A Restless Seeker Burns a Bible
Sundar Singh was born on September 3, 1889, in Rampur, Punjab, India, into a wealthy Sikh family. Despite his devout upbringing, Sundar was restless and found no peace in religious rituals. The turning point came after the tragic death of his mother when he was just 14. Overwhelmed with grief and despair, he burned a Bible in a symbolic rejection of Christianity.
Christ Appears in a Vision
However, on the night of September 16, 1904, Sundar reached a critical moment. In his desperation, he prayed for God to reveal Himself, contemplating suicide if he received no answer. Then, in December 1903, Sundar experienced a vision that forever changed his life. He saw a figure filled with light, whom he recognized as Jesus Christ. The figure spoke, 'How long will you persecute me? I died for you; I have given my life for you.' This encounter convinced Sundar that Jesus was the true Savior, filling him with a newfound peace and purpose.
The Sadhu's Barefoot Journey
Following this profound experience, Sundar was baptized on his 16th birthday in 1905 at an English church in Simla. Embracing a life of simplicity, he became a wandering holy man, or sadhu, dedicated to sharing the message of Jesus. He traveled barefoot across India and beyond, carrying only the New Testament, and became known as 'the apostle with the bleeding feet.'
Steadfast Despite Persecution
Despite facing persecution and being disowned by his family, Sundar remained steadfast. His teachings emphasized a personal relationship with Jesus and the power of prayer. He famously said, 'I am not worthy to follow in the steps of my Lord, but, like Him, I want no home, no possessions.'
Sundar Singh's story is a testament to the transformative power of encountering Jesus, as he dedicated his life to spreading the love and message of Christ across the world.
