Spiritual Awakening

Phuong was a young woman I discipled in Malaysia. Our paths crossed when I visited her apartment and shared the Gospel with her. She embraced Jesus as her Lord and Savior and soon began attending our church regularly. Yet, beneath her newfound faith lay deep-seated scars—her expressions were vacant, and even her walk resembled that of a robot. Motivated by this, I dedicated more time to understanding her better. 

I learned of Phuong’s troubled past, filled with rejection and pain. Even before her birth, her life was shadowed by family conflict and curses, leading her mother to flee from abuse and remarry. Growing up, Phuong faced constant ridicule within her household, particularly from her mother, who despised her due to her resemblance to a father she never knew.

In a desperate bid for love and approval, Phuong endured unimaginable abuse, including being forced to consume poison by the very person who should have protected her. Her quest for her mother’s affection took her far from home to Malaysia, where she toiled tirelessly, sending money back, hoping to bridge the vast emotional chasm that lay between them. 

However, after three years of being immersed in the Scriptures and spending time in solitude with God, a remarkable transformation occurred. The once robotic and emotionless Phuong blossomed into a vibrant worship leader, her every move radiating joy and passion previously unseen. Her transformation was profound, touching not just her own soul but also the hearts of her family back in Vietnam. 

During a month-long visit to her homeland, Phuong led her entire family to the Lord. She even witnessed a miraculous intervention when, after praying for rain to bless their barren crops, heavy rain fell that evening, leading to a bountiful harvest months later. Phuong’s story is not just a testimony to personal change but a testament to the power of prayer.

Anh Powers