FURIOUS COBRA READY TO STRIKE
Dad was aware of everything happening at home through his friends in Vadugapatti. When he understood that his children are continuing their studies, he said to himself, "Oh! Since she is getting income from the clinic established by me, she is able to educate children without my money....if I close it down. what will she do? She will go begging on streets for daily food". So he decided to do so. He thought for a long time how to implement his plan. He challenged in his heart, "If the clinic is not there...will her Christian faith feed her? Will it give money to educate her children?" Days went by. In Vadugapatti they went to prayer meetings secretly. Their faith in Jesus increased abundantly.
In a magazine called Herald of the Angles, one believer wrote that he fasted for forty days and received many blessings from the Lord. When mom read it, she too wanted to have similar experience. She fasted for forty days without any food. During those times she drank coffee or water twice or thrice daily. She spent those days in constant prayer, Bible reading and meditation. When the days of her fasting was coming to an end, she saw a vision in prayer. In it she saw a tall, respectable gentleman standing in front of her. God said, "See my servant Job! You know very well how he suffered and later how I blessed him two fold. In the same way just like Job, you too will suffer in the beginning. But later you will also be blessed two fold.". The vision disappeared. Mom understood that many great trials are on the way. With tears she prayed, "Lord! I am a dust. I don't have strength to withstand any trials on my own. Give me the grace to be true to you in all those trials and afflictions".
In the beginning of academic year, since dad refused to finance, mom had to pay bills such as tuition, lodging, and boarding for Omar, Fathima and Mytheen. She sold some of her jewelry and put some to the pawnbroker in order to pay for their education. Every month she had to pay them nearly Rs 500 for their boarding and lodging. She found it very difficult. Some how with the little income she got from the clinic and by borrowing from pawn broker she managed to pay their bills. Each month seems like a big tornado for her. So her lifestyle started to go at low ebb. All good foods began to disappear in the house. At that time Mytheen did not go for any further studies and was at home. He had good fellowship with pastor Stephen and interested in learning more truths from the Bible. Every Sunday afternoon he went with pastor Stephen to Thamarikulam, Kamakapatty, Lakshimipuram - some of the villages closer to Vadugapatti preaching the gospel. He got involved in street preaching and home prayer groups. After some time pastor Stephen informed, "Mytheen! In Kodaikanal the missionaries will start a Bible school soon; it is good for you to join....it is free boarding and lodging". As Mytheen was keen to learn the Bible he said, "This is a good idea Stephen, let's ask mom about it". Mom said, "Yes...it's very important to know the Bible well. If Mytheen is interested let him join the Bible school". Pastor Stephen said, "I am happy about your decision. As soon as the school starts I will let you know".
After some days, suddenly they received a letter from dad asking them to come to Thiruvadavur at once. They were troubled about it and not able to find one good reason for it. Mytheen expressed, "Mummy! Dad asked us to come there with a motive behind it. So don't trust him and go there...if we go .... he will hurt us as he is very angry now". Mom prayed earnestly," Lord! We don't know what vicious plans my husband has made now...but you know everything. However cruel they may be please save us from them". Later she decided not to go to Thiruvadavur. She didn't receive any more letters from dad. Surprisingly one-day dad came home. When he entered home everybody got frightened. He asked mom angrily, "I asked you to come with the kids and why didn't you come?" Mom replied in a humble voice, "The kids were going to school and I was looking after some patients in the clinic....I couldn't leave everything at once and come...that's why I didn't come". He said angrily, "Oh! When I ask you to come, are these things more important to you than me?". He reproached her, "When did you obey your husband....have you ever agreed in anything together....". Days passed in this way. Some family friends asked, "You stayed out of town for a long time...what's happening?". Dad said, "I have planned to move to my home town with my family and settle there. I stayed quite a while there making necessary arrangements". This news spread throughout the city. One day he abruptly took everybody to Thiruvadavur, stayed there for two weeks and then sent them back to Vadugapatti. He did this again and again. Mom was confused and puzzled as to why her husband did it. She was not able to check it out as this could make the situation worse. They had many clients coming for treatment for years both from Vadugapatti and surrounding areas. As the clinic was closed often,people started believing that what doctor told them was true with regard to moving to his native town with family. So they went to other doctors for treatment. After few months the clinic didn't get any clients; there was no income from the clinic. She could not even earn 50 rupees monthly. Dad stopped taking them to Thiruvadavur. Mom was in poverty. To pay boarding and lodging for kids in student residence was just like moving a big mountain. Dad challenged her within himself, "So long you were confident of income from the clinic....let me see now whether your Christian faith will provide finance for you and your children". His plan was well carried out and mom understood dad’s motives very well. The clinic was the foundation for their day to day life and dad completely destroyed it. How do we live now?... was a great challenge for her. Mom courageously turned to the Bible saying, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from where comes my help. My help comes from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer your foot to be moved: He that keeps you will not slumber" (Psalms 121: 1-3). Now she doesn't have income....no help from her husband...should look after six children....and pay for university education of three children. She pleaded with tears, "Lord! Don't forsake me! I trust in you. Show my husband....you can educate my children without his assistance". Dad was waiting for his wife and children to surrender completely at his feet and to put an end to their Christian faith.