2017 English 2017 Winter English | Page 27

Bible College Students The Bible students under Pastor Samuel Abraham’s care come from a variety of upbringings. But the common thread that brings them altogether is God who came to them in a personal and intimate way. O. Nooka Raju I was born into an Orthodox Hindu family of a higher caste where we sacrificed a goat or chicken to our idol gods. We used the meat to provide meals to everyone during Hindu festivals. When my sister accepted God, my family disowned her. It was twenty years later that I accepted Jesus into my life. I was in the hospital for appendicitis. I felt worse pain even after the surgery. I was weak and wanted to take my own life that night but I clearly heard God’s voice. That was the moment I accepted Him and dedicated my life to His will. T. Hanok Kumar I was born as the eighth child in a Christian home. I was active in church until my college years when I went astray from the path of God. I stole, ran away from home, and spent my time in unsafe places. I spent the money I stole from home and when I ran out, I stole more. Nothing changed for me until 1996 when my brother in-law died. I decided to come back home and rededicate my life to God. I worked many secular jobs in major cities across India but I never felt peace nor satisfaction in my heart. It was in a dream that God called me to the ministry. Today, I work in rural and tribal villages with children and families. Tadi Soni I knew God because my uncle was a pastor. Although my parents were not Christian, they did not oppose me going to church next door since they were happy to see me pray. One day, my father fell ill and was about to die. The church visited our house and prayed for him. That day, my father felt the gentle touch of God. He dedicated his life to the Lord as well as the rest of my family on that day he was healed. Soon, I had severe knee pain that would require expensive surgery. My family prayed and fasted until the Lord heard out prayers and provided for all the finances we needed for the surgery. I gave my life to God when He spoke comforting words to me in the surgery room. www.coj.org 27