Grant Them a Child

“After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. ‘The Lord has done this for me,’ she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.’” Luke 1:24-25, NIV.

Two days ago we were at a village that had been completely destroyed. Fortunately only 10 of the 450 people who lived in the village died in the tsunami. The village was at the base of a small hill and people were able to run to safety. We had seen about fifteen patients before a sweet, young couple arrived. They were in their twenties. Their primary complaint was her inability to become pregnant during five years of marriage.

The inability to become pregnant in any culture is very difficult to bear, but in the Muslim culture it also carries other struggles and consequences. Our translator mentioned how many refer to them as "grandparents," obviously a comment on their inability to have children. After obtaining their information and name, the translator sent them to talk and pray with me. They agreed. 

After exchanging greetings I asked them about their problem. They were pleasant and matter of fact about their hardship and struggle. I offered to pray that Isa would grant them a baby and to comfort them. We prayed, asking Isa al Masih (Jesus the Messiah) to bless them and grant them a child. The Spirit was truly moving. I was in tears. The translator was in tears as well.

Another team member commented on the number of villagers who were taking notice of what we were doing. The villagers all knew this couple’s problem. While we may never know or see the results of this prayer, the birth of a child to this couple could have an amazing impact on this struggling couple and an entire village, as the power of answered prayers are witnessed. This couple would have no other explanation for having a baby other than that their request was granted by the great and mighty Jesus!

Pray that:

This couple would not only have a child, but that glory would be given to Jesus.

The entire village would be opened to the gospel through one answered prayer.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.