Unshaken Faith Through Trials

Evangelist Ramesh Ahirwar from Brethren Church, an auto driver from a city in Madhya Pradesh state of India.

Madhya Pradesh is the 2nd largest state of India and conversion laws were implemented way back in 1968, known as Madhya Pradesh Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam. Today after amendments it is known as Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (MPFRA), 2021.

Ramesh his wife & her father were booked under the same law.

Ramesh is a devoted servant of God, living with his wife and three children—two daughters and a son. He had gone to preach the Word of God by invitation in a village where his in-laws reside. During his ministry there, a young woman embraced Jesus as Lord and grew in her faith. Her parents wished for her to get married and settle down so Ramesh and his wife offered to help find a suitable groom. In the end, the girl’s parents found a match, and both sides approved, and the wedding took place.

The young bride, after living with her in-laws for six months, faced severe abuse and beatings because she had not brought any dowry and returned to her parents’ home. Her in-laws, unwilling to accept this, approached Ramesh and his wife, demanding that they bring the girl back. Ramesh explained that they should speak directly with her parents. The in-laws, filled with anger, threatened him and left. Shortly after, Ramesh travelled to Gurgaon, Delhi, for work.

In his absence, the girl’s in-laws filed a false complaint at the police station, accusing Ramesh and his family of religious conversion, alleging that they had taken the girl captive and were forcing to convert to Christianity. Religious fanatics joined in, escalating the situation.

Latter after few days Ramesh received a call summoning him to the police station regarding the complaint. He was shocked to find large number of people gathered there. Without any inquiry, the police filed an FIR and locked him up. His wife and in-laws were also mentioned in the FIR. The same evening, at 11 PM, they were released but were warned they would be summoned again.

Eight days later, formal charged were field against them, and Ramesh was told he would have to appear first in court, followed by his wife and in-laws. By God’s grace, Ramesh received bail the same day and returned home by 7 PM. However, three days later, when his wife and in-laws appeared in court for hearing they were not granted bail and they were sent to jail for eight days. It was a painful time, but God was in control.

Finally, after eight days, they appealed to the Sessions Court and, by the grace of God, secured bail. Praise the Lord!

In the midst of this storm, Ramesh had to sell his ancestral property and take a loan of Rs. 1,50,000 to manage legal expenses. When he was left with nothing, he travelled to Bhopal to meet his daughter, who was in her final year at college. There, he met a brother who connected him with Persecution Relief. God’s people never abandon their own!

Persecution Relief assured him they would take care of all the costs involved. In God’s perfect timing, all the needs were met. Praise God!

The case continued, and the court delivered its verdict: Ramesh and his wife were sentenced to two years in prison and fined Rs. 25,000 each.

This was one of the first court verdict of conviction against a Christian on conversion charges. Ramesh’s Father in Law was acquitted from the case.

But God had already made a way! Persecution Relief stepped in, providing the needs regarding the case and penalty. From the Sessions Court, they received a one-month window to appeal to the High Court. Through the timely intervention of Advocates of Persecution Relief, they obtained an order from High Court stating they would not be arrested until the hearing. God willing, justice will prevail!

Through it all, Ramesh’s faith remained unshaken. He and his family were willing to suffer, even die, for the Lord. His children—his son, just 11 years old, his 14-year-old daughter, and his eldest, 18—stood strong in faith despite the hardship. When their mother was jailed, they wept, but when they met in jail, they assured her, “We will be fine at home even if you are in jail.” Even when she was released, they told her, “Don’t worry about us; we will be fine even if you go back to jail.” Such faith is truly a gift from God! Hallelujah!

Ramesh, who previously earned a living by driving a hired auto, lost his livelihood when the owner refused to let him continue due to his case. Not knowing what to do & how to take care of the family Ramesh was sad and disappointed. He was not having enough courage to ask for more help as Persecution Relief provided all the legal needs and also send one of the daughters to study in Banglore.

Persecution Relief approached Ramesh and asked about his auto he said he tried to take Auto on rent but nobody is ready to give.

God opened a miraculous way by stirring up the heart of one of the Brother from Persecution Relief Family who provided an electronic Auto.

By the grace of God Auto was delivered and now he can sustain and care for the needs of his family.

Praise the Lord! Even when our own people forsake us, our brothers and sisters in Christ stand by us.

Hallelujah! God is faithful, and He will never leave nor forsake His children. We give all glory to Him, knowing that He is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble. Amen!

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Keep praying for the acquittal of Ramesh & his wife from all charges.

Pray and believe that God will help his children to not be deterred but stand firm for the Lord.

Praise the Lord, Ramesh’s elder daughter was sent to study palliative care in Banglore and is now working and earning Rs 20,000/- a month and supporting her family.

 

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In a world full of uncertainties, these verses remind us to surrender our worries to God through prayer. Instead of being consumed by anxiety, we are encouraged to bring our concerns to Him with a heart of gratitude. This shift in focus—from fear to faith—helps us find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.

The promise that follows is profound: God’s peace, which goes beyond human understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. This is not just temporary relief but a deep, abiding peace that anchors us even in the midst of chaos. When we trust in Christ, we receive the assurance that no matter what happens, His presence will sustain us.