When All Was Lost, Hope Was Found

Published: August 9, 2007 | 6581st good news item since 2003

WEST BENGAL, INDIA — “You’ve got one month to live. I’m sorry,” the doctor somberly reported to Paranjoy. After traveling from hospitals to temples in search of a cure, it seemed he had lost the battle. Paranjoy and his wife, Bakul, could not believe his life was over, when it seemed like their life together was just beginning.

Not long before this situation plummeted to an incredible low, Paranjoy had been a healthy, happy farmer with his own small business. He closely followed the traditions of his family’s religion, and worshipped the many traditional Indian gods and goddesses. Living a normal life without many problems or struggles, Paranjoy could not imagine how much his life would soon change.

One day, Paranjoy began feeling weak and tired. The exhaustion made him feel uneasy, but he just kept on farming and continued going about his daily routine. When his parents saw how weary and stressed he seemed, they decided to arrange a marriage so he could share his life. Soon, he took beautiful Bakul as his bride.

Shortly after the wedding, Paranjoy’s health severely deteriorated. He became very sick and experienced unusual bleeding. Finally, he went to the doctor and was diagnosed with blood cancer. When the first doctor could not find a cure, he went to other hospitals, but they could not help either.

Paranjoy and Bakul were devastated. As newlyweds, they were looking forward to many years together. Now, it seemed that all their dreams were lost. When Bakul’s family realized that Paranjoy was going to die, they tried to take their daughter back. In spite of the turmoil, the couple remained devoted to each other, and she stayed by his side.

Paranjoy even turned to his religion’s temples in a final attempt to find healing. The priests conducted many rituals in an effort to relieve him of his illness, but his condition only worsened. Finally, the doctors told Paranjoy that he only had one month to live.

About this time, the sister of a Gospel for Asia missionary, Saubal Milit, heard about Paranjoy’s condition. She told his family that when her brother prayed for people, they were often healed. Desperately wanting Paranjoy’s health restored, they immediately asked for Saubal to come.

Saubal journeyed 12 hours and arrived to find a gaunt and pale Paranjoy. After sharing the Gospel with Paranjoy, Bakul and Paranjoy’s family, Saubal fervently prayed for healing. Then, returning home, Saubal went to all the churches in his area and requested prayer for Paranjoy. Many missionaries and believers lifted his need to the Lord.

Continuing to pray for more than a month, Saubal did not hear any news. Then, one day he answed his phone to hear Paranjoy’s cheerful voice.

“I am still alive. It has been more than a month, and I am still alive,” Paranjoy exclaimed. “Also, I am regaining my strength !”

Although Paranjoy had not completely recovered from his illness, he was encouraged by his improvement. Rejoicing in God’s Word, he and his entire family trusted in Jesus. Now, they host a Bible study and prayer group in their home each week.

Published in Faith
See also: www.spcm.org