It’s been 5 years since Vilesh and Anu moved into their new home. They sold land in the city and purchased a small plot of land to build a home on the outskirts of our district. The first monsoon season they lived in their new home they were devastated when a flash flood nearly took their lives. We shared their story on this blog at that time. They have had many struggles as they adjusted to life in a village town where they knew no one. The greatest struggle was not having anyone of like faith nearby. Every 2 months they make the one- hour trip by motorcycle to be spiritually filled in our church.
Many times this family has decided to give up. At one time they even applied for jobs in our office in hopes of moving back to the city. Village life is hard. It is even harder without close community to help, should you need it. Their daughters had a difficult time finding a decent school in the area and they had no family nearby when they were sick. Once our team drove to see them when their daughter was deathly sick. They have been through many difficult times- as everyone who lives in remote regions do.
Why would a couple put their children, jobs and investments in danger to live in a remote place? The answer is easy for our workers to answer. The Gospel. It draws us, it compels us, it tells us to go. Go- where it has not yet been. It was this that called this couple away from us as well.
We have been visiting their village and having home meetings with them for years. Every time we make the one-hour trip, taking up an entire evening, for one or two people who may gather. It has often been discouraging and lonely for Vilesh and his family. This summer, after 5 years, they are finally seeing breakthrough.
It began when a woman came to Anu for prayer for her stomach. She had a tumor, or lump, visible in her stomach. She came, in severe pain, for prayer. Immediately the lump disappeared and her pain was gone! Anu was as surprised as the village woman was! She had never experienced this before, especially through her prayers. Word spreads fast in the village and suddenly women who used to avoid them started bringing their husbands and children for prayer. They began a weekly prayer time in their home and now have a planted Body. 4 years ago there was no fruit to show for years of labour, prayer and fasting. In the past 4 months God has began to bring in a harvest in their village!
This month we joined them for another home meeting. This time the home was filled and 15+ were forever changed through the fellowship. Rejoice with us!
We are reminded to encourage one another, persevere and wait patiently for the harvest.
You are not forgotten. He is working.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.- Galatians 6:9