Blessings in the Sheep Shed
Representative Photo
Written by Julie Mesa
This story was shared by one of our Bible Workers in India:
When Amalthai learned about Jesus she accepted Him as her Savior. Her heart sang. She was happy in His love. What could change that? Then hardship after hardship came into her life – it was almost more than she could bear.
First, her father-in-law sickened and was unable to care for himself. He needed a place to stay and came to live with them. Amalthai was his sole caregiver. It was a tiring job, but God gave her strength.
Then her granddaughter, Mahilmathi, fell ill with a heart condition. She needed costly medical help, but Amalthai’s family had no money. So her eldest son sold the house where they stayed. The money paid for much needed medical help and Mahilmathi’s life was saved.
The only problem now was that Amalthai had no home. As shepherds, they did have a shelter for their sheep and to this “dwelling," if the primitive structure could be called such, the family moved. It would have to make do. But it was difficult to care for her father-in-law under these circumstances and her own health declined. The worst part was dealing with severe swelling and pain in her legs. Even walking short distances was agony. Despite this hardship, she was thankful they had somewhere to stay.
Even walking short distances was agony.
Amalthai expected her two adult sons to help them, as it is considered the “pious obligation” of Indian sons to care for their parents.
But her younger son, unhappy that the house had been sold, was not talking to them. Her oldest son, whose daughter had been healed, also refused to help. Then to make matters worse, her husband mocked her saying, “It is because you accepted Jesus that you are suffering.” Her heart hurt and the future looked dark.
To her anxious mind the Lord whispered, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8) Around the same time God impressed Easuraj, a JFA Bible Worker, to visit Amalthai. Easuraj prayed with her asking God to provide for her health, her needs, and her family. After the prayer Amalthai stood up carefully, so as not to jar her throbbing legs. As she stood, the pain completely disappeared! A thrill of joy ran through her as she realized that she had just experienced a miracle.
Not long after, to her great joy, both sons visited Amalthai's dwelling, bringing much needed provisions with them. Since then, they have continued to visit and provide for many of the family's needs. She asks that continued prayer be offered for their housing, her father-in-law's care, and most importantly that her family would come to know Jesus. Please also remember our Bible Workers in prayer as they share the love of Jesus.