Recently, Mrs. Gangi Sara, an elderly woman and faithful member of a church hidden in the mountains of Nepal, went home to be with the Lord. She was not famous or well-known, nor was her departure noticed by anyone outside of those who personally knew her. She was one of many elderly among the villagers, but yet she was not like most. She was the only believer in her family. Her devotion to the Lord and the local church she attended was obvious to all. In fact, her attendance was amazing in itself, for she had no vehicle, and the meeting place was several hours away by foot. Despite the pain in her legs, and the resistance from her family, she would walk several hours, up and down the mountains in order to attend the fellowship of the saints each week.She had life. It was evident to all, that she had something within her that was more than just breath in her body or fleshy determination. Her sons saw it. Her neighbors saw it. And though they knew of her testimony concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, they were not interested in it. Not until the 28th of December, when she slipped away from the world, and into the arm of her Savior.
“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.”
Ecclesiastes 7:2
This proved to be true, for as her family and neighbors gathered together for the funeral service, it was obvious something had changed. In reflection of her unwavering faith, and in contemplation of the frailty of this life, not only did they listen to the message preached, but they seemed excited to hear it. Afterwards, they even invited the pastors for a return visit, so they could hear more.
On January 3rd, God opened up the opportunity to go back and preach the gospel once again in this village. The meeting was well attended, and brother Kirk C. preached the gospel. Many gospel tracts were distributed among the group, and plans have been made to follow up with this village in the near future.
Truly God works in mysterious ways, and uses the events that this world sees as the most tragic, to bring about the greatest of blessings. I cannot help but wonder how many petitions Mrs. Sara made before the Lord for her sons and her village. No doubt she longed to see the Lord work among her neighbors. I cannot help but imagine how many prayers were answered in this one simple meeting.
Would you pick up where she left off, and pray for them as well? Please pray that the Lord opens the hearts of all who heard the truth concerning the Person and Work of Christ. Pray that the gospel tracts would be read and bring further conviction of sin, and the love of the Savior. Pray that more opportunities would be granted to declare his Name among the people of Nepal.
Stephen began working for HeartCry in 2015. As coordinator for Asia, North America, and Western Europe, he currently oversees the missionaries over 10 countries. He currently lives in Virginia with his wife and four children.
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