We received a very precious note smuggled out from the prison where Masih Das and Sarita are being held. They apologise for not being able to see us yet but say ‘we hope this problem will soon pass’.

Such an incredible sweet spirit after all they have been through. They knew 15 years ago when they said yes to God’s call to go to the villages of Ghatila that it would be costly, the people gripped by witch craft, speaking a language they didn’t know and eating food not like mother used to make! They belived however deep down that if Jesus could change someone like them, then He can change anyone, even the Santhali’s.

The first years were tough, sometimes homeless, often hungry, but slowly, slowly they did start to see people want a new life in Christ. To turn to Jesus here is not about saying a prayer or going to church, it’s about going to the police station and signing a declaration that they want to come out of Hinduism and out of the protection of the Indian state. It’s facing isolation and the disdain of the police, it’s choosing to become the lowest of the low, the least of the least, just like Jesus did when he put on skin for us.

And now the police have got the opportunity they’ve longed for – by imprisoning and discrediting these two they can stop the work of the gospel. Or they think they can!

In a previous generation when God’s people were almost down and out, suffering and helpless with no one to comfort them, God gave a promise : ‘ I will rebuild your foundations with precious stones. I will build your towers with rubies, and your gates with stones that glow like fire, and the wall around you with jewels ‘  (Isaiah 54v11,12).

And He did. This is what our God is like. It’s never over till God says it’s over. And it’s not over here yet. The best is yet to come.

It would pain us greatly if we have to leave on Friday without seeing them. But we know it has meant so much to them, their family and local believers that we came, that they aren’t alone in all this as we told them of many around the world praying for them

We smuggled in two olive wood, carved hearts, from Bethlehem for them. They need to know they are loved, precious, not rubbish , not keepers of a homosexual brothel as the police have tried to portray them to the media here. They were so encouraged and grasped them tightly. After the promise of rebuilding our lives so they ‘glow like fire’ , God then says, ‘ no weapon formed against us will prosper, you will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the Lords servants, I will defend my servants and give them victory ‘ The Lord has spoken. 

Please join us in praying these promises into being for Masih Das and Sarita.  They should be allowed to walk free as the lawyers say there is insufficient ‘trust worthy’ evidence to hold them .But because of religious pressure they are wanting to hold them as long as possible.

Pray also they will not grow bitter as without God’s grace I know I would. I hope you can read this very preciousness note they got to me. It reduced Ann and I to tears.

My dear mum and dad,  We are very sorry we can’t see you both but you are in our hearts. We hope this problem will pass soon, thank you very much for your kind visit and love. We thank all who are praying for us .

Note how they thank all those praying for them.

 

When all this is over I pray you will have the chance to meet them personally. The first time Aman their son ever saw the sea was at Walton on the Naze. I pray he’ll see it again at Walton and Frinton and Holland on Sea, and the river Thames and …