Why Do It If It Doesn't Help You? A Bible Worker Story

*Representative image

After purchasing some needed items in a large, crowded weekly market, Biru decided to finish his shopping somewhere a little quieter. He stopped in a nearby village, where he was assigned to serve as a JFA Bible Worker. Why not use the opportunity to meet new people and expand his network, he thought, not knowing God had a divine appointment in mind.

While visiting a small shop, he encountered another shopper and introduced himself. The man told Biru his name was Mangla, and he was from another nearby village where Biru had Bible study contacts. 

Just then, another man passed by the shop. Seeing Mangla, he started asking him for herbal medicine. Mangla explained that a person can be sick for two reasons: firstly, physical disease, and secondly, witchcraft or black magic performed against a person by their enemy.

As Biru listened to the men's conversation, he realized that Mangla was an Ojha (a traditional healer).

After the other man left, Biru and Mangla resumed their conversation. Mangla told Biru a lot about his family and how they troubled him.

So Biru asked, "If you are an Ojha yourself, then why is there no peace in your house?" Mangla answered that none of the remedies or rituals in his possession worked for his family.

"So what do you do then?" Biru asked.

"I get help from another healer and buy herbal medicines from them," he said. Biru began to see an opportunity unfold. He asked another question.

"What's the use of being an Ojha if you cannot help yourself or your own home?" Mangla immediately became thoughtful.

After a short silence, he said, "You're right, but I don't have any other way."

Biru assured him that there is indeed a Way, and that not only could he rescue himself, but he could also save others.

Mangla took an interest in what Biru told him and invited him to visit his home, an invitation Biru happily accepted. 

This is the kind of conversation that would be nearly impossible for a foreigner to have. Native Bible Workers, with language skills, cultural experience, proximity, and commonality with those they are serving, are invaluable in sharing the Gospel, especially in hard-to-enter territories. 

Please pray for Mangla and Biru as Biru seeks to share the Gospel with Mangla. Many people in the village where Manila lives oppose Christianity, but at least one family there has decided to follow Jesus. May God remove any obstacle the enemy puts between these people and Himself, and may He open the hearts of all the villagers.

You can support a Bible Worker like Biru in India for only $100 a month, but gifts of any size are welcome. If God is leading you to support this project through a monetary gift, please click the button below.