Hope’s Story

Week 6, Weekend

Elaine Meador

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Tamang girls from Nepal are often sold into prostitution by their destitute families. The young girls are taken to live in the brothels of Mumbai, Calcutta, and other large cities. There they live in slavery.

One day, God sent two International Mission Board missionary women from Nepal to Mumbai. They had heard of the plight of these young Nepali women and were looking for solutions. One afternoon they attended a worship service for girls from the brothels. After the service, the leader invited the visitors to pray for the girls who were there. One of the missionary women began to pray for a hopeless-looking young woman she had been watching. Immediately the girl was convulsed by an evil spirit. Others joined in the prayer. After thirty minutes of focused prayer in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, the young Tamang woman was released from spiritual bondage. Her transformed face now radiated God’s peace. Her new sisters gave her a new name: Hope.

However, Hope was not free physically. She had to return to her work at the brothel. And her new sisters in Christ had to return to Nepal, but every day they prayed for Hope. They also worked with other concerned believers to change Hope’s situation and the situation of hundreds of other young Nepali women in similar bondage.

Development projects were put in place to improve the lives of Tamang families so they wouldn’t be tempted to sell their girls. Group homes were established where former prostitutes could live if and when they were free to return to Nepal. Training programs were put in place to help them earn a living.

Eventually, by God’s grace, Hope gained her freedom. Her return to Kathmandu resulted in a joyful celebration with her sisters in Christ! After a time of healing and spiritual growth, Hope answered God’s call to help other Nepali prostitutes in India find freedom in Christ.

Father, I praise You for freeing Hope and making her an instrument of grace in the lives of other prostitutes. Lord, send workers to enslaved women around the world. Enable them to hear and respond to the Truth that will set them free. Lord, send Your Word not only to enslaved women, but also to those who benefit from their enslavement. May they all find freedom in Christ. Amen.