In November 2005, in a remote North Indian village, a man came home from work to find his mother dead in her bed. Although she had seen the local doctor a few days ago for her fever and breathing difficulties, she had been alright when the young man left for work that morning.

Racing to the neighbour for help, the young man 's cry turned to a devastated wail. The news spread quickly through the small village and people started to arrive to comfort the young man and pay their last respects to his mother, Jyothi.

Pastor Manil, an Empart Church Planter working in the village, soon heard of his Auntie Jyothi's unexpected death. Grabbing his Bible he headed straight for his cousin's house. Despite his personal anguish he courageously took the lead, asking the visitors to wait outside. He gathered the family together, saying,  "Don"t worry, ALL things are possible to Jesus, let us believe and pray that Auntie will come back to life. " He read to them the story of Jesus raising the ruler's daughter (Luke 8: 49 - 56). Then, despite the fact that she had been dead for over two hours, Manil closed his eyes and lifted his hands in praise for Jesus. He led the family and prayed aloud,  "Jesus, if this is your will, restore life back to Auntie Jyothi so that your name will be glorified in this village. "

As Manil finished praying these words, her lifeless body began to move! Her eyes opened! Hardly able to believe what they were seeing, Manil and the rest of the family were filled with joy, praising the Lord and shouting,  "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! "

The people waiting outside heard the commotion and, fearful for the family, began to rush inside. Suddenly the woman gave a loud, piercing scream and leapt from her bed. She ran madly past the people and out of the house. The family and villagers raced after her, following her into a nearby forest. Jyothi lay unconscious on the ground, right next to the tree where the villagers believed the evil spirits dwelt. Manil then knew that Jyothi's weak body had been attacked by evil spirits.

Meanwhile, the news of Jyothi being raised to life had spread like wildfire throughout the village. Many people came and crowded around the place where she now lay. Pastor Manil knelt down next to her and prayed, taking authority over the evil spirits in the name of the Almighty Lord, just as Jesus had commanded. Jyothi rolled around, and then convulsed violently as the spirits left her.  She opened her eyes, sat up and smiled. It was all over, her ordeal was over. Many villagers acknowledged the power and glory of Jesus, saying,  "He must be the one true God, for only a true God can do things like these. " Seeing the power of Jesus demonstrated right before them, seven of the Hindu families immediately believed on Him and asked Pastor Manil to help them become Christians. The church in this village has now seen many souls saved and many, many more are still coming from miles around to hear the Good News.

Empart continues to reach the unreached millions through committed church planters like Pastor Manil. You too can become part of reaching these unreached people by sponsoring a Church Planter - from just $50 a month. Contact us