Stars of God.

One of my favourite verses in the Bible is Daniel 12:3, which says, “Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like stars forever.” We have so many people whom the world celebrates as stars. But in heaven’s language, stars are those who lead many towards righteousness.

Proverbs 11:30 says,

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

We had a three-day convention at our church, and I was hesitating to travel a long distance from our area to our church, as it requires three modes of transport if we take public transport to reach our church, like a bus, then a train, and then a metro. Finally, I decided to go and attend because of the encouragement I received from my husband. I was thinking I am putting myself under so much pressure by travelling like that. But I felt ashamed when they introduced the speaker. It was Pastor Solomon Kings, who was travelling a long way from Delhi to Chennai amidst his church being demolished in the same week. It was broken down to pieces. What drove him to push forward and continue the ministry no matter what he lost? It was the thirst to win souls for Christ. It was like an Elijah moment where God showed me how committed many are out there, working for Christ.

I wish to share one challenging story from his testimony. It was the second wave of Covid, and everyone in the pastor’s family got Covid. Pastor’s health was getting worse day by day. At one point, he couldn’t breathe well. His oxygen level dropped to 78. And he decided to go into the city, like how in II Kings 7:3, during a siege of the city of Samaria, four men with leprosy dared to enter the camp of Aram with their illnesses.

The second wave of Covid was at its peak, and they were digging huge pits to bury thousands of dead people. And with social distancing being the method to get out of Covid and with a lack of hospital beds, four people were lying down on a single bed. Pastor went to the hospital as he was Covid positive. Before leaving, he informed his wife that she should take care of herself. If he comes back, it’s fine, or else she should take care of the ministry. He wanted to take people to heaven with him from the hospital if he was going to meet God soon.

Upon entering the Covid ward, he saw a doctor telling a man in a particular bed, would die very soon. And the man was in despair. Pastor went to him. He put his hands over his shoulders. He was not afraid, as he too was positive for Covid. He taught him about Jesus and helped him to accept and reconcile with God. He continued this ministry for many patients in the following days. He gave him his card and left.

Upon leaving the man, Pastor’s oxygen level increased from 78 to 98. Soon, he recovered along with everyone in his family.

After a few months, he got a call from the same man. He asked Pastor how he was able to reach out to him, touch him, and talk to him when even his own family was hesitating to meet him as he was having Covid.

Then Pastor asked if he was willing to give one room for a prayer meeting. The man, who was now willing to do anything for the love of Christ and the people of Christ, gladly opened the house for the Lord. There they started the rescue ministry, and they rescued thousands of young children from prostitution.

Yes, ministry is not what you are doing for the Lord with your strength. It is God who is working through you.

Wow! Isn’t it amazing to see people like this who shine for God amidst every challenge they live through, like what Paul says in Romans 8:35,

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Dear God, thank you for the amazing testimonies around us. May we too be used as a beacon of light in the middle of the darkness around us. May we add more treasure in heaven. May we add more into your kingdom and spread life and joy. May you touch many through us. Use us, dear Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.