Maria was beaten, tortured, and intentionally made to participate and worship the Hindu idols kept at their home. She also found it difficult to find a job. OD partners helped her with a clothing business. Maria says: "I am so happy and thankful to God that He constantly keeps reminding of how great His love is and that His love never runs out on me."
Troubled heart and fumbled mind finds tranquility in Christ
Maria was born and brought up in nominal Christian family, performing the Hindu rituals was making her uncomfortable. Maria shares, “Had I not worshipped or celebrated the Hindu festivals I would have been beaten and tortured by my husband.”
Maria lacked peace and security. It was at this moment, when she was on a short visit to her parents’ place that she attended a prayer meeting. After the meeting, she accepted Christ and decided to follow Him alone.
I fell in love with Jesus and found my unending joy and peace in Christ.
Maria
In the words of Maria, “I fell in love with Jesus and found my unending joy and peace in Christ, it was the verse from John 15:9 ‘As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you: continue in My love’, that gave me insight in the unending love of Christ. My racing heart and cluttered mind were calmed and freed as I grew in Christ.”
Maria knew there would be opposition from her husband and in-laws when they came to know about her accepting Christ, but Maria secretly worshipped Christ in her room.
Unending love for God frees Maria from cruel oppression
Life for Maria became painful and pitiful, as she was beaten, tortured and intentionally made to participate and worship the Hindu idols kept at their home. There were times when Maria was not given food or water and was falsely accused of things by her in-laws. When Maria refused to leave Christ, she had to be separated from her husband and live with her parents.
Maria shares, “I was constantly praying to God to protect me and for Him to show His mercy on me. I believe it was only through His grace and favor that I was able to get through those tough times. When my husband saw my ceaseless love of God, he warned me to leave Christ or leave him. Seeing no way out, I chose to hang on to Christ and free myself from an abusive relationship.”
Maria’s parents also tried to force her to live with her husband, but it was her brothers and sister that protected her, so she moved in with her brothers’ families. Soon, through Maria, her siblings also accepted Christ and they attended the church together.
Nothing beats my passion for God
Maria was not educated, and it wasn’t easy for her to obtain a job. Maria found a job in local factory but soon had to leave it, as she was forced to work on Sundays, and Maria did not want to take the time set for God.
Maria says, “I was finding it difficult to get a decent job, even after much searching, I found a job but could not continue as I had to compromise going to church on Sundays. I cannot replace my time with God with anything else, all I have is Christ and His love and nothing in this world can be compared to Him.”
Maria’s struggle for survival and living was worrisome and she didn’t want to depend on her siblings to meet her needs. Her husband had cut all his ties.
Maria standing with bags of clothes for her business
OD Partners help Maria to be independent
OD partners who had come across Maria’s testimony met her and heard her struggles and concerns. They provided Maria materials for a clothing business. With the support, Maria was able to start a clothing business from her home and earn a decent living for herself.
“I am so happy and thankful to God that He constantly keeps reminding of how great His love is and that His love never runs out on me. Never have I ever imagined that I would be having a clothing business and support myself. Not only am I able to support myself but I am able to extend help to my siblings.” testifies Maria.
I am so happy and thankful to God that He constantly keeps reminding of how great His love is and that His love never runs out on me.
Maria
Maria further asserts, “Not afraid of the struggles of life because God preserves me. I am self-assured and directed to the verse from Isaiah 41: 10 ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Certainly, God has strengthened me and never abandoned me and in every critical situation He vindicated me.”
Desire to lead an exemplary life
Maria currently runs her clothes business from home and when customers come to buy from her, she takes the opportunity to share her testimony and her love for God. Her siblings are motivated and encouraged to see Maria stand on her own and sustain herself. Maria actively participates in Church programs and weekly gatherings and leads the women’s fellowship.
Maria requests prayer for herself, that she may continue with her business without any glitches, grow in Christ and serve Him faithfully. Her desire is to lead an exemplary life, encourage and strengthen single women to hold on to Christ in times of crisis and to experience the wonders He has for each one.
*Names changed for security reasons
Please Give
Will you help India’s Christians remain unshaken in faith by praying and, if you are able, by giving today?
- Every HK$580 could give a persecuted Christian a loan and training, so they can open a small business and support their family.
- Every HK$820 could provide emergency food, medicine and shelter to four believers in India affected by persecution.
- Every HK$980 could train 20 believers, equipping them with a biblical response to persecution.
