Kiruthiga thought her future was set. After finishing 12th grade, she planned to find a job as a daily wage laborer, maybe in the fields or possibly at a local hotel. She was hoping for the best since it was now up to her now to care for her mom and sister.
Years ago, her father had deserted the family. Her mother was unskilled and had completely relied on her husband to meet the family’s financial needs. After Kiruthiga’s father left, the family struggled to survive. Eventually, her mother was able to find work as a daily wage laborer. She was able to make 120/INR a day ($1.45 US). For someone unskilled, and being a woman, it would have to do.
Their financial difficulties continued and then Kiruthiga’s mother started having headaches. Every day, the headaches seemed to get worse. Nothing would help and she could barely go to work. She eventually went to the doctor and was told that she had a brain tumor. The prognosis was not good.
But then something very unusual happened. One of the neighbors told her about a healer. This was not a Hindu doctor or priest. The name was not familiar to the family. The man’s name was Jesus and Kiruthiga’s neighbor said that if anyone could heal her mother, it would be Jesus, the one known as the Son of God.
Kiruthiga’s family was Hindu. They knew little about Christianity and not much of this god-man, Jesus. But in her pain and little bit of strength, her mother uttered a few words—a prayer—a promise, “If you heal me, I will follow you until my last breath.”
The words of this quiet, sincere prayer reached up into the heavens. And Kiruthiga’s mother was miraculously healed. Her headaches? Gone.
Six months later when she consulted a doctor, he confirmed, with great surprise, the tumor had disappeared. She gives all glory to God and committed her life to following Jesus—the one who healed her. From then on, she committed to raising her two daughters up in the Christian faith.
One day, Kiruthiga she shared with the pastor and his wife that she was not able to go to college but was hoping that she could still get a good job. They suggested that she apply to the local community college.
Maybe the best was not a daily wage. Maybe there was a different option. Kiruthiga and her mother discussed it and decided that she would study medical laboratory technology.
Since starting at Sharon, Kiruthiga, once a timid and nervous girl, has gained confidence and courage. Her faith in God has also grown as she has experienced His provision and power in her life, day by day.
She shared how the professors encouraged and mentored her over the past two years. And she learned how to speak English and use the computer.
She completed the two-year course, received her diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology, and is currently doing a six-month internship at Sharon Hospital. Following her internship, she will be eligible to get employment at any of the hospitals and can expect to make a good salary.
Many of her relatives advised her mother to give Kiruthiga away in marriage and not allow her to study further. But when her mother found out about the opportunity at Sharon, she insisted that Kiruthiga attend so that she could have a better future.
Kiruthiga received her degree from Sharon Community College. The school has a 100% job guarantee and the fees are very affordable. KGF is proud to partner with Sharon Community College in making education a priority for young girls like Kiruthiga.
As 2023 comes to a close, it’s our heart’s desire to come alongside more young women like Kiruthiga. In fact we have a goal as part of our yearend campaign. We want to help five young women who have applied for nursing school. They are bright, hard working and are hopeful about their futures. But they are in need of scholarships. Give a gift today of any amount toward our nursing scholarship fund.
This article is an excerpt from our HERJournal Fall issue.
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