Warrior, Mother & Wife

When persecution came knocking again and again, Anjali didn’t flinch—she stood firm, anchored in Christ. A mother of two young daughters—one just four months old and the other seven—Anjali has walked through fiery trials with unwavering faith. Her husband, Pastor Sukesh, has been arrested three times for preaching the gospel in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Each time, she stood in the gap—not only as a mother and wife, but as a prayer warrior and defender of truth.

During one of his imprisonments, Anjali juggled the burden of caring for a one-year-old child, running the house church, managing legal battles, and withstanding emotional attacks—even from within the Christian community. But she refused to be broken. “Whatever God allows, He will turn for good,” she said, standing strong while others fled.

In one incident at the police station, her purse and phone were snatched. She was mocked, threatened, and told that even if she paid a bribe of ₹10,000, her husband would still be jailed. Calmly and firmly, she replied, “He hasn’t robbed anyone or committed a crime. If you want to arrest me, do it—but show me the proof.” Her words silenced even the cruelest mockers.

But her strength didn’t come from herself—it came from a life-changing encounter with the living God.

Anjali’s journey of faith began during her own wedding, when her middle sister fell gravely ill with a fever that triggered violent mental breakdowns. She tore her clothes, ate anything she found, and no longer recognized her loved ones. The family was devastated. Multiple mental hospitals across Gorakhpur, Balia, and Lucknow failed to help. In desperation, Anjali called her husband-to-be to pray.

As prayers began, God moved. Her sister was miraculously healed—restored to her senses and responsibilities. Eventually, she even got married. The entire family witnessed the power of Jesus Christ and surrendered their lives to Him.

After her marriage, Anjali and Sukesh entered full-time ministry. But opposition followed. The first time Sukesh was arrested, it was during a preaching visit to Ambedkar Nagar. Anjali intervened and helped secure his release. But that was only the beginning.

The second time, the legal system seemed stacked against them. Lawyers refused to help unless bribed. One mocked them, claiming some “big fish” must be funding their conversions. Anjali, with courage and tears, responded, “Check our bank accounts. We don’t receive a single rupee from abroad.” A friend of her brother, Sumit, stepped in and braved threats to retrieve court files. A local journalist, moved by Anjali’s quiet persistence, joined hands to help.

Finally, the release order was granted. Their little daughter had said, “Please bring Daddy home.” And when Sukesh was released, even the lawyer had tears in his eyes. “Your little girl can’t live without her dad,” he told Anjali.

Yet the trials weren’t over. Pastor Sukesh was arrested a third time, but released after 24 hours due to the intervention of other pastors.

Through it all, Anjali remains a shining example of faith in action. A mother, wife, believer, and warrior—her life reflects the fire-tested grace of God.

Tides (Persecution) cannot stop us (Church) from reaching the shore (eternity). Bro Shibu Thomas, Founder- Persecution Relief.