A Sikh in Spiritual Turmoil
In the early 1900s, Sundar Singh, a young man from a wealthy Sikh family in Rampur, Punjab, was grappling with profound spiritual turmoil. Despite being exposed to Christian teachings at school, he rejected them vehemently, even going so far as to burn a copy of the Gospel in anger. The death of his mother only deepened his despair, leading him to consider ending his life.
The Vision of Christ
In December 1903, Sundar reached a breaking point. Desperate for peace, he prayed late one night, asking God to reveal Himself if He truly existed. As Sundar later recounted, he was astonished when a bright light filled his room, and he saw Jesus standing before him. The figure spoke in Hindustani, saying, "How long will you deny me? I died for you; I have given my life for you." This vision profoundly impacted Sundar, filling him with a peace he had never known.
Counted as Dead
Convinced of the truth of Jesus as the Savior, Sundar declared his intention to follow Christ, despite fierce opposition from his family. His father disowned him, holding a 'farewell feast' to mark Sundar as dead to them. Despite this, Sundar remained steadfast, getting baptized on his birthday in 1905.
A Sadhu for Christ
Embracing the life of a Sadhu, Sundar traveled extensively, wearing a saffron robe and carrying only a New Testament. He journeyed barefoot across India, Tibet, and beyond, spreading the message of love and peace through Jesus. His unique approach, integrating Christian faith with Indian spirituality, resonated with many, including notable figures like Mahatma Gandhi and C.S. Lewis. Sundar's ministry was marked by both miracles and hardship. He faced numerous threats to his life but remained unwavering in his mission. He once said, "I am not worthy to follow in the steps of my Lord, but like Him, I want no home, no possessions. Like Him I will belong to the road, sharing the suffering of my people." His life was a testament to the transformative power of a single encounter with Jesus. Sundar Singh disappeared in 1929 during a missionary journey to Tibet, leaving behind a legacy of faith and dedication to Christ that continues to inspire.