“Whenever our group sings…the Lord tells me, ‘Khalku, stand up and dance for me.'” And dance he does-with wild abandon Khalku twirls, a one-stringed instrument in one hand, bells and a castanet type device in the other. As part of a musical group that writes it’s own worship songs in their native language, his exuberance is catching. Khalku is a tall, elegant man, bearing a dent on his right temple from a childhood injury to his skull. The look on his face expresses the joy he says is in his heart. But his joy toward Jesus and Christianity wasn’t always there.

Not too many years ago, Khalku and the other people in this small Indian village had once banded together to drive out another member of the group, Pastor Rohit. After he had become a Christian, Rohit went to Bible college and then decided to return to his village to share his faith.

Pastor Rohit remembers, “People started opposing me, even my family members tried to throw me out of the village.” Others made plans to burn his house. “I stood firm for the Lord Jesus… and prayed for strength. Over time, years of patient and faithful service whittled away the hostility. As a result, the Lord has blessed this whole village.” According to Pastor Rohit everyone in the village of about 200 people is now a Christian. 

When Khalku and the other men gather to sing, it is to give thanks to God because they all agree when Khalku says “Jesus is helping me and He is guiding me.”

Story and photos by Gary S. Chapman

Thank you for your partnership! God is continually changing lives and we rejoice for those He has drawn near to himself. If you would like more information about CICM, or to give a gift, please visit indiamission.org. Our mailing address is:

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