How God’s Word Transformed a Life in
Sri Lanka

Thank you for helping John to have hope

John was deep in the pit of depression.

He didn’t see a way out.

He wasn’t sure he could keep going.

“In November 2024, overwhelmed by despair, I decided to commit suicide,” John reveals. His wife, Akhileshwari, aware of his state of mind, asked him to visit Sasikala. Soon, Sasikala called him. He had no idea this call would save his life.

Sasikala is a Bible League-trained Christian leading a church in northern Sri Lanka. Through your support, she attended Bible League’s Bible study leader training and is now bringing the hope of Jesus to people in her community, including John.

Not-So-Happy Couple

Not too long ago, 26-year-old John married Akhileshwari. What should have been a sweet story of love and hope turned volatile, rapidly. The young couple realized the honeymoon was over. John had severe rage issues. Many youths in this small island nation off the coast of India come from broken homes. John was no exception. Poverty, unemployment, and drinking were a toxic mix. His rage was always bubbling under the surface.

John recalls, “I was a very angry person. Very bad-tempered. I physically assaulted my wife often. For every issue, I fought. It became unbearable.” Even when his wife was pregnant with their daughter, he didn’t stop his abuse. Akhileshwari wasn’t John’s only victim. He fought with everyone.

Fed up with John’s treatment, his wife returned to her mother’s home. That’s when Akhileshwari met Sasikala—the dedicated follower of Jesus who would end up changing their lives for the better. About a year ago, these two women began praying for John.

Akhileshwari was back in her hometown, 200 miles away, almost on the other side of the country. He was living alone in the capital city.

John had been raised in a Christian home, but wasn’t following Jesus. He recalls, “I was leading a careless life, frequently going out with friends. I started feeling guilty about my unclean way of living.” Though he wasn’t walking with Christ, he still felt God nudging him to return home to his wife. He knew the importance of prayer, so he prayed before he left. “I felt God guiding me to return.”

Hitting Rock Bottom

Back at his mother-in-law’s home, he began reading the Bible that his wife had received from Sasikala. Sasikala would visit the couple, praying for them. During one of those visits, John asked her to pray for his deliverance. She encouraged John, saying he was a child of God and that He would use John as His servant. This prayer became a turning point in his life.

John says, “All my life, I had only heard people complain about me or curse me for my fate, but the words of prophecy gave me hope. Those words touched my heart deeply. It was a message of love from God. I felt I belonged to Him.”

But in the following months, John’s hope faded as his rage reared its ugly head again. The couple fought frequently. He also fought with his in-laws. The cycle of abuse continued. His in-laws and wife were against him because of this abuse. He drifted away from God’s presence. In the fall of last year, John found himself in a dark place once again.

He notes, “One day, there was an argument. My mother-in-law and cousins came against me. They shouted, ‘This is not your house. You will have to leave.’”

With nowhere to turn, he wondered, What is the use of being alive?

The 26-year-old with a wife and young daughter decided he wanted to end it all.

Upheld by the Righteous Right Hand

His wife, knowing his state of mind, asked him to go see Sasikala. That’s when he got the call from her. John poured his heart out to Sasikala.

Sasikala knows how depression can take hold of you…how it can make you feel like you’re drowning. She has been through her times of deep despair. At one point, she too thought of ending it all. Now, she is helping people like John find their way out of the darkness.

He recalls, “I explained the issues with my wife’s family and how things had worsened. I had no place to go. Sasikala allowed me to stay in a small room in the church. She counseled me and asked me to pray and come to church.”

While living at the church for two months, John followed Sasikala’s guidance. During a seven-day period of fasting and praying, John experienced a breakthrough. He saw Isaiah 41:10 on the church’s wall.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

“That verse had a profound impact on me,” John recalls. He began to understand how much anger had taken hold of his life. And he was ready to fully surrender to Jesus. He says, “I asked God to help me repent and change my ways. He revealed to me that anger was a major issue in my life. He helped me overcome it.”

A New Way of Life

Sasikala continued to disciple John using the Bible study materials you’re providing. He says, “I could not repay her for the sacrifice she made for me. Sasikala was the instrument that God used to impact my life. I thank God for Sasikala.”

Through this Bible study, John discovered new life in Christ and grew deep roots in Him. Sasikala counseled John and Akhileshwari. The little family of three reunited as Akhileshwari and their two-year-old daughter moved back in with John. The couple recently received baptism. He says, “Now, I treat my wife with love and respect. I no longer harm or mistreat her.”

He knows the Bible League Bible study changed his life. He beams, “I learned that it is good to live for God. I learned about salvation, being delivered from my wrong or sinful life. I learned how to pray and to love others. I have always lived with a lot of anger and hatred, but it has changed after the Bible study.”

After hitting rock bottom, John found his way back to God. He believes God saved him from ending his life. Now, he is serving alongside Sasikala in her growing church.

God, I will keep the special promises I made to you. I will give you my thank offering. You saved me from death. You kept me from being defeated. So I will serve you in the light that only the living can see.
Psalm 56:12-13 ERV

If you are in crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Or chat at https://988lifeline.org/.

If you’re experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call, text, or chat. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788 or chat at https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/.