Talat's brother attacked him with a knife after he found out Talat had come to Christ.

SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- Being an influential man in his village, when Talat Sarin chose to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior, others followed suit. But his younger brother, Vanhi, didn’t want anything to do with it. Instead, he became enraged by Talat’s decision. A staunch follower of the local deity, Vanhi thought his brother was misleading the villagers.

And in a drunken stupor, Vanhi grabbed a knife and stood outside his brother’s house, calling for Talat to come out.

Worried, Talat hurried outside to see what was wrong.

“You’re polluting the locality by introducing the faith of others,” Vanhi said, hurling accusations.

Vanhi then lunged at his brother, knife in his hand. He aimed to slice Talat’s throat, but Talat’s left arm caught the brunt of the blow as he tried to shield himself. Blood began pouring out of a cut vein, and Talat’s family rushed him to the hospital. Right now Talat is recovering from his wound.

It wasn’t too long before this incident that Talat had the same perspective as Vanhi.

Talat used to believe Christianity was only for the tribal people. He thought each community should have their own beliefs and gods, and there was no room for Christianity in his village. The rest of the villagers were just as hard hearted as Talat

Pavani Chopra, a Gospel for Asia-supported pastor, believed if Talat would come to realize his need for salvation there would be a breakthrough where he served. Pavani had a difficult task before him in witnessing to these people, but he knew that if Talat chose Christ, more were sure to open their hearts to Jesus.

Pastor Pavani repeatedly shared God’s Word with Talat, but no matter how often he heard it, Talat refused to believe its truths.

Pavani was determined to show him Christ’s love, and not losing hope, he persistently prayed and ministered to Talat. Then one day Talat’s eyes were open to the realization that he was a sinner in need of forgiveness. Pavani counseled him through this time, and Talat chose to receive the Lord as his Savior.

Just like Pavani had expected, more people in the village came to Christ. And even though Vanhi is furious, Talat has forgiven his brother and requested that no legal action be taken against him. He asks for prayer concerning Vanhi, that he would see Jesus as Savior and repent of his actions.

·                                 Read the story of a man who was despised and rejected by his father for deciding to follow the Lord.

·                                 Becoming a Christian isn't an easy thing to do in South Asia. Read more stories about the persecution Christians endure for serving God.