In the far north of India, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a small densely populated town called Anantnag. A small maternity hospital with limited staff delivers babies, provides medical care to women of the valley, and raises up young nurses. On our last visit to the hospital, as we toured the small campus with vibrant flowers and tall stone walls, the nursing students shared in beautifully sung hymns and greeted us with unparalleled hospitality as we dreamed of the much-needed hospital and nursing school expansion, a project that continues to be on our hearts today.
This unassuming stop along a busy route of honking drivers and endless pedestrians served as a refreshing reminder of the joy of the Lord in a city ravaged by political strife and civil war.
Then, COVID-19 took hold.
As stories of lockdowns, fear, and sickness began to spread around the world, we knew this little city in Kashmir had the potential to be hit hard and we were called to pray for our friends and all of the villages and cities throughout India. But still, word came that 10 of the staff members at John Bishop Memorial Hospital were positive for the coronavirus. And so, we prayed. Two weeks later, we received word that the staff were all re-tested and came back negative, the hospital was back up and running!
Given the needs of the community, the hospital is now serving as a hub for COVID care in addition to their usual service to mothers delivering babies. There is a need for personal protective equipment, additional help for the staff, but most of all continuing prayer. John Bishop Memorial Hospital has been a beacon in the valley as a place of answered prayer upon answered prayer for many years, and yet again we’ve found the next opportunity for a newly answered prayer.
Join us in praying for the nation of India, from the far north to the southern tip. Psalm 28:7 comes to mind in prayer for India, “the Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.”
We have great faith for the people of India in overcoming the virus, in turning their hearts to the Lord, and continuing to share the good news of the gospel throughout this great nation.
