She Turned Away From Her Gods
by Staff
March 9, 2007
BIHAR, INDIA (ANS) -- Vipula Faloyida was a powerful figure in her society. She was a member of the elite, upper caste of Brahmins and was also an ojha, a type of witch doctor widely believed to be powerful enough to perform exorcisms. Most ojhas were men, and since Vipula is a woman, she was seen as something extraordinary.
Vipula lived in a village in Bihar, India, and was known for worshipping two popular goddesses. Ritualistic worship of their images was her first task every day.Everyone thought Vipula's life was perfect-she had a husband, three children and together they enjoyed a life of relative prosperity. However, the family structure would soon crack at its very foundation.
Vipula's husband, Rishi, began to drink heavily, and died while he was still young. After Rishi's death, rumors began to circulate about Vipula among her family and in the village. People said that Vipula had killed her husband to appease the bloodthirsty demands of the goddesses she worshipped.
Even though they accused her of murder, Vipula followed Indian tradition and remained with her in-laws until her son, Kapi, was old enough to take over leadership in the family. Unfortunately, Kapi had a slight mental problem, and his attempts to lead the family failed, causing even more ridicule and shame to be heaped on Vipula.
She fell into a deep depression, even turning away from her daily ritual of worshipping the deities. She went from being a powerful ojha to being one of the most hated women in the village.
Vipula was in this state when GFA missionary Shami Das found her. He ignored the rumors and gossip about Vipula, and saw her simply as someone who needed to hear that Jesus loves her. Shami told her how Jesus died for her, and Christ's love so gripped Vipula's heart that she immediately received Jesus as her Savior.
Vipula's family and fellow villagers were surprised at the sudden transformation in her life. She began attending church and testified about the love of Christ to the neighbors and relatives who had previously turned to her for spells and charms. As a result of her testimony, many of them also received Jesus as their Savior. Now they all worship God together.
Shami requests prayer for Vipula and her family, especially for complete healing for her son, Kapi. He also asks believers to pray that Vipula's testimony would help spread the love of Jesus throughout the region.
For more information on Gospel for Asia, go to www.gfa.org
