All the children slept until the afternoon. That gave Julie time to pray, give thanks, and read the next Bible story.
Daya stopped by and brought the good news that Mr. Shah would be tried on 13 counts of kidnapping, and the children never had to worry about him again.
“But doesn’t he bribe his way out of these things?” asked Julie.
“Those days are gone. I filed the paperwork myself, and he will stand before a judge who is honest and loves justice.” Daya added with a sly smile, “And, he is a member of our church!” Julie flung her arms over her head and let out a whoop.
The group had dinner leftovers, and everyone ate until they were satisfied. Praveen had double helpings of Tandoori chicken, and the boys excitedly, and in great detail, told Daya the story of how they had overpowered Mr. Shah using the Krav Maga moves he had taught them.
“You are all champions!” shouted Daya, pumping his fist in the air.
That evening, with Ravi translating, Julie read the story of Gideon1 and how the Lord had kept whittling away at the number of soldiers available to fight.
“So the Lord sent 22,000 soldiers home, and there were 10,000 left. The Lord told Gideon that he still had too many soldiers. God didn’t want them to believe they had won the battle in their own strength. So God sent everyone home except 300 soldiers.
“They didn’t even carry weapons, just trumpets, jars, and torches. How would you like to go into battle with just those? The 300 soldiers surrounded the enemy camp by night, then broke the jars, blew the trumpets, and yelled, and the enemy retreated with Gideon and his men in pursuit. It was a supernatural victory.
“In our case God defeated the enemy with a crying baby and Nilaya! It’s a miracle. We were all part of a true miracle. I want you to never forget this lesson. You can trust Him—always.”
“And He also provided food for us when we were at the dump. Another miracle!” added Sashi.
The children poured out their gratitude. Nilaya climbed on Julie’s lap and wept. Kumar snuggled in on one side and Ravi on the other. Julie treasured it all in her heart, her eyes moist with tears.
Lord, never let me forget this moment ever. Please never let me forget the way You provided food for us and how You saved our lives and You did it using the weakest of the weak. Lord, You did fight for us! And nothing is impossible for You, and thank You for teaching me that I can absolutely trust You.
The children all showered and changed into their pajamas, even though they still didn’t grasp the concept. Then they had a late snack and were off to bed.
Pastor Kandal repaired the window.
Julie went to sleep with Shara in her arms. At 4:15 A.M. the Lord woke her.
My beloved Julie, My orphans’ lives are changed and so is yours. You’ve accomplished what I called you to do. You can return home the day after tomorrow.
Julie’s hands flew to her heart. It was the message she’d been waiting and praying to hear, but now that she had fallen in love with the orphans, the thought of losing them from her life seemed unbearable.
Thank You, Lord, I think. It’s like I’m attached to two families now. I can’t bear the thought of not having both. She leaned close to Shara and breathed in her smell. Tears fell.
“Oh, sweetie, I love you so much.”
Julie lay awake for an hour, praying and pondering. It’s really good/bad news. I miss Michael and Logan so much, but I’m amazed that I could learn to love these children so deeply in such a short time. I know they’ll be well taken care of; I won’t have to worry about that. I wonder if I’ll ever see any of them again? I promise to pray for each of them every day.
When she woke the next morning, Julie put on the second Indian outfit she had bought: drawstring pants and a long tunic in blue chiffon with delicate embroidery around the sleeves and neckline. Simple, yet elegant. So glad to be rid of that dress!
Chanda and Champa were in the kitchen teaching the girls how to prepare breakfast when Julie came down. Champa was overseeing Sashi and Shoba as they prepared dosas. Chanda had the rest of the girls at the table grating coconut for chutney.
“It smells wonderful in here,” said Julie. Lord, they all look so happy and clean.
Life will be very different for them, Julie. Their physical needs will be met, but more importantly, their spiritual and emotional needs will be cared for. They will be loved and nurtured, and as they learn to spend time in My presence, their emotional wounds will be healed. They will learn to hear My voice and receive their value from Me.
I have exciting plans for each of them. They will grow up believing My Word is true, and they will be mighty warriors in the Kingdom. I can use everything for good,2 even what these precious ones have endured.
“Lord, You can do exceeding abundantly above all I can ask or think.”3
I’m delighted you finally realized that, Julie.
After breakfast, it was time for school. Julie was unable to understand anything that was going on. Pastor Kandal was the head instructor, and other women from the church had volunteered to help teach the children, since going to a good school costs money.
Next was a Bible story time. Pastor Kandal taught the story of the Good Samaritan.4
“It’s important that you learn to have compassion for others the way that compassion has been shown to you.”
With Ravi translating, Julie led art class. She had the children pray and then draw what the Lord had shown them. She was taken aback at their pictures. A staircase leading to Heaven. A key unlocking a heart. A picture of Jesus with His arms outstretched.
They hear well, thought Julie.
Champa took the children to play dodgeball in the back. The children were delighted when Julie played, and both sides wanted her on their team.
At lunch period they had aloo vada, a deep-fried potato served with chutneys, and bananas for dessert.
“This is a perfect day,” shouted Ravi, and everyone agreed.
Daya dropped by after school and continued his Krav Maga lessons with the boys.
“You are experts now. Maybe you should teach me!”
Julie had gotten permission to borrow Ravi.
“I need you to translate. I want to buy something.”
“What?”
“A large, carved wooden screen. It’s really beautiful.” And I want to take it as a memento of India. She couldn’t broach the subject yet.
Walking back, Ravi asked, “Where will the screen go?”
“Ravi, it’s actually a present for my husband. Remember, I’m from America. I have a husband and a son your age. The Lord sent me here to help all of you find a home.”
“When are your husband and son coming?”
“They’re not. I was just sent here for a certain period of time. And that period of time is up.” She took a deep breath. “Ravi, let’s sit down and talk.”
The bedtime routine went smoothly. After praying for each child, Julie lay down with Shara. And, Lord, what about what Pastor Kandal said? Was that from You? I’d be so happy if it was. As Julie prayed, she dozed off, and the next thing she knew, it was morning, and she had her answer.
“Thank You, Jesus!”
Morning was a somber time—time to say good-bye. The group huddled around Julie in the living room. One by one, the children came forward to thank and hug Julie as Ravi translated. Many of them had made cards or pictures.
Julie, I am smiling over these children’s futures. They are all beautiful, they are all a blessing, and they were worth fighting for. I have given them extraordinary gifts, and they will be worshipers and mighty warriors for My Kingdom. They will be caring and compassionate toward others’ needs, and through loving others, they will love Me well. Today is their graduation day and yours.
Nilaya came boldly forward and hugged Julie. She looked her in the eyes and said, “I love you, Auntie.” Julie felt a lump in her throat.
“I love you, too, Nilaya. You are my hero for finding Shara and being the bravest little girl I know. The Lord used you to save us all, and you didn’t even know Krav Maga.” She winked at Wilson and Praveen, and they laughed.
Julie remembered Nilaya with her injured ankle lying in the street looking terrified. How could I have been so angry with such a precious little girl? Lord, I was a mess. For the longest time she couldn’t make eye contact or talk. What a charming smile she has. What a change in this little one. Lord, bless Nilaya.
Nilaya is blessed. She has a keen sense of what is right and will not easily be swayed from the truth. She has pure motives and is quick to meet others’ needs. She will walk and commune with Me and bring My presence into all of life.
Here is her verse: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of My hand.”5
Sapna approached Julie with a big smile. Julie wrapped her arms around her. Lord, this filthy, angry little waif, swimming in a man’s t-shirt, biting people when she didn’t get her way, is all smiles now.
Yes, and she’ll learn new ways to deal with her anger. She will become an encourager, speaking the right words at the right time to bring hope to the hopeless.
Here is her verse: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and….love your neighbor as yourself.”6
“I will miss you, Auntie.”
“I will miss you, too, Sapna.” Julie smiled; she still bore the scar on her leg.
“I’m sorry I bit you.”
“I forgive you, Sapna. Every time I see the scar, I will remember you with great fondness.”
Sashi was next in line and gave Julie a big hug.
“Thank you for coming to teach us about Jesus. I dreamed last night that Jesus appeared and told me not to worry about my future. That He would take care of me.”
Julie’s voice quavered.
“And He will, Sashi. He will. Never forget your prayers helped bring about a miracle. You have the heart of a servant, you are a diligent helper, and you will become an awesome woman of God.”
“Mithra, Auntie, mithra, Sashi,” she said, laying her hand on Julie’s chest.
I will give Sashi the highest level of spiritual authority because she will not abuse it. She has a strong desire to serve Me and walk in holiness.
This is her verse: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”7
When Julie hugged Shoba, she could feel her bones. She’s still so emaciated. If I’d gone home, would she even be alive?
You saved Shoba’s life, Julie. She will be My songbird who worships Me face to face with a thankful attitude. She will bring praise, joy, and thanksgiving to people’s challenging situations.
Here is My verse for her: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”8
Shoba handed Julie a drawing of a table covered with food.
“God will supply our daily bread,” she said.
“Yes, He will, Shoba; yes, He will.”
Her countenance used to be so sorrowful. She has such gentleness about her now. Shoba was to receive double portions on food until she gained 15 pounds.
Praveen was next. He was trying to be brave and not cry, but he wasn’t succeeding. He flung his arms around Julie and buried his face in her shoulder.
“Auntie, Auntie.”
“It’s OK, Praveen. It’s OK. Jesus loves you even more than I do, and He’s always with you all the time. Go to Him, and He will comfort you when you’re sad. And you can relax and let your guard down now that you know that Jesus will fight for you!”
Praveen has the gift of leadership. I will give him strategic wisdom keys, and show him My plans for individuals, cities, and nations.
His verse is Psalm 37:23. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”9
After several seconds, he released his grasp, took several deep breaths, and stoically walked to the back of the group.
Wilson approached next, also choking back tears. He stared at the floor until he wrestled his emotions under control. After several seconds of silence, he looked Julie in the eyes and thrust his walking stick toward her.
Julie sucked in a deep breath and put her hand over her heart.
“Oh, oh, Wilson,” she stammered, “I can’t take your walking stick, but thank you so much.” She threw her arms around him; the stick clanked to the floor, and he held her tightly.
“You are so kind and generous. You would give up your most precious possession for me. You are just like Jesus.”
Wilson is a caregiver. He loves others and desires to protect them. He knows My heart and will reveal it to others.
Here is his verse: “Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”10
Wilson finally released her and looked directly into her eyes again. She picked up the stick and handed it back to him and then kissed his forehead. He smiled and walked to the back of the group with Praveen.
Kumar approached Julie and handed her a drawing of a heart inside a heart with a third, smaller heart inside.
“That’s beautiful, Kumar. What’s it mean?”
“Well,” he pointed to the outside heart, “this is mine and this one,” he pointed to the second heart, “is Jesus’ heart because He lives inside me now.”
“What’s the smallest one?”
“That’s your heart because I will always remember you right here.” He pointed to his chest.
She knelt down and looked into his eyes. “And I will also carry you in my heart, Kumar.”
I will give Kumar a spirit of adoption. He will minister to orphans with the goal of seeing Mumbai transformed one child at a time, by caring long-term for each child’s emotional, spiritual, and financial need. Here is his verse: “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents.”11 Kumar smiled, paused, then walked away as Madhu approached. He pulled a white cotton string from his pocket with three large brown seeds hanging in the middle. He held it out to her and smiled.
“Oh, Madhu,” gushed Julie, slipping it over her head. “What a beautiful necklace. I know you worked hours on this.” Madhu beamed. “It’s my new favorite necklace. Thank you so much. I’ll always treasure it.”
Madhu will be My intercessor. He will help change difficult people, situations, cities, and nations by the hours he will spend on his knees.
Here is his verse: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”12
Bhanu walked to Julie and threw his arms around her.
Lord, it’s amazing what a little bit of kindness, love, and acceptance can do.
Yes, Julie, and this transformation is just beginning. As Bhanu’s heart heals, he will become more vulnerable. He will eventually befriend the hurting and walk them through their pain and introduce them to Me.
His life verse is: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”13
Bhanu released her and smiled. It was a sad smile, but it had replaced his permanent frown.
“I like the new Bhanu,” said Julie, tickling him under his chin. “I love to see you smile.” When she said that, he did.
Daya and his wife sat on the couch with Sammy sharing their laps.
“Julie, I believe I am the most grateful of all,” said Daya. “Not only was my faith increased by seeing God miraculously answer our prayers for the orphanage, but I gained the best son in the world.” He tossed Sammy in the air and caught him. Sammy squealed with delight. Daya’s wife smiled broadly.
“Yes, I owe you a debt of gratitude I can never pay,” he continued. Her face flushed with happiness.
“You have a wonderful son. I’m humbled to have been a part of you three becoming a family,” said Julie.
“I will be teaching here,” said Daya’s wife, “so I will bring Sammy each day for school. He will not miss his friends. The Lord has worked a miracle for our family. Thank you for your obedience.” Julie smiled and nodded.
Sammy handed Julie a card, which showed a picture of Mr. Shah behind jail bars. She held it up and everyone laughed.
“My dad put him in jail,” said Sammy. Daya gave him a big hug. “That’s right; he won’t bother you anymore.” Julie smiled. She collected all the pictures and carefully placed them in her battered, stained, green designer bag.
Sammy will develop a keen sense of justice and love the underdog. He will learn to hear My voice and be quick to see what I am doing in a situation.
His verse is Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”14
“Let’s pray for Julie’s safe journey and thank God for bringing her to bless us. Thank you, Julie from America,” said Pastor Kandal, “for obeying God’s voice to help these wonderful, amazing children. Their destinies are different because of you.”
As the children prayed, Julie was overcome by emotion.
I feel like my heart is being crushed in my chest. How can I leave these precious ones?
Their wonderful prayers and their obvious affection for her moved her to tears.
Lord, I am a blessed woman. I’m surrounded by children who love me and whom I love. For the first time in my life, I am really rich.
When the last child finished, the whole group shouted, “Ah-meen!”
“We need pictures,” said Pastor Kandal as he held up his cell phone. The children gathering close to her made her cry all the more.
“Everybody smile,” said Pastor.
Right, thought Julie. I feel like I might never smile again. She rummaged through her purse and came up with her phone.
I wonder? She looked at the bars—fully charged. She grinned. Lord, You are too funny!
“Pastor, will you take pictures of these wonderful, precious children for me?” I might need them to prove to my husband where I’ve been all this time.
After all the good-byes and hugs, with occasional smiles breaking through the tears, Julie heard the auto rickshaw honk.
Lord, I guess this is it. She took a deep breath, and the whole group huddled around her as she made her way outside. When she was seated in the auto rickshaw, Pastor Kandal handed Shara to her; Ravi climbed in the other side, and Daya wedged in the wooden, tri-fold screen.
“I love you all. I miss you already,” cried Julie, looking at each of their faces. Ravi waved. The children ran along beside the auto rickshaw shouting and waving as it eased away from the curb.
Julie pulled her Bible from her battered purse. “Look at this Scripture. I was praying last night about bringing you and Shara home with me, and when I woke this morning, this was the verse the Lord gave me for today: ‘God sets the lonely in families….’15 I was hoping, hoping, hoping, but when I read that, I knew it was Jesus telling me that we are family, forever.”