When HIV Nearly Took Her Life

When HIV Nearly Took Her Life

A Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) News Release – For Immediate Release

WILLS POINT, TX (ANS – June 10, 2017) -- All the villagers said it: Akshaya was going to die soon, just as her husband had.

The young woman had gotten married without knowing her husband had HIV. In a matter of months, he passed away.

The scourge that took her husband’s life soon began deteriorating her own. After contracting HIV, Akshaya grew weaker day by day. Three months later, she was bedridden, and all the villagers were convinced she would die soon.

Then Jyotsna, the wife of GFA-supported pastor John, learned about Akshaya’s situation. Jyotsna and her husband took Akshaya to a premier hospital nearby to receive treatment.

While Akshaya stayed in the hospital, Jyotsna, Pastor John and his congregation interceded in prayer for her. Jyotsna and Pastor John often visited Akshaya in the hospital, praying for her and sharing about Jesus Christ, the Healer who died to give her a new life. Gradually, these seeds of hope took root in Akshaya’s heart.

After some time in the hospital, Akshaya’s health improved dramatically, much to the amazement of the doctors and the people in her village. Akshaya knew there was more to this recovery than doctors’ help.

“It is not because of medicine that I am healed,” she told everyone. “I am alive because of Jesus.”

With restored health, Akshaya was able to work again, and she and her mother started regularly attending worship services at Pastor John’s church.

Although Akshaya remains HIV-positive, she can live an active life, by God’s grace. Now Akshaya knows He brought healing and restoration not only to her body but also to her soul, and all the people in her village and the nearby villages know Jesus Christ saved her life from death.

“It is not because of medicine that I am healed,” she told everyone. “I am alive because of Jesus.”

Think About It

Akshaya is one of more than 2 million people in Asia who live with HIV. Contracted through various means, whether drugs or illicit sexual relationships, or passed on to spouses or children, this disease leaves many people with a mark of disgrace. Many HIV-positive people in Asia also lack access to the needed treatment. Please pray for them, that they will experience the redemption and hope found in the Great Physician, who offers healing and who has defeated the grave.

Note: Gospel for Asia has -- for more than 30 years -- provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 75,000 sponsored children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For more information, go to www.gfa.org 

To schedule an interview with a Gospel for Asia representative, please contact pressrelations@gfa.org or call 972-300-3379.

Photo caption: HIV nearly took her life. (GFA)

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