A Changed Life

On July first, we celebrated our one year anniversary of living overseas. As I look back, I thank God for an undercurrent of joy through this year of highs and lows.

This year has marked highs and lows in our house helper's life, too. She has struggled for 10 years, feeling trapped in an unhappy marriage with an alcoholic husband who has been unfaithful to her. Jane has two young boys÷her reason to remain committed to her husband. She has been open in baring her soul, sharing her brokenness and despair with me. Many tear-filled conversations occurred as we struggled to communicate.  What would be so simple in English, was complex and slow with our language barrier. Through our conversations, I would find myself pleading with God to give me some profound Truth for her and the ability to convey it. I had never shared my faith with someone who knew so little about our God and His Son. Jane was a devout Buddhist. She went to the temple every day, pleading with her god for peace.

However, she was living and feeling her pain deeply. The Christians in her life were sharing their hope, their Lord and Savior. She was getting a glimpse of Christianity÷ãOh, taste and see that the Lord is good·ä Psalm 34:8. But, she was not ready to leave the familiar rituals of Buddhism. She was sitting on the fence. She told me, ãI want to have faith in your God.ä I saw that she did! It was growing every day.

In April and May, her husband was dying. Too many years of drinking had destroyed his liver. Jane was so confused by her feelings. She was relieved that she would be free of the heartache of her marriage, yet terrified of the possibility of a future alone. In her time of despair, she called out to Jesus.

In recent years, I've had a growing sense of the basic truth that only God satisfies the deepest desires and longings of my heart. I don't say that flippantly--truly believing that gave me great hope for Jane. I think Jane was in such great need, that she was feeling the raw pull of her deepest desire to be at peace and in a relationship with the Lord. She began following Christ in May. Seeing her life transformed has been a source of great joy for our family.

I'm happy to report that her husband shocked us all in May. He came out of a coma and was able to come home from the hospital. His failing liver survives! Jane's troubles aren't over, but now she smiles and says, ãGod has a plan.ä There's no doubt that his life will be impacted by her decision!

-Anonymous, Thailand
Real names were not used in this story

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