Tag: slum

A childhood friend of mine, Raja was born and brought up in quiet streets of suburban part of South India. He was a slum-dweller with his little family, residing in the back streets of his busy hometown. Being the first-born, his parents named him Raja which meant King. Unlike his name, he was always seen in a white singlet and brown trousers which appeared worn out and dull. As a child, his ambition was to become a builder as his father was doing the same.

He always came to Sunday school as a young child. There he learnt about God and his attributes through His works among people. He listened to incidents of how God lifted up the humble, how God caused the humble to succeed, how He lifted the lowly, made them King and seated them on the throne. He was amazed about who God is. His heart and mind were occupied with thoughts of Jesus, His miracles and how He changes lives. Raja adored God and His son Lord Jesus Christ. He started to read scripture at a young age. God’s word brought hope and filled him with peace and joy.

Everyone around him could see he was standing in faith in Jesus. When time for his wedding drew near, he desired to have a God-fearing wife and to lead a God-centred life. He wanted to keep God as the top priority and his word as a guide for his life. He knew it was not his parents but the Spirit of good Lord was nurturing him every step of the way. Because he knew “The Lord watches over the way of the righteous”.

His 2 young children and his wife are happy, peaceful and content with God by their side every day. God had lifted him up from where he was born to a beautiful place where he had never dreamt of. Flying on an aeroplane and living in a foreign country was more than he imagined. Today, he is grateful to God for his everlasting love and unfailing favor shown to him each day. God’s blessings are upon him.

But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3

From the Lord comes deliverance.
    May your blessing be on your people. Psalm 3:8