From Pain to Joy

I grew up in a small village called Hong in Arunachal Pradesh, India, where the majority of people practice Donyi Polo, the worship of the sun and moon.

There are very few Christians in this area, and I am blessed to belong to one of the Christian communities. Several years ago an Adventist family came to live in my village, and we became friends. I worshiped with them every Sabbath for nearly one year. When an evangelistic meeting was held in my village, I attended with my younger sister.

We learned more about the Sabbath and the Ten Commandments from the Bible. After having Bible studies, we decided we would be baptized.

My family strongly opposed us.

My husband beat me, separated me from our two-year-old son, and chased me away. During this time I remembered Jesus’ words, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37, KJV). After I became a Seventh-day Adventist, I faced many problems. I was all alone, but the good Lord never left me.

Later, with the encouragement of several pastors, I left my hometown with just a few clothes and was given a safe place to stay. I continued to learn about God’s love and prayed He would allow me to get my son back so I could teach him about God.

My prayers were answered, and I now have my son.

After seeing what God has done for me and how my faith has grown, my mother and a few of my friends have joined the Adventist Church through baptism.

A plot of land has been purchased in my village to build a church. Right now I am a teacher at the Itanagar Adventist School, and my son is studying in class 1 and is learning about the true God and true worship. We have a good place to stay.

In fact, everything I need has been restored to me.

I lack nothing. I have learned that no matter how big our problems are, when we believe and have faith in God’s promises, He is always there to help us.

All my sufferings have been turned into blessings.

My pain has been turned to joy. I praise the all-powerful God for healing my broken heart and supplying all my needs. Whatever your needs are today, remember this: We serve a mighty God. He is faithful to all who follow Him.

Punyo Moni