Easter Sunday Bombings Strike Sri Lanka
On Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, Sri Lanka was shaken by a series of coordinated bombings that targeted churches and luxury hotels. Among the affected was Zion Church in Batticaloa, where many worshippers had gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The attack left deep scars, both physical and emotional, but it also ignited stories of unwavering faith and divine intervention.
Stories of Faith Emerge From the Ashes
Elaisha Debbie, a young girl who attended Zion Church, lost her eyesight and her family in the devastating attack. Despite her profound loss, Elaisha clung to her faith. Her mother's words, penned in her Bible, echoed in her heart: "Always take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Elaisha expressed her hope by saying, "Jesus has already made eyes for me. He will give it to me when my time comes." Determined to serve, she dreams of becoming a Sunday school teacher.
Rebekah Arasarathanam, another survivor of the Zion Church bombing, suffered severe burns. Her family testifies to a strengthened faith in Jesus following the tragedy. Rebekah has rededicated her life to Christ, now teaching Sunday School and attending Bible school. Her journey reflects a transformation from despair to a renewed commitment to her faith.
Pastor Ganeshamoorthy Thirukumaran, assistant pastor of Zion Church, faced the loss of his teenage son. Amidst his grief, he held firmly to the principles of peace, love, and forgiveness. "Christianity is based on the teachings of peace, love, and forgiveness. If we seek revenge, we will be betraying our faith," he stated, embodying the core of his belief.
Praba, who lost her eight-year-old son, Peter, found solace in her faith when words failed her. For months, she could only pray "Jesus," but over time, she embraced God's presence more deeply. She returned to teaching Sunday school, putting God first in her life.
These testimonies demonstrate the power of Jesus to heal and transform lives even in the darkest times. Survivors like Elaisha, Rebekah, and Praba reflect the profound impact of faith, turning personal tragedies into stories of hope and resilience. Together, they show that even amidst devastation, Jesus remains the source of strength and renewal.
