Harisudan was hedging his bets.
Although the 23-year-old man from India said his surrender to Jesus was wholehearted—100 percent, even—the former Hindu loosely held to his past.
“I’m not saying Christianity is the only way. Hinduism is a good way, but I like Christianity.”
You may have read about Hari in the latest issue of Worldwide Challenge magazine (“Missing Harisudan,” starting on page 16). We were careful to earmark the above quote as “theologically confused.” But we felt it was important to include it since this thought is common, especially in places dominated by other religions.
Writer, Becky Hill, knew that Hari was meeting with a Christian mentor (Rajan Babu) who would explain further what Jesus said about Himself, leaving no room for Hinduism or any other way to God. We knew, as a brand new Christian, that there was much for Hari to learn. We just didn’t know how soon he would learn some of it. So here is the rest of the story.
I spoke to Hari by telephone after the article was written to check a few points for accuracy. Immediately after attending the sports camp which Becky wrote about, Hari was hospitalized for terrible ulcers. The pain built and built, until Hari began to contemplate suicide. Then he had a terrible dream.
He called Rajan Babu from his hospital bed, desperate for encouragement and answers. He begged him to come read the Bible for comfort and to explain his dream.
Rajan Babu, a staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ, told Hari that God wanted everything. He told Hari, with audacious faith, that if he completely surrendered to Jesus—leaving no back doors open to return to Hinduism—then God would heal him within five days.
Hari told me this over the phone, our international call interrupted by cars honking while Hari walked through crowded traffic.
I was shocked by Rajan Babu’s bold challenge. But Hari says he experienced a miracle. He was healed in five days. He is completely convinced of God’s sovereignty.
Since then, Hari told me via Facebook that his parents told him to move out. A part of the Brahman priestly caste, Hari had offended his family with his decision to follow Jesus.
Please pray for Hari. Thank you for allowing us to tell these amazing stories. We see God’s fingerprints around the world and show our readers that He is very much alive. What a privilege to serve Him!