Determined to stop them, he rallied the entire neighborhood to oppose them. Despite the pressure and hostility, the couple and their friends continued to meet faithfully.
One day, the couple approached Sharma and gently asked, “Why are you so opposed to us?”
“I’m a high-caste Hindu,” Sharma replied coldly. “I don’t want you or your religion in my village.”
“You haven’t even gotten to know us,” the wife said. “If you see how we live and what we do, then you can judge for yourself.”
“I can’t enter a lower-caste home—it would defile me,” he retorted.
“Then sit outside,” they offered kindly. “We’ll give you a chair by the door so you can observe.”
Reluctantly, Sharma accepted. He watched from the doorway. But when the gathering ended, something had shifted in his heart. The anger was gone—replaced by curiosity and unexpected respect.
The following week, Sharma returned, this time with his wife. Again, they sat just outside the door. During the meeting, his wife mentioned pain in her knee and asked for prayer. The group prayed—and her pain disappeared. Later, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion was shared. Sharma and his wife had never heard of a God who would suffer and die for His people.
After everyone else had left, they stayed behind, eager to learn more.
Six weeks later, Sharma and his wife were baptized, along with seven other families they had brought with them—107 people in total!
Reflecting on his journey, Sharma says, “I used to treat the disciples so badly, but they always responded with grace. Now I will share the Word with others, just like they shared with me.”
*pseudonym
POISONED FOR MAKING IMPACT
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WHEN PERSECUTION BECOMES CELEBRATION
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BREAKING BARRIERS WITH THE GOSPEL
Sharitha* was the house helper of movement catalysts Ethan* and Nicole* while they lived in India. …read more