Abandoned by husband for Jesus

In a world where following Christ often comes with a cost, some believers bear this cross with courage that can only come from above. Rita Devi, a faithful Christian woman from Palamu district in Jharkhand, is one such example of unwavering devotion amidst persecution.

Rita’s journey of faith has not been easy. A believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, she has endured physical abuse and rejection from her own family, particularly from her husband, Sriram Vishwakarma, and her two stepsons, Mahesh and Vishnu Vishwakarma. At one point, the beatings were so severe that she nearly lost her life.

But her testimony is not one of bitterness, it is one of healing and hope. “Yes, they beat me almost to death,” she says softly, “but my Jesus healed me completely.”

Her husband who works at the CPL coal field, heard the word of God, but continued to persecute her. His hatred for Rita’s faith reached a boiling point when he, along with his sons, physically assaulted her and threw her out of their home. She was later admitted to the hospital in Daltonganj, where she spent a month recovering from her injuries.

Even more heartbreaking is the fact that a legal case has been filed against her, accusing her of forced religious conversion, a charge commonly weaponized against Christians in India who boldly share their faith. Forced to leave her home, Rita now lives in Ranchi, without shelter, staying in a government hospital where she sleeps at night and prays fervently during the day.

One night, while listening to an audio Bible and crying out to the Lord in prayer, she encountered a fellow believer, a brother in Christ who listened to her story and was deeply moved. He directed her to Persecution Relief, giving her our contact number so that help and support might reach her.

Rita has now been living in public spaces like Railway stations, Bus stations and government hospitals for over 12 months. Despite her own suffering, she is filled with zeal to spread the Good News. She preaches wherever she goes, her spirit ignited by a love that cannot be silenced.

“I have left everything for the Lord,” she says, her voice steady with conviction. “He is my hope. He is my life.”

Her story is a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship and the suffering that many believers silently endure for the sake of Christ.

Rita’s testimony stirs us to intercede, support, and stand with those who suffer for the name of Jesus. At Persecution Relief, we are currently exploring how best we can assist this brave woman of God, not just with physical help, but also with spiritual encouragement as she walks through this valley.

May her story inspire you, reader, to stand firm in your faith and to pray for our brothers and sisters in India who endure fiery trials, and yet count it all joy for the sake of their Savior.

The call to follow Jesus Christ is tough, but the eternal reward is well worth the temporary pain. Bro Shibu Thomas, Founder- Persecution Relief.