(July 28, 2025) Dr Sam Selva Raj recalls…

When we look back on the history of the lives of various ministers of the gospel, our Father God has been faithful in taking care of and meeting all the needs of His servants in all circumstances.

Now at times God’s servants are not without need, but He is faithful in ensuring they are successful. Indeed, He never leaves them comfortless.

Ministry Invitation
In 1982, I was invited to preach the gospel in a village near Chennai (Madras). The program was for a whole day once I arrived there, so some of my co-workers went there the previous day to carry out the preliminary arrangements.

Back home I prepared myself for preaching and ministering God’s word. I would be coming up the following day by train.

On the particular day morning that I was expected to travel to the village, after much prayer I went early to the railway station. But… in spite of sincere efforts and sincere prayer, I hadn’t been able to arrange the required money for my travel. I did not have any cash in my wallet to get the train ticket, or for other expenses. Nor had I found any alternative means of travelling to that village.

When I arrived at the station, I found that there was a long queue for purchasing a ticket to catch the particular train.

So I also stood in the queue, as if I also had enough money in my wallet just like others, to get the train ticket. In my spirit, I was believing God for a miracle.

Material Insufficiency
The queue moved little by little. People standing in front of me were actively opening their wallets to purchase tickets when their turn came by tendering currency notes and coins. But myself…  being an ordinary servant of God whose wallet was empty I did not know what I would do when my turn came to pay money and get my ticket. My heart was now beating fast!

Finally, my turn came to ask for a ticket. I did not know what to do. The ticket counter attendant asked me, ‘Where do you want to go?’

When I opened my mouth and said, ‘I want to go to—’ I, hesitating slightly, named the village where I was expected.

The attendant prepared the ticket and told me the cost. When I just stood there dumbfounded, he repeated the cost, looking at me oddly. I looked at him speechless.

Miraculous Intervention
Then to my surprise I heard a voice behind me saying to the counter clerk, ‘Sir, please  do not receive money from this man. I am also travelling with him and I will pay for his ticket as well as my own; please do not take any money from him.’ 

And the clerk didn’t— he actually requested me not to pay, saying that the person behind me was his friend and he wished to honour his friend!

My heart broke into pieces! I could not control myself. I left the counter and cried like a child realising the concern of my Master whom I was serving toward me, His little servant.

In concentrating on the meetings ahead and that I hadn’t the rail fare, I’d been completely unaware of the brother behind me who now paid for both our tickets. This was yet another incident where God extended His grace to me and the ministry He has called me to!

As my friend and I travelled together I openly shared my predicament back at the station and the Lord’s intervention through him. He also shed tears and thanked God.

And God richly blessed the program of the day in that village!

• Dear reader, Jesus is sufficient for you also regarding all your needs.
• If the Lord calls you to minister in His service, do not hesitate or delay.
• He will not leave you comfortless (John 14:18)!
• Almighty God’s grace is amazing!

________________________________________

Dr S Sam Selva Raj is founder of India’s National Spiritual Newspaper Echo of His Call, printed monthly in 16 languages as well as overseeing many community outreaches that bless thousands, the Chennai church, Bible colleges, and postal and online Bible correspondence/theological courses. A particular challenge is daily broadcasting 5-minute messages in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu on YouTube, trusting God to provide for the costs. Links: sam@echoofhiscall.org / You are Chosen by God for His Purposes (my daughter Angeline’s July article).
________________________________________