Stories from the Field: India — “Now I Have Jesus”

It was around 2007, and I was serving in Imphal, Manipur, India. Alongside a pastor friend and a teammate, we were walking from home to home, meeting people and looking for opportunities to share the Gospel.

Some moments fade with time. Others remain etched in your heart forever.

That day, we entered a small home where an elderly woman sat on a blanket on the floor. As we talked through my translator, I noticed she was blind. When our conversation turned toward Jesus, tears began streaming down her face.

I sat beside her, took her hand, and began sharing the Gospel, explaining our need for forgiveness, what Christ had done for us, and the salvation He freely offers.

She listened intently, and as the tears continued falling, something beautiful happened.

That precious woman prayed to receive Jesus Christ.

There was no stage, no microphone, and no crowd. Just an elderly woman, a missionary holding her hand, a translator, and the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Afterward, she thanked me for coming and spoke five words I will never forget:

“Now I have Jesus.”

She couldn’t see my face, but that day she heard about the Savior who gave His life for her.

I don’t know how many years she lived after our encounter, but nearly two decades later, I still remember her tears, her hand in mine, and the joy of knowing she had placed her faith in Christ.

Of all the miles I’ve traveled and countries I’ve visited, moments like these remind me why we go.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

Someone in your life may be just one conversation away from hearing the Gospel. Who first shared Jesus with you?