For three years, I have had a restless feeling in my mind and soul, saying to God, “Lord, I do not feel I’m doing all that I must, for you. But I don’t know what else I should do apart from my teaching in the Adult Sunday School, serving as a deacon, serving on church committees, and witnessing wherever I had the opportunity.” It was an emotionally heart-wrenching time for me. I never had this kind of feeling in my life before.

On June 18, 2000 (Father’s Day), I finished my Sunday School lesson, challenging myself and the class, saying, “I feel that I’m now in the ‘total dependence’ stage of spiritual growth, and I pledge to you that no matter what the circumstances are around me, I will totally depend upon the Lord.” Later that morning in the worship service at the University Baptist Church (which has been the Sumanths’ extended family for over 23 years), Paul, our youngest son, sang with the Men’s Group. It was such a proud feeling seeing our son singing with a passion and intensity, reflecting his utmost devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well, just five days later — on June 23, 2000, God gave me the greatest practical test of my life! God took Paulee to the very eternal and glorious presence of Himself in heaven from a fatal car accident. Needless to say, our lives seemed to shatter. Our grief was uncontrollable, and our sorrow insurmountable. Yet with much love from God Himself, our church family, and immediate family, we began to see God’s sovereign plan unfold.

I spent many hundreds of hours praying, studying His word, speaking to my Senior Pastor and mentors, friends, and family in the ensuing months. On July 23, 2002, exactly 25 months after Paul’s Home Going, I heard God’s calling very clearly in my mind and soul, asking me to preach and disciple people in two specific countries — India, my physical birth place (with more than 850 million people who have not accepted the plan of salvation through Christ), and the United States, the place of my spiritual rebirth. That night I prayed to God, yielding completely, surrendering to Him all my time, talents, and treasures, and asking Him to show me His path as I go along. I never expected this direct calling at this stage of my life, yet I must obey Him fully. For now, I plan to spend at least 4 months out of the year on ministry work, while supporting  myself with University income. But, I am prepared, as of this minute, to give it all up, if I hear my Lord asking me to do differently. He has been using me more on the university campus lately, and I feel He wants me to be there at least for this season. Please remember me in your daily prayers that I will be humble to hear His voice and obey His direction every single day. It is “excitingly scary,” but His promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb.13:5) is a reminder of His faithfulness in my life and yours.

I have the hope of seeing and embracing my son, Paul, in heaven, because he and I have accepted God’s gift  of eternal life by grace through faith in Jesus Christ— the only “passport”  you need, to enter heaven. If you were to die today, are you absolutely, positively, sure  that you can spend your eternity with God? Do you hold the “Passport to Heaven”? If not, please contact one of us at PJSM to tell you more about it.

My prayer is that you seek the ultimate truth for eternal life, and when you do, “the truth  will set you free.” — free from eternal suffering and separation from the loving God who designed you, died for you, and loves you unconditionally. Accept His free gift.  We never know when our lives may end here on earth!!