The Good Samaritan

But when he saw a man lying in the road, bleeding and wounded, he knew he had to help.

The man’s name was Gurdeep, and he had a simple explanation for his condition: “While I was fighting with my friends, they hit me in the forehead with a lampstand.”

Sadly, occurrences like this were not unusual to Gurdeep. He admitted to Pastor Birbal that he was an alcoholic and often fought with his neighbors and friends.

A Change of Heart

Pastor Birbal helped clean Gurdeep’s wounds and walked him back to his house. Birbal learned that Gurdeep had never heard the name of Jesus before—and neither had anyone else in his village.

Later, Gurdeep brought his entire family to Pastor Birbal’s house to learn more about Jesus. Birbal told all of them the Good News and shared with Gurdeep that he didn’t have to live in hostility against his friends or God any longer. Birbal encouraged him to give up his drinking and embrace God’s love.

Thankfully, Gurdeep listened. In fact, he, his wife and their two children all chose to put their trust in Jesus!

A Village Hears about Jesus

Gurdeep decided to start a family prayer night in his home. Villagers were certainly surprised to find out about the change in their neighbor. He no longer drank and no longer quarreled with his friends. Now he was at peace and filled with joy.

Gradually, neighbors began to attend the prayer meeting, and many found a new relationship with Christ as well. The prayer meeting soon outgrew Gurdeep’s home, and they began to meet in a larger facility for Sunday worship.

How incredible that a fellowship was started in this village among people who had never heard of Jesus, all because one faithful servant helped a man in distress.

“I am so thankful when I hear stories like Gurdeep’s. If not for our faithful brother, he would have been left to a life of despair. Just think of the countless people who have never heard the name of Jesus, who are being touched in village upon village,” says GFA President K.P. Yohannan.

“Your prayers and support make it all possible. Thank you and God bless you mightily.”