Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

A JFA Bible Worker Story from India

*Representative photo

Two young Indian children stood and watched as their classmates and teachers knelt to worship the school’s representative Hindu idol. Their hearts beat quickly, and their legs shook as they prepared for the inevitable. The school administrator forcefully commanded them to bow, but they would not, they could not, forsake Jesus.

Not long before, a JFA Bible Worker named Sharnagat came to visit their home. He taught their family about Jesus. He taught them about the Living God in heaven who loves them and answers prayers. As the children learned, they realized that what Sharnagat said must be true and accepted Jesus as their Savior.

After they accepted Jesus, they realized they could no longer worship idols at home or at school. They decided to pray each morning before going to school, and to remain standing when the time came for idol worship. The teachers and school administrators were angry with them. Every day they reprimanded the children for their disobedience.

But while they bore the scolding, God brought the story of Daniel’s three friends to their minds. If God protected Daniel’s friends, surely He would protect them. They believed God could use them as a witness to their teachers and classmates, just like He used Daniel’s friends as a witness to king Nebuchadnezzar.

As the days went on, the teachers noticed that the children were becoming model students. In everything except for the idol worship, they were respectful and obedient. Their study of the Bible was paying off in more ways than one. The teachers became so impressed that they commended the students to the school administrators, who eventually gave up on their demands for the children to participate in their Hindu worship rituals.

Sharnagat shared that he praises God for the strength the children have been showing.

Please pray that God will touch the hearts of the teachers, school administrators, and students as the two children continue to stand up for Jesus. Please also pray for our Bible Workers to reach more families for Jesus.

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