Jai was born into a Hindu family in South Asia. A rare birth defect stunted his growth, leaving him only about as tall as a toddler and affecting his mobility.
This was too much for Jai’s parents. They abandoned him at a railway station to fend for himself. For many years, Jai survived by begging, eating scraps, and sleeping in cardboard boxes.
This is unfortunately the reality for millions of children in South Asia. Many families abandon their children because of economic hardships or unstable home environments. Abandoned children face multiple risks on the streets, including abuse and exploitation.
Life away from his family was incredibly difficult for Jai. He eventually turned to alcohol to numb the pain of his existence.
Miraculously, Jai’s brother, Sameer, became a believer, despite living with a Hindu family. Sameer shared the gospel with his relatives, including Jai. But Jai wanted nothing to do with Jesus.
He continued to drink until alcohol damaged his liver, leaving him deathly ill. While unconscious one night, Jai heard a clear voice saying, “I will not leave you as an orphan. I will come to you.” Jai snapped awake and immediately thought of what his brother had told him about the Lord. Broken and alone, Jai cried out to Jesus to save him.
Instantly, Jai felt an overwhelming love consume him, and he decided to follow Jesus. From that moment on, Jai began sharing the gospel with everyone he knew and met.
Today, Jai leads a house church, which has already helped plant six other churches among the forgotten and neglected in South Asia.
Once abandoned by his family, Jai has now been adopted into a new family in Christ.
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” –Romans 8:15
Names have been changed for security purposes.
Stories From the Field
God is moving among the unreached worldwide. Eyes are being opened to the love and grace that Jesus offers to everyone. Read stories of incredible life change, miracles, and softened hearts on the East-West blog.
