Though Chandra was from a Muslim family, she gladly took part in all the vocational training classes at the center. She was eager to learn new skills and to get to know other young women. One of Bi’r Myah’s leaders, Joy, began to build a strong friendship with Chandra. She shared the Gospel with her, and one day gave her a New Testament.
Some time later, as Chandra was reading the New Testament at home one night, Chandra’s brother discovered her. He snatched the book from her hands and threw it in the trash, warning her never to read it again. Afraid yet also determined to continue her study of the Bible, she shared this incident with Joy and asked her for another New Testament. She promised Joy that she would keep it under her pillow and only read it at night.
As Chandra continued to study the Bible, God began to touch her life in a powerful way. In time, she put her faith in Christ, though other than Joy, she was unable to tell anyone else for fear of the consequences she would face.
A few months later, Chandra’s parents arranged a marriage for her to the son of a Muslim family. Soon after their marriage, Chandra began to have difficulties with her in-laws. In Islam, children are extremely important. As time passed and Chandra did not become pregnant, people began to say that she was “cursed.” Chandra’s in-laws tried to convince their son to divorce her and marry another woman who would bear him children. She was very discouraged at times and came to Joy often for counseling.
Yet, through all these challenges, Chandra remained faithful to the Lord. God heard her cry for a child, and she has since been blessed with a son. Chandra’s husband has stuck by her, and separated himself somewhat from his parents, but he remains very strict in his Muslim faith.
Chandra is like thousands, perhaps millions, of other believers in India who live out their faith in secret. Pray for believers like Chandra to know God’s comfort, grace, and protection. Pray too for the families of secret believers to find salvation in Jesus Christ.
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