Vijaya was seven when she came to us from a government home. She recalls being well cared for, “I was given delicious food and beautiful new frocks.” Later, she trained as a teacher and remembers how God answered her prayer before an exam. “Just days before, I had no reader (to read the exam paper) and I prayed for a good one. God answered my prayer and provided me with a skilled reader, helping me pass with great grades.” Now retired, Vijaya still enjoys teaching our visually impaired children with patience and joy.
Rajasbai came in 1950 at age six. She says that she decided to stay when she heard the hymns echoing from the church. Along with Shalini, she attended Bible school and trained as a teacher, travelling with Bible women to share their faith in the villages. “People were amazed when they saw us reading the Bible in Braille and would stay to listen.”
Rajasbai also met Sagunabai, who had witnessed the 1905 revival and shared stories, including one about a group of girls praying at 5 am. One morning, their prayers were so loud that others came to see what was happening. As they entered, they felt intense heat and saw one girl surrounded by flames, yet unburned. Rajasbai was deeply moved by this 1905 account and remembers it vividly today.
Shalini shared, “I was given a doll that I loved dearly. When the pastor spoke about giving, I offered it as my gift. He was so touched that he shared the story, and I became known as the ‘doll girl.’” A former maths teacher, Shalini now loves to help the Bougainvillea girls with their maths.
Nalini also trained as a teacher and became head of the School for the Blind and supervisor of Bartimi Sadan. “Being in church felt holy, and I loved my role in the singing.” At 12, she was moved by Hebrews 10:37 and recalls feeling upset and crying because she felt she wasn’t ready to meet Jesus. That day, with the help of her house mother, she accepted Him as her Saviour.
The ladies often lead the singing, with some playing musical instruments, feeling the presence of God. The church has deeply shaped their lives, and many of the ladies, as devoted prayer warriors, have contributed to the ministry for years. These ladies have been a true blessing to us, their lives a testament of faith, love, and resilience.
Their stories, wisdom, and unwavering devotion continue to inspire and enrich our lives.
Editted excerpts from Saroj Kadam’s article in the Mukti Kiran Special Edition January 2025