Impacting Destiny from Home (November 2006)

Impacting destiny from home:  Indian women discover a higher calling
By Vasantha Thomas, OM India

In II Chron. 7:14 we have a promise “If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”  India is in so much need of healing which can come only when lives are touched by the Lord and individuals are transformed.  

This is the focus for the Arpana Women’s Prayer Network in India.  A passion for the salvation of individuals and the healing of our land drives Arpana’s women to their knees.  Individually, in small groups, over the telephones and during large gatherings, the women of this nearly two-decade-old ministry are inspired to pray.  They are given training in personal evangelism and Bible study techniques through Arpana’s uniquely gifted and all-female leadership.  The discovery of the course of our nation and the destiny of numerous souls can be impacted by their prayers.  It is exciting and deeply fulfilling to the women who are committed to intercession.  

The Arpana prayer movement is slowly spreading across this divide.  A few women began to pray for the salvation of one family in their neighborhood, using the triplet prayer method (three women dedicated to praying together on a consistent basis).  A young husband, a wife and three young children were in crisis; the husband was an abusive alcoholic.  After a few weeks of prayer, the wife, on the verge of committing suicide, approached a local Arpana prayer group for help.  Soon, the husband sought help and overcame his addiction.  This was the beginning of many such miraculous transformations.  The number of triplets has grown tremendously over the last two years.  Families approach these groups seeking prayer for problems; often the result is salvation for the entire family!

Learning to pray beyond their personal needs, especially for the nation and for those in need of
Salvation has brought special meaning and a deep sense of self-worth among many women in India.  They cannot go out to serve the Lord, but their contribution to the building-up of God’s Kingdom is immeasurable.   

Christians in India invite Christians around the world to join them for a day of prayer for the Dalit people on October 28; pray for God’s blessing on the Dalits asking him to provide education, jobs and equal treatment, as well as bringing many more to Christ.


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