NO MONEY TO ATTEND GRADUATION
After finishing B.Sc. Omar came back to Vadugapatti. At that time Fathima studied BA, third year at Meenakshi College, Mytheen B.Com., first year at Thiruppatur Arumugam Pillai Seethai Ammal College and Shahjahan P.U.C. at American College. They stayed at students residence having meals in canteen and during holidays traveling to Vadugapatti; mom spent for all these things. In order to send them money every month she sold her jewelry, household equipment's and had to cut short in food and standard of life. Poverty increased day by day; there was no income from clinic and Omar could not find a job. Months rolled by in this way and one-day pastor Stephen visited them. Mom said, "I don't have money to send children this month; lend me some amount". He asked how much she needed. Mom noted "I need a large sum and if you could lend me Rs 100, I will manage the rest somewhere else. God is leading me wonderfully every month and He will surely do so in future". Pastor doubtfully replied, "I don't have so much....but I will ask my friends". After he left, as usual mom spread mat on the floor, knelt down and prayed with open Bible in front of her the whole day. Pastor returned around 6 p.m. in the evening. Mom asked whether God answered her prayers. He informed, "Mom! God will not let us down. The man came back just now and at first he said that he wont give; I insisted that money is required very urgently; finally he agreed to offer but charged 10% interest. He took Rs 10 as interest for this month and gave me only Rs 90". He handed the money to mom. Mom desperately related, "Yes! Nowadays they charge so much interest that by ten months we would have paid interest more than principle. When to pay the principle?". Pastor confirmed, "Yes, it seems like we will be paying interest for life time. Sister from Thamarai Kulam also got much loan for her children's education and whatever she earns goes to pay interest and she is suffering financially". Mom lamented, "Nevertheless she is a widow, she somehow gets loan for her children's education. She believes once children finish their education and start working they'll pay off all her debts and look after the family. It will happen if children perceive that way and if they don't .... she has to pay interest and debt throughout her life time". Pastor mentioned that people who lend money ....get so rich and not God's children. Mom illustrated, "Brother! Even if they have all the money, they have so much sickness and suffering in their body. They don't have the joy and peace God's children have". Mom thanked pastor whole-heartedly. By various means she gathered rest of the money and sent it to children in college. Months rolled by and pastor didn't ask for money, because he felt so much for the way they suffered compared to how that family was well off at Vadugapatti. He knew that mom couldn't pay her debts so he himself paid it without mom's knowledge. Omar and pastor often went to villages nearby in order to preach gospel.
One day Omar received invitation letter from Madurai University to graduation ceremony To attend ceremony he must rent a graduation coat and cap, go to Madurai, and take a photo with the dress and for all these he needed atleast Rs 40. Where could he go for money? Mom said, "Don't worry...looking at we don't have even 40 paise. Let us pray...God will open a way for us. Those who looked up to him were not to put to shame.
The Lord who said ask and it shall be given unto you will not let us down". She tried in vain to get money . Omar thought that he won't be able to go for graduation ceremony, but never ceased to pray. He decided that even if he could not attend graduation, he would rejoice in Jesus. .
Only two more days for graduation ceremony. Omar thought that may be it is not God's will, still he praised God for the situation. Pastor Stephen came after few days and said, " I went to Kodaikanal, Mannavanur and Kavunji ....and visited missionaries. When they prayed for you earnestly....God asked them to send money to you since you are in urgent need". He handed over an envelope from missionaries. When Omar opened the envelope he saw Rs 40. They were struck in awe. Mom prayed, "Lord! Thank you for remembering us who are unworthy. We are nothing before you..Lord who created the sun, moon, and stars to remember this humble being. You know our needs and meet them through someone at right time". She wiped tears running down her eyes. Pastor indicated that it was hard to believe and when Omar was leaving. Omar pointed out that he had to leave the next day and Ramasamy would help him to rent the dress. Pastor said that it will be a sad thing not to go for graduation ceremony after studying hard for all these years. Omar accompanied pastor to Periyakulam regarding printing a Christian magazine.
Next day Omar went to Madurai with Rs 40. As usual he stayed at Soundar's place who looked after him with love. Following day, with Ramasamy took part in graduation ceremony and praised God. The graduates went in all direction to take pictures. They took pictures in Sounder's dad's studio which didn't come out well. No photo with his graduation dress and it was very hard. Mom beseeched him not to worry about it. When God helped them Satan did this to destroy their happiness. They thanked God for this misfortune.Â