By a Team Expansion worker in Thailand
Last year when our local partner and friend Prija* was prayer walking in her community, she felt led to stop at Chalita’s house and pray for her. That day when Prija prayed for Chalita, she prayed for her back, her eyes, and that God would bless Chalita. More importantly, that day Prija planted a seed in Chalita’s heart.
The next day, Prija visited Chalita, who said her eyes and back felt better, but that wasn’t really what amazed her. What amazed her was how well she had slept. Chalita said, “Prija, what did you do?? I have not slept that good in over 30 years!” Prija took the time to explain her testimony to Chalita and about the goodness of God. Chalita was excited to hear more and so the next week we started a Bible study group with Chalita and her neighbor.
Ever since that day in October, we have been meeting together with Chalita and her neighbor each week. Both ladies have now become Christians. This month, at one of our weekly Bible study groups, Chalita, with a smile on her face, shared with us how hopeless she was before she became a believer. She said, “I used to sit alone at home and think about how I could end my life.”
Previously, she had been overcome with sadness; her husband had been dead for 20 years and they had no children to take care of her in her old age. Because she was poor, she had been shunned by her community and often did not have enough money to buy food. In her eyes, she was worthless and had no desire to keep living. She was at her lowest point when Prija stopped by to pray for her.
Then her smile got bigger and she said, “But now, look at my life! Now I have friends, I have enough food. I know God is real and I’m not afraid anymore! My life is valuable, and I don’t want to die anymore.”
Chalita’s story is an amazing testimony. She is part of our new food outreach program and just last week she asked if she could go with us next month when we go deliver food because she wants to help bless people and pray for them.
*Names in this story have been changed
