JOB SEARCH
Dad deserted them due to their faith in Jesus Christ. Financial situation was at a low ebb. Omar completed his B.Sc. degree and was looking for a job but was hard to find one. After registering himself in Madurai employment exchange office, few months later his dad confiscated all his S.S.L.C., P.U.C., and B.Sc. certificates; so he was not able to write Public Service Commission examinations and lost every opportunity for government jobs. Based on his old registration card he kept on renewing at employment exchange and was never called for job interview. When he went to renew his registration once again, some people there said that it's waste of time renewing it, unless you have money to get government jobs. He saw job advertisements in various newspapers and applied for them in vain. Every time to apply for job it cost him so much expense like typing the materials, application fees, postage fees etc., since he didn't have enough finance he could not apply for many jobs. Mom thought may be if he finish M.SC. he would get a job and so invited him to apply for Ms.. Omar explained with out his certificates he couldn't go for further studies. They prayed for a job.
Ramasamy as a loving brother in Jesus Christ helped Omar to receive replacement copies of B.Sc., mark/grade certificate. Madurai University refused to issue another copy of his B.Sc., degree. Ramasamy paid forty rupees from his own pocket and tried hard to get duplicate certificate which took many months. Omar had no money to repay him. Omar was taken up by his brotherly love.
To go either for higher studies or job, S.S.L.C certificate is very important. He requested Department of Secondary Education to provide him with another copy of certificate; they replied after some time that unless he submit proof showing either the certificate was burnt in a fire accident or stolen, they could not grant duplicate copy. Omar asked sadly as to what to do next. Mom said, "We know the certificates are with your dad, so we can't say that it was destroyed by fire....telling lie is sin at the sight of God. Let us pray to God, He'll help you to get a job without certificates and without the help of man". Mom was strong for holiness and righteousness. Omar agreed, "Yes! Everything is possible with God. Unless God intervenes and performs a miracle it's impossible to get job".
Mom said that Satan is bringing these problems like the wall of Jericho...we should fast and get victory over him. Omar decided to seek the help of pastor Paulraj. He wore a torn pant, shirt and slippers. Mid-day sun was too hot and roads were burning with heat. Since Omar didn't have even 15 paise for bus-fare, he walked with his head down as he was even embarrassed to look up. People pitied on his state. It took him 30 minutes to walk 4-5 kilometers. Pastor with his wife welcomed him happily into their home. Pastor commented that God's children are like palm tree which grows tall and they'll be like calf which knows no fear. Omar appealed, "Brother! Could you help me to find a job through your friends?". He said, "They would require people just for ordinary jobs which were not suitable job for your education and they pay very little like 50 or 60 rupees a month". Omar stated, "I am ready to do any job since our family is gripped in utter poverty and there is no income from clinic.
Even small pay would help to pay home rent atleast and some expenses". His wife pointed out, "God's children should not be choosy.....since his mom is suffering so much..he has to find a job to support the family". He tried for shop assistant job in a fertilizer shop for monthly pay of 60 rupees. Omar was very eager to get it. Atleast this job would assist to apply for other jobs After talking about God for long time Omar got ready to go. They compelled him to have lunch with them. Omar turned down their invitation as he saw cat lying near firewood stove which meant they didn't eat anything from morning and had nothing to cook. Under mom's instruction, their daughter raced down to neighbor's house to borrow money for food and pastor asked him not to worry for anything. Within few minutes she cooked delicious meal and served Omar first, afterwards her husband and children. Their love touched Omar's heart; since he didn't have proper meals for many days, it was like royal dinner. After some rest, he was ready to leave when his wife gave 15 paise for bus-fare also. On hearing about job, mom felt relieved.
Next day pastor informed that the shop owner felt bad to give him job since he finished his degree course...they can't ask him to do odd jobs like getting coffee from restaurant or to wash cups etc. However pastor pleaded with him ..it didn't help. Omar was very much disappointed. Pastor encouraged him, "God will surely help you. God fed Elijah through a raven and He will send a raven for you too. Satan is testing your faith so let's not give up and let's start praising God even for this situation". His wife suggested that Omar could approach owner of a big automobile company in town who was a Christian. Pastor talked to owner's wife who was nice to him but others didn't have much interest in spiritual life.
Few days later, Omar waited at the entrance of automobile company in the morning around seven o'clock, along with many others to meet the owner personally. When the owner's car arrived every body stood up in respect until it passed by. One by one went in to see the owner. During his turn. he stood politely in front of the owner and asked for clerical job. Owner said that at present there was no opportunity for a clerical job. Omar appealed for any other job in vain. Owner asked peon to send the next person in. Omar went home with broken heart. His mom consoled him, "Don't be troubled .......God knows well. He'll see us through. You are looking for job everywhere but Satan puts stumbling blocks on all sides. God will surely wipe our tears one day". They prayed together.
One day Omar said, "Mom! Some people sell peanuts in front of Periyakulum court house and I need ten rupees to do it....but we don't have even ten paise". Few weeks later he went for ministry to a village called Lakshmipuram Pudupatti and there he noticed retailers purchasing brown sugar-balls from home based whole sale dealers. When Omar returned home he inquired mom whether he could buy brown sugar-balls and sell it on the streets to earn atleast 2 rupees a day. Mom agreed but wondered where could she get money to buy brown sugar-balls in the first place. He intended to approach pastor for finance and his bicycle to sell brown sugar-balls on the streets. Even though pastor didn't have money, the same night during home bible study time, a Christian sister Nesamani offered him aid.
The next day he rode pastor's bicycle to Lakshmipuram searching for brown sugar-balls every house......but none had any stock. Disappointed in his endeavor, returned money to Nesamani.
After some months pastor Jeyaraj of Bodinayakanur came to Periyakulam. When Omar requested him to pray over the situation, the pastor invited Omar to Madurai to meet a Christian brother who was a Thasildar, similar to a mayor over a large geographical area, in couple of days. Even though Omar prompted him to check it out on his behalf due to financial difficulty, he stick to his suggestion. Mom speculated that God might use Thasildar to find job and would provide bus fare to Madurai. Nesamani assisted him with bus fare. Praise God. After some days Omar accompanied pastor Jeyaraj and discussed with Thasildar; but there were no job openings. One more failure.
Panchayat Union commissioner of Vadugapatti was from Melur and he knew dad well; so mom thought that if Omar approached him he might get a job. One night mom, Omar and Devakirubai Ammal of Thamaraikulam went to see an elderly lady at Kallupatti and spent the night there. Early morning around six o'clock they visited commissioner at his residence in Periyakulam. After they waited lengthy period at the door, commissioner appeared and mom made the request. Commissioner abruptly refused to talk about this at home and required him to drop an application in the office. He didn't even bother to get the application and they stood speechless under shock; Three ladies strolled to Kallupatti. Omar headed towards Thamaraikulam crossing a lake which is shorter route. Since it was rainy season, lake was full and he thought it won't be so deep; when he reached half way the water came up to his waist, he didn't want to retread so somehow he managed to cross the lake. The lake was full of clay, thorny bushes and snakes, still God guarded him from dangers. He was completely wet and walked 3-4 kilometers; when he reached home he was hungry. Later mom came home. There was some left over rice water which mom gave to Omar and she went without eating. Omar handed over application in the Commissioner's office and they said that at present they didn't have any job.
One day a family friend told mom that one of his relatives was influential politician who could help him with admission in medical college to do medicine. It seemed like a good idea to solve all these problems. He asked them to get ready for bus fare and related expenses. Mom kept her jewelry for higher pawn brokerage. They traveled to meet the politician. He asked them to come back after two weeks. When they met him again, he assured that he made arrangements through his friend with selection committee for Omar to get a seat and not to worry about it. Omar came home happy and told the good news to his mom. After some days the medical college selection results came in the newspapers and Omar was not selected. When they approached the politician again, he took them to his friend who told, "This year's selection committee members are expecting bribe and if Omar brings 5,000 rupees now we can get the seat at once as there are few seats left". When they returned to Vadugapatti, Omar told the matter to mom who said,
"It is wrong to give bribes. Though I can sell my house plot and pay this money......bribing is sin; you need not go for medicine through wrong means, instead it's better to be zealous for God and die of hunger if necessary". Omar said "Satan is testing us in this way and lets not give bribe to anyone".
Mom added, "If we wanted to get job by bribing we would have got it long back....why should we suffer like this. Apostle Paul said that we have to hold on to the truth and be like a burning torch in this dark world. Jesus also said that we are the light of the world; nowadays everything happens only if we bribe somebody and Satan blinded the eyes of people". Omar further said, "Even if we don't have riches in this world, we will have riches in heaven. Jesus said....blessed are those who suffer for the sake of righteousness, for they will inherit the kingdom of God. Today we are in utter poverty to the people of this world, but they don't know that we'll be walking in the streets of gold in heaven. So many brethren in communist countries stand naked in the icy cold winter and die as martyrs for Christ and we haven't suffered so much for Christ". Mom stated, "If God wants to make us wealthy... it won't take a second; when I was praying He said that He has chosen me in the den of affliction and promised that I'll suffer like Job....just like him I will be blessed in the end. So let's not be afraid of these troubles nor give up our faith". Both rejoiced in God and their spiritual riches; mountain like trouble now appeared like a pebble.
Pastor Paulraj tried in vain to help Omar find job through an agricultural officer and local Christian hospital. Omar concluded, "I have tried for job in all surrounding areas without success; May be I should seek the help of brother Panjarathinam at Palani Pappampatti". Remorse squeezed him as he didn't want to leave his mom in this situation....other than a couple of believers and neighbors she didn't have anyone even to talk with. Who will help her if she falls sick as she didn't eat properly. Though starving, if we are together...it will be comforting. Mom entreated, "Wait...I am confident that God will unfold some means..."; she neither liked him leaving house. She didn't know how long it'll take to get a job and wondered what will happen if he didn't come home for long time. Omar reasoned, "Mom! Situation here is getting worse and that's why I decided to search for job in different town. Mom asked when he'll be coming back and he said that he doesn't have any idea. She packed his clothes in a torn cloth bag with tears. Omar took the bag which looked like a bundle of rags, bid bye to mom and left with tears. Mom reminded him to go in the way God leads him and to convey her greetings to pastor Panjarathinam and his wife.
When he reached Papampatti near Palani, city people did not know his name except as a good Christian teacher. As he entered their house with greetings, they were excited as well as surprised to see him all on a sudden. Pastor told him not to be anxious about anything, to stay there as long as he wants and to help him find a job. As they enjoyed the supper, he said, "Let us first do God's work and look for a job later ....many kid's come for private tutoring here and you can teach them". As this idea did not promise any income, he was disappointed. In a day or two he took Omar to village evangelism. They walked many kilometers in the hot sun and reached a village, going door to door and telling gospel. As they continued ministry in the second village, one kind Hindu lady offered them food and drink; In the evening they reached another village and it was not so hot; a teacher arranged for gospel meeting. Less than fifty people gathered in an out door place and listened to songs and gospel message. After spending the night in teacher's house, they returned to Pappampatti next morning. Mrs. Shantha Pancharathnam gave Omar a letter from his mom.
According to it, Margaret and June wanted to offer him a job immediately and he should return at once to Vadugapatti. Omar returned home the following day. She was very happy to see him. He went to Kodaikanal the next day. When he met Margaret and June, they pointed out earlier incidence of leave from work during court case and changed their mind to deny the offer. Omar felt sad and confused. These people could not grasp the problems they underwent regarding court case. Feeling shame and rejected he returned to Shanthi's house. Omar suspected may be they did this in order to separate him from pastor Panjarathinam, as they quarreled with each other regarding the way ministry should be done. In addition, Margaret and June wanted to keep Omar's family in their church and ministry.
In Shanthi's home, while she calm him, Jeyaseelan came there, heard the story and felt downhearted. He suggested, "Brother! I know some one in Kodaikanal school and let us approach him for a job". According to his friend, there were no jobs available at that moment. When they came out of school, Jeyaseelan cheered him, "Don't concern about it; since it's season time, they'll hire people in lodges". He took Omar to Paradise Lodge owned by a Pentecostal believer. Both approached owner's wife who interviewed about Omar's education and Omar said that he finished B.Sc. She asked, "Will you do all the odd jobs in lodge?". Omar answered affirmatively. She continued, "You may have to change sheets for beds, clean rooms and even.....toilets". He said yes while distress encompassed him. Because of faith in Jesus he faced this situation and appreciated God for choosing him as a vessel to endure such degradation. Owner instructed him to go home and bring his belongings next week so that he could stay in lodge and work. Both returned to Shanthi's house overjoyed.
Omar returned to Vadugapatti. Mom said, "God is our shelter in this world. Foreign missionaries changed their minds but God will never leave us. We came looking at Jesus.....not at Christians and let us finish the race looking at Him alone". Omar related that by God's grace he got another job, otherwise how could he go back to pastor Panjarathinam. They exalted God for the job. Next week Omar stuffed his clothes and bedspread in a bag and left for Kodaikanal. First he met Shanthi and Jeyaseelan who got excited, "Brother! When God's children are together there is happiness just as the Psalmist says......how good it is for brethren to dwell together! They can talk about the Lord and pray together". The pure love of brethren stirred his heart. They treated him like their own flesh and blood and he was happy that he got a job there.
Around three o'clock in the noon he went to employer and greeted, "Praise the Lord". She instructed, "Rent for a single room is Rs 30, double bed is Rs 50, group room costs Rs 100 and a bucket of hot water costs one rupee. John! Take Omar's luggage to the room". Omar followed him hoping to see a little corner room. They reached a room at the end of lodge and when Omar looked inside he was shocked. The room was filled with truck tires, petrol / gas barrels, oil cans and it was dusty and smelly. It was dark inside and John somehow reached a trunk box and said, "It is mine and my brother's box is on the other side. You can also keep your bag there". John, his younger brother Philip and the lodge owner's family were Pentecostal Christians. The owner was once a honest poor Christian minister at Periyakulam; later God blessed them.....now they own lodge, big farms, trucking lines; they were one of the richest people in city and supported church financially. Omar keeping his bag at a distance thanked John.
John taught him how to make bed and other little jobs. In the night John, Philip and Omar went to owner's kitchen to have dinner and the cook served them food in their plates. John and Philip took their dinner standing with plates in their hands. Looking at this, Omar understood that servants were expected to do so there and so he too had his dinner standing. Owner who came that way saw him standing and eating asked him to sit at table and eat. Omar politely said it was okay and finished his dinner. Owner's family sat at the table and had their dinner. Omar returned with the boys to lodge. They sat on a bench in the corridor chatting; Omar understood that it was their "office" too. Around ten o'clock in the night owner asked them to show Omar trucking office in ground floor where he would be sleeping. He followed John to the store room, took his bed spread and went to trucking office which was on the other side of lodge. Just behind office desk where people were working there was little space about four feet wide. One or two people were standing, talking over phone and at the same time receiving and entering invoices brought by the truck drivers. They talked loudly and it was very noisy. John asked others to move and make space for Omar to sleep. When people moved, Omar spread his bed sheet and laid down. Since Kodaikanal was a mountain of 7000 ft. M.S.L, it was very cold on cement floors. Office was in constant commotion with people in and out, and phone ringing all the time. Omar was unable to close his eyes even for a second. After one hour John invited Omar to sleep with them in the lodge since office was a noisy place. Omar was happy thinking that if he sleeps in their room it won't be so cold. When they came to corridor of the lodge, he pointed out their bed on the floor on one side and asked Omar to sleep on the opposite side. Omar laid on the corridor and they spread old, torn gunny bags as bed spreads. People walked on the corridor very close to them just a foot away from their face. Omar curled himself in the bed sheet and almost frozen in the cold. After some time one of them asked if he felt cold and Omar said yes. They brought him some old gunny bags. Omar happily huddled himself inside thanking them. He prayed, "Lord! I am not worthy to receive this blessing. Even though I was a horrible sinner and when so many people in India are suffering without a job....you have graciously given me this job. Atleast now, I'll send some money home regularly every month". Then he dozed off.
Around 6 o'clock in the morning they woke up Omar and took him to boiler room. Hot water was boiling there in a big barrel . Every night before they went to bed, they used to put fire wood which burnt throughout the night and hot water was ready by morning. They had coffee. They supplied coffee, breakfast and hot water to inmates. All these things reminded him of his college days....since one of the school students became a Christian he was driven out of his home and had to work as a table cleaner. Omar thought it as a big blessing and today he got it. Omar didn't even dream that such a thing will ever happen to him.
Days passed like this. Throughout the week they stayed in corridor day and night attending to customers and cleaning and preparing rooms. On one side he felt sad for doing such a low level job; but on the other side he also remembered the days he searched for jobs without any hope. He thanked God for leading him through this wilderness.
One morning around eight o'clock, one of the boys asked Omar to serve coffee to people in room 101 as he was busy with some one else. Omar knocked at the door and heard a voice asking him to come inside. When he entered the room Omar was shocked to see.....one of his dad's friends in the room. The person surprisingly queried if he was the doctor's son and why he was doing that kind of mean job. Omar said that he wanted to see Kodaikanal during the summer and also to do some part-time job for the season. Omar was much embarrassed. Because he thought that nobody in Vadugapatti knew about his job and now this friend will tell everyone there. Already they were put to humiliation. People would look down upon mom more and comment that the doctor departed and his wife put her children to work in lodges for survival. The friend asked whether he wanted to send message to his mom. Omar said that he wrote a letter already. The friend felt sad to see the son of a rich doctor being brought down to this condition and wondered if his dad ever came to see them. Omar heard one of the boys calling and took leave of their family friend. The friend checked out the very day.
Jeyaseelan met Omar often and some times Omar went to Shanthi's house. They suggested that he should approach some of the big shots and factory owners who come to Kodaikanal for summer vacation, for better jobs. Some people found good opportunities in this way. God may bless him through them. We should believe God to do such miracles. Since then, Omar watched carefully for rich and influential people. One day a principal of Christian College in Nagercoil came with his family for vacation. Omar approached him, briefly explained his story and asked for any kind of job in his university college. The principal noted that his story was a sad one; but not able to help him until going back to college. He never heard from him.
Omar tried to find a job through rich people in this manner in vain. However, he was happy for the opportunity to witness for Christ and for present free boarding and lodging with salary Rs.125 per month. He gave mom his salary to support family. Employer attended CPM church and were nice people. At that time, Mytheen did B.Com., at Thirupattur Arumugam Pillai Seethai Ammal College and Shahjahan...physiotherapy at CMC, Vellore. During summer vacation, they visited Vadugapatti and worked in Kodaikanal to earn for education. Margaret and June offered translator job to Shahjahan and Mytheen found a waiter job in Carlton Hotel. Though Shanthi lived in a small house with two teenage daughters, one son and Jeyaseelan, she affectionately added Mytheen and Shahjahan to her family and cared for them in the Lord. Not to mention, Shanthi along with her wonderful husband, Michael, earned very little. Mytheen attended Kodaikanal Christian Church run by foreign missionaries and Shahjahan CPM church. This grieved Margaret and June. CPM church preached their congregation not to accept any other denomination Christians in to their homes. "However CPM church teaches this kind of doctrine, we must love all children of God washed by His blood; who are we to reject those whom Jesus Christ loves dearly and accepted" declared mom. So they loved with respect all equally. By enforcing strange doctrines upon them, various churches added suffering to their Christian life. Yet they followed Jesus rejecting man-made rules.
Omar never had day off and so could not attend Sunday service which grieved him. It was 24 hours 7 days a week job. Mytheen visited him tasty treats every evening after his work. Omar expressed, " Mytheen! if I get a job in Carlton Hotel, I can go to Sunday service and glorify God". Mytheen replied, "Come along with me to Carlton Hotel tomorrow morning; they take people for work every morning". Next morning, Omar joined a group of people waiting for job opportunities in Carlton Hotel kitchen. In few minutes, a lady supervisor selected few for the days work but not Omar. One of the workers sympathized with him and took him to work place hoping the supervisor would accept him later. After about an hour, supervisor said, "I did not hire you; you should go home". Omar returned with disappointment; moreover he was an university graduate, he was not even considered for menial labor work. Until God makes it possible, he can not attend Sunday service. After the vacation, Mytheen and Shahjahan returned to study with their income and in addition mom supported them by borrowing more money.
Summer season was about to be over and Omar might be laid off. He received an interview letter from a needle factory near Coonoor. With employer's permission, he got on their truck freely and reached Vetalagundu in the night; he tried to sleep on a wooden plank in lorry shed which was impossible due to blasting music from a night restaurant; in the midnight, he traveled to Coonoor at the back of a truck; it was dirty, smelly, greasy and cold. He believed that the Lord might give him this job. One believer's family took him into their home with love and he attended the interview. He attempted to tour Ooty and visit apostolic church. Unfortunately he could not find anyone and it was terribly cold; so he returned to Kodaikanal. To his disappointment, he did not succeed in the interview. He thanked God for this failure.
At the end of summer season, Omar worried about forthcoming lay off and subsequently no financial support. One day employer said, ''Omar! you can continue your work here after the summer season". He informed this mom and they rejoiced in the Lord. Nevertheless he expressed grief over no Sunday service. Mom thought, "Lord! You blessed us with this job and we are not worthy for this grace. Yet Omar has to eat while standing with his plate in hands....also can not attend Sunday service....still this income is essential for family, his life is miserable...is there an end to it?". Finally she decided, "Whatever it may be...my son must not work like this to support family....instead it is better to starve to death; I can't stand this... one who planted the tree will also water it....similarly Jesus who saved us will take care of us" and informed Omar, "It is enough working there like a slave...come home after this summer season; Jesus would look after us; later it will be terribly cold in Kodaikanal and I don't want you to suffer sleeping in verandah". However Omar was not comfortable about this decision, he accepted it happily trusting God for other job opportunities and returned home after the summer season.
Days rolled away. Omar regretted for leaving the job and mom soothed him, "Don't worry about that slavery kind of job. We had many servants when your dad was around and treated them like our family members. It was unfortunate you had miserable working condition. Jesus will open a door".
While Mytheen was in final year B.Com., he passed public service commission exams and was employed in Madurai National Highways office. So he discontinued attending university college and completed it successfully on his own. He met a Christian brother who was superintendent engineer in Public Works Department at Madurai. Omar and Mytheen sought his help to find a laborer job with any of his contractors. He replied, "It is very tough work and you can't do it. Have you registered your name in employment exchange office?". Omar said with despair, "Yes...for many years; but I never got a job interview". He told, "I will check with one of my friends working there". "Thank you brother" said Omar and returned to Vadugapatti. After few days, he received interview letter for technical assistant job from employment exchange office and they prayed earnestly. During interview, "Where is your S.S.L.C. certificate ?" examined a selection committee member. Omar explained how it was seized by his dad. They remarked, "S.S.L.C. certificate contains very important personal data such as date of birth and religion, etc., and this document is extremely essential to get a job". There were few jobs; many applicants attended the interview; many had strong recommendation from influential people. He pondered, "I don't have essential document; no experience; no recommendation; Jesus is my only help". In the evening, Mytheen and Omar explained it to the Christian engineer. He said, "Don't fear brother. The Lord will take care of it. I shall talk to my friend in that department and we will pray". Next morning he told, "Yesterday night I went to my friend's home and he was just reviewing your application. I explained your family situation and asked him to help you as much as possible. He raised concern that it is very difficult to help you without proper certificates. With peace.. go home..the Lord will help you". Omar returned to Vadugapatti and they prayed for God's help. As mom prayed fervently with fasting, God spoke, "I gave this job to your son according to your request". According to God's prophecy, God gave the job ALREADY! so they believed it and praised him all the time. In few weeks Omar was offered the job and their joy knew no boundary. Mom shouted, "Jesus Christ never failed His children. He is faithful regarding His prophetic promises. This is your first government job with good salary". Omar replied, "Yes mom! He is not a man to lie; Despite my fears, the Lord gave a wonderful job".
Miraculously the government appointed him in Periyakulam under a procurement officer and his duty was to check the quality of procured paddy for Tamilnadu government. His pay was around Rs.400 monthly excluding travel allowance. One day mom asked, "How is your job?". Omar replied, "God's grace enables me to do this job. No farmer is interested in giving levy and they don't like us though outwardly they were nice. They hide their paddy. Recently we went to a village office to collect the levy; when I tested the bags it was full of chaff at the top and dirt granules at the bottom. I refused to accept it and the officers were not happy about me. It seems the procurement officer gets bribe and cooperates with others. Finally they had to clean the paddy and give it to us; it was only half of the bags". Mom reminded, "They did not give you the job, it is God; so let us be faithful to our Jesus and the government. The Lord will guard you". Mom continued prayer for his job.
One day the procurement officer told, "Let us go to a near by village". But he took him to a godown or warehouse where farmers were waiting to dump their levy. Omar examined it and said, "Full of chaff and mud granules. You should clean it". Farmers furiously shouted, "How can you refuse to accept it after we paid for trucks to bring them here". Omar replied, "Did I ask you to bring it here? No". "The procurement officer gave us permission to bring to the warehouse" argued the farmers.
"Sir! Make some concession and accept it" suggested the officer. Omar told, "How can I approve this chaff and mud granules?". The officer retorted, "I am working in this revenue department for so many years and give you some advice.....you don't accept it". Omar angrily asked, "even after many years of experience, is your job integrity like this?". Immediately they cleaned the levy and Omar accepted them. Mom said later, "Don't bother about this Omar! They don't know cheating and bribery are sin and that is why even the officer fights with you. Our Lord Jesus rejoices in righteousness and He set us as witness for justice; we must be honest and not part take in corruption. Satan blinded their mind that they should not see the light of the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ".
After three months, procurement was over and many technical assistants lost their job. By Lord's grace Omar was transferred to Thirumangalam food warehouse as warehouse keeper. Many hundreds of thousands of rupees worth rice, wheat and cream of wheat were stored for distribution to retail dealers having government permit to sell them. Omar stayed close to warehouse. Approximately 10 to 15 trucks simultaneously arrived any time day and night. In the midnight truck drivers shouted, "Sir! We should unload trucks right away". Omar replied, "Night times we must not carry load into warehouse; according to government rules nothing should be issued out or taken in to warehouse from sun set to sun rise. You can unload in the morning at 6 0'clock". Drivers continued, "No! We can't wait until tomorrow morning as we should pick up loads in other cities immediately". Omar denied permission. But truck drivers harassed him all night by waking him up every 10 to 15 minutes and he could not sleep for many nights. In order to avoid this trouble, he slept in Thirumangalam CPM church.
One day he took stock inventory and found out that there was a short fall. He was shocked and worried that government might blame him as thief and take him to prison. His assistant suggested, "Let us reduce one kilogram of grain from each bag when we issue them to retailers, with their knowledge; they would manage the loss as they sell it. He agreed to it even though it was a sin; It grieved his heart, "Lord Jesus! Forgive me for cheating the public; it is a grave sin; Save me from this situation and sin through a miracle. Give me back the lost grains". A particular word of the Lord came to his remembrance emphatically which appeared to be answer for his prayers. "This also comes forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working" (Isa 28: 29). He praised Jesus Christ continuously, "Yes Lord! I believe this situation came about by you and You will perform a miracle". He took inventory again and they could not believe what they found. One ton grain was in excess.
To Omar's query, "Is it in excess because we reduced one kilogram for each bag we issued out?", "No sir! It won't be more than 50 bags at the most we issued out; how is it possible to have one ton in excess?" replied the assistant with astonishment. "I prayed to Jesus Christ and He performed this miracle".
"Sir! We can sell excess grain and share the money...because it does not belong to the government and we don't need to give account of it" cunningly suggested the assistant. Omar said, "How can we do this? It is wrong. If the government knows this we will end up in jail". He argued, "How come? If we offer sales price Rs.50 a bag, retailer would gladly take them away secretly and sell them for great profit. No way the government will know this". Omar refused saying, "No...this is a sin. Lord Jesus is watching us and we should be faithful to Him". He compromised, "I too worship god and go to temple every Tuesday and Friday. But it is not enough....we should also make the ends to meet". The assistant insisted for many days. Omar prayed, "Lord! You gave me this job when I did not even have food; I should not betray you by falling into sin of covetousness...please save me from this temptation". Jesus did not allow covetousness over come him.
One evening a retailer came to collect grains and Omar refused as it was dark already. Retailer argued, "I have already paid for truck; please you must issue grain bags". Omar said decisively, "I will supply you tomorrow morning. Sometimes porters quarrel among themselves and in the dark it can get out of hand loosing grain bags". After a while, assistant said, "Retailer offers Rs.25; let us issue bags" and Omar declined it. With disappointment assistant related, "In this job others earn lot of bribery and retailers usually pay bribery even if we don't ask them, especially if they bring expired permits. But you don't want to accept". Omar did not comment on this. Assistant asked permission to take grains that spill from bags. Omar instructed, "You can take spillage only when bags are issued out" and to stop stealing from bags other times under the pretext of spillage. Assistant explained, "In other warehouses employees don't need to buy grains for their family". As days go by, troubles caused by truck drivers and bribing retailers increased. He started to pray for God's deliverance from these troubles. He was restless. One Christian brother from Africa did evangelism in that town and Omar participated in it which brought comfort to his heart. CPM church ministers built a church building by faith. They didn't have funds and built it according to the offering they received on daily basis. The congregation was poor and few. They worked hard for long hours in the construction. This was a challenge to Omar's faith.
One day Omar understood from his mother's letter that Margaret and June planned to open Bible school at Kodaikanal and looked for a translator. He thought it would be better to work in Bible school as translator for lesser salary and informed his decision to his mom. In person he let his superiors in Madurai office to know that there was one ton grain in excess and resigned his job with their permission. Omar returned to Vadugapatti and mom was upset as he left the job. This job was a stumbling block for honest life according to him. He did not get a job in Bible school also. So they prayed again.
After sometime, he joined Periyakulam Christian Hospital as record clerk. As he did not have 10 paise for city bus fare, daily 7 am he walked 4 kilometers to the hospital and returned after finishing his work at 7 p.m.. Noon to 4 p.m. was break time. When he did not bring lunch, Saleem ran up and down to hospital in the scorching sun to get him lunch. Some days there was no lunch and other days it was rainy and dark. Poisonous snakes were common on this road. During such times he resorted to the help of Thangapandian and pastor Paul Raj. Thangapandian immediately treated him with excellent meals in restaurants very gladly saying, "Brother! Don't be anxious about anything. Enjoy this meal and praise God for it". Similarly at the arrival of him at UPC church, pastor Paul Raj told his wife, "Mariamma! Prepare lunch for Omar". Unfortunately they did not have lunch due to poverty. They had three children under the age of 10 years. Omar protested, "Brother! Don't bother about lunch. You have not even cooked anything for your children". Sister Mariamma ignored it and borrowed from Hindu neighbors and prepared a delicious meal. "Brother! You should not take so much trouble to feed me. You don't listen. First serve your children...later I will take lunch", said Omar. "God has given enough for all...you dine first" insisted pastor. They took whatever remained after Omar. They sang, prayed and rejoiced about God's grace. When he was about to leave, "Brother! Take this 10 paise for bus tonight...it is rainy and you can not walk back home" offered Sister Mariamma. They were never tired of helping him and their congregation. Mom commented, "You managed to work without breakfast. Pastor family is loving servants of God and very dedicated. Nobody gives a penny free....Lord's children have love and sympathy for others; if every one is children of God like them....why should there be poverty, jealousy, selfishness, unemployment in this world?". They participated frequently in UPC ministry of evangelism, prayer and fasting. Many Hindus came for healing ministry; Lord Jesus healed their sickness and delivered them from devil possession; only few of them accepted and followed Jesus Christ. All age groups were zealous for God, lived and worked together for Jesus. They preached gospel on the streets of surrounding towns and villages.
After many months, Kodaikanal Bible school required a translator according to pastor Stephen Andrews. Mom said, "Omar is working in Periyakulam Christian Hospital; we will think about it"; finally they decided, "Fathima is at home after successfully completing B.A, she can take Omar's job while he goes for translator job". Dr.P.P.George agreed to help with this situation. As Margaret, June and pastor Stephen were concerned about Omar's family, he got translator job interpreting English lessons into Tamil in classroom and translating Christian book. He also ministered in Mannavanur and Kavunchi churches, street evangelism and house prayer meetings. Family benefited from both income.
Indian government started to repatriate foreign Christian workers from certain parts of North India and refused to renew visa for some in Kodaikanal. With remorse Omar thought he might not have this kind of job for many years. He did not want to do ministry for pay; he was also not courageous to do faith ministry without pay; he decided to have a secular job and help with ministry.
One day when mom visited him, she stated, "How long you are going to do this kind of uncertain job! Sooner or later foreign missionaries have to leave India and you may pass the age limit for government and other jobs; then you may not get any job. Presently B.Sc., does not help you much...better you get some vocational training". Omar replied, "What you say is true mom! if I leave this job....our family may suffer" and she reasoned, "Yes...Jesus Christ took care of us so far and He will do so until the end. We live by faith". "God wonderfully blessed us even in the times of suffering! Now Fathima and Mytheen are working....Fathima earns Rs.100 monthly.....How much Mytheen gives you" asked Omar. "What shall I say about it?...His monthly income may be more than Rs.400 but he offers me Rs.100 occasionally...other months Rs.60...or....even 40; if I question this, he says he spends most of his income for Lord's ministry" explained with disappointment. "Though three of us work, you are getting approximately Rs.250 - 300; in addition. you may or may not get more than Rs.40 - 50 from the clinic. Now Shahjahan studies physiotherapy in CMC and in one or two years Saleem will go to college ....and if I too go for studies how would you support all of us mom?. Already we have nothing in our home...all of your jewels, pots and pans are either sold or in pawn broker shop...nobody will lend us money as well; I can't go for studies" Omar argued.
"Omar!....God's calculation is entirely different from ours....Did He not lead us in much worst condition...why don't we have the same faith now? Did He not feed the five thousand with five fish and two loaves of bread? Did David not kill giant Goliath and did the Jericho wall not fall down following praising God? He calls things that do not exist ...as if they exist; so do not look at our situation ..listen to me; Shahjahan has sent application forms for physiotherapy course and you apply for it; if it is God's will, you will get admission" decisively told mom. He did not dare to reject it any further and she always knows the best for him. "OK! Trusting God let us do it" said Omar and she left forms with him.
After few days Omar received application forms for occupational therapy course from Shahjahan with a special note stating God revealed to Shahjahan that Omar should apply for this course. Omar applied for both courses with sponsorship from a Christian doctor who cared about them. The same doctor helped Shahjahan with physiotherapy course. During this occasion, Omar met a foreign Christian worker, Rev. Han, at Kodaikanal who was Mytheen's friend. When he mentioned about his further study and lack of funds, Rev. said, "Don't worry about it; we shall help you; at the time of admission let us know". He was delighted to hear it and informed his mom.
After many weeks, Omar received interview letter from CMC, Vellore and went to Vadugapatty on few days leave. Mom said, "Omar! Go to Mytheen and he will help you to travel to Vellore" and handed his clothes in a shabby cloth bag. At Madurai, Mytheen assisted him to travel by a truck with lot of load covered with greasy tarpaulin as he could not afford to travel by bus. Early in the morning as he walked through CMC hospital campus wearing uneven size clothes, he looked odd to himself compared to people there. On the way to student's residence, he met Shajahan and stayed with him. Next day he attended successfully a written entrance exam followed by personal interview by a selection committee.
They inquired reason for his conversion from Islam into Christianity and he shared his testimony for Jesus Christ. In couple of days the result was out. Omar was selected as first candidate for occupational therapy course and was third on waiting list for physiotherapy course. They rejoiced for the wonderful gift of God; though he seemed to be the least suitable in appearance the Lord gave him the best.
He should pay approximately Rs.700 towards fee for admission, boarding and lodging with in few days. They wondered how mom would furnish such large amount and prayed for God's help. Remembering Rev. Han's promise, they approached him in nearby city Vaniyambody; he offered Rs.200 as the maximum help. Omar returned to Vadugapatti with it and mom happily remarked, "Omar! God is so wonderful in granting you this blessing. Don't be troubled about money and our heavenly Father will offer it; We are thankful to Rev. Han but it was also disappointing; everything will workout for good". "Yes..cursed be the man who puts his trust on man; we should trust God for all" said Omar. "Check with Margaret and June whether they could do something" suggested mom. As he resorted to them, they were upset that he wanted to leave his ministry with them. Omar explained, "As Indian government is not granting visa to foreign Christian workers in North India, I foresee this can happen in any part of India. So I cannot rely on this Bible school job forever". They took an offering during Sunday morning service on behalf of his study and it was Rs.70. Such an endeavor was considered as disgrace by other religious people. It was equal to begging. Mom secured rest of the amount with great difficulty and sent him to CMC. Tough times continued month after month in supporting both Omar and Shahjahan. Some months they could not pay mess fees in time and subsequently their meal was stopped. They tried to manage the situation by eating very little....only one or two times a day in restaurants with the little money they had in their pocket. Even that money ran out. Finally Shahjahan proposed, "There is a way to get some money. I will donate my blood to blood bank and they might pay little amount for it". He obtained few rupees by doing so and survived few days. Meanwhile mom managed to forward finance which reinstated food from canteen. The Lord God was gracious to take care of their needs and keep them in faith in the midst of such misery. Later foreign Christian workers offered some financial support for few months to Omar. Shahjahan successfully completed physiotherapy and practiced physio in CMC hospital.
The following year Saleem completed S.S.L.C. and moved to Vellore to do P.U.C. Mom earned nothing from clinic. Most of the domestic appliances were either sold or in pawn shop. Too much debt. In this situation it was not good for mom to live alone in Vadugapatti as well as Omar, Shahjahan and Saleem reside in student residences and to eat in canteen at very high cost. So they vacated house at Vadugapatti and moved to a rented house in Vellore. Now with Shahjahan's income family was relieved from financial hardship. Mytheen offered assistance intermittently. In few years, Omar graduated occupational therapy as the best student of the batch and was employed in CMC hospital. Jesus finally grant deliverance from hardship Mom commenced to pay debts and slowly recovered certain domestic items from pawn brokers.