DISAPPEARING FOG AT SUNRISE
In two to three months period it will be time for renewal of visa for Omar. Still it raised a difficult situation...... because he was offered visa to work in a different capacity to deliver a different kind of service. Now due to changes in organization, visa should be renewed for a different kind of service in which case this application could be treated as a fresh application. So he asked mom to pray again and mom said, "I am praying for each and everyone of you in family atleast an hour individually. Satan kept on harassing us without an end. Some times I feel as if my head spins. However lets pray and God will uphold us. Satan even tempted Jesus Christ on the mountain. Would he leave us without tempting? He tries hard to frustrate us...to stop us from praying....to frighten us....but the Good Shepherd is keeping us in His mighty hands and devil cannot snatch us". Church people in Singapore prayed for them.
After some time one of the government departments invited him to apply for a position as they needed an occupational therapist. As he waited for processing of his application by this government department, one day employer handed over a letter to Omar and said, "Read this letter...from the umbrella organization which funds our services. They want to start a new center for disabled people and they would like you to be transferred to that new center. Are you interested in this offer? If you don't want to go there you can still continue to work here. But if you are interested, we cannot stop you. Because we cannot deny the organization's request". He answered, "I will let you know my decision in two days time". They rejoiced regarding Lord's miraculous way of offering this job. This organization can gain better visa status for him and his wife. However Omar wondered what would happen if the government department offers him the position and he will not be able to leave this umbrella organization. Mom suggested, "This is God's leading. You didn't try for this job and you are invited to undertake this better position. So better you walk in the way He leads you. We will look at other things later". Accordingly Omar consented for transfer and to start new job after his annual vacation. The umbrella organization wanted him to help them immediately and they offered much excellent salary which was more than enough to acquire visa for his wife. As he started to work for different organization, he handed over his present visa to immigration who informed him to return to India until he receives new visa for new job. Immediately new employer arranged for new visa within the same day. Omar and mom couldn't digest what's happening at this tremendous speed. God is great. His miraculous ways are beyond our understanding. After few months his wife was granted visa. His wife joined them when his sister with her children visited them. Church people praised God for His wonderful ways.
Since two years before his marriage he desired to migrate to western countries. He tried relentlessly spending lot of money. After marriage there were so many difficulties in life. He also explored opportunities for masters program in occupational therapy which was too costly. He gave up and remarked one day as they went for a walk, "You know how much I tried for all these, Mom! It was in vain. I won't attempt anymore".
Mom replied, "God knows everything. Don't worry. If it is God's will you will definitely achieve it. We should believe God and must not doubt about His promises". Mom fasted and prayed. After few months as they went for a walk to Orchard road she said, "As I prayed for you the Lord showed me a vision in which there was a green grass meadow as far as I can see. It was just like a green carpet. The Lord spoke...do not worry about Omar...his life will be like this meadow. The vision disappeared. I tell you I have never seen a meadow like it...so green. The Lord will bless you according to His promises". At that moment she was filled with the Holy Spirit and prayed silently. Omar felt goose bumps and said, "Mom! God will do as He showed you".
One Saturday as they returned to bus-stop from church after a tarrying meeting she said, "As I prayed for you the Lord spoke to me". She passed a moment and continued, "I will build a permanent house for him...I will give him a permanent job". He was shocked to hear this and exclaimed, "How great are these promises! This is the very promise God gave to king David...He will build a permanent house for David. I don't understand...God has given these great promises for us who are worthless people. Everything God promised to you came true; not even one became false. This will also become a reality".
Months passed. They continued praising God for His promises. One day all on a sudden he received a letter from a western country. An employment agency which he contacted a few years ago surprisingly replied now outlining procedures for employment opportunity. He told mom, "I completely forgot about this as they did not respond to my inquiry. But the Lord has done a miracle now. His promises never failed". And mom replied, "Yes! The Lord will bless your efforts and you do according to guide lines in the letter".
Subsequently the Lord gave him a job in that western country. They marveled that there is nothing impossible with God. Immediately he applied for permanent residence and receptionist explained, "The complete procedure will take at least one year and six months; you may be called for an interview after nine months". He addressed receptionist while his mom is by his side, "Employer in the western country has given me four months period to join duty. They may not wait for this long period. Please help me to get visa within four months". She replied, "It is not possible; at least it will take one year". Sadly Omar told mom, "The Lord gave us a job graciously. Visa will not be available at least for a year. Employer may not wait and I may not migrate to the western country". Mom encouraged him, "Let's pray, Omar!. The Lord who worked out all these things so far...will also help you to get visa in time. Why are you anxious? Trust in God". On the fifth day he received a letter from High Commission and shared message to mom as they were sitting outside watching the stars, "It's God miracle! I am asked to appear for an interview". On the twelfth day he attended interview with his wife and mom. To Consulates query whether he wanted his mom to accompany him to new country, he replied affirmatively. Officer explained, "It would be possible six months after you migrated to this new country and the Singapore office would make necessary recommendations with regard to certain proofs and documentation. We have decided to offer you permanent residence in our country. Generally it takes long time to issue visa...but we will try to give you within three months if some of the documents regarding you would be available to us. You may be able to join your work in time".
As they returned they praised God for the things He does beyond our understanding. He told mom, "Soon after with wife I go to new country...You should settle all family matters in India and get ready to come to live with us there. Afterwards you must just relax and should not go back to India to attend family matters". Mom replied, "The Lord will lead us according to His will". He prepared some documents necessary for her future migration. He thought that soon they will be together without further separation.
One day as he was chatting with other therapists in professional association, one of his friends suggested that he should apply for scholarship to do master's program in an Australian university which at this moment invited applications. He applied for it without success. After some time another friend suggested, "Another Oceanican university invited applications for scholarship to do master's program and the last day is over. After completion of the program, you can work as a lecturer in Singapore university where they want to set up occupational therapy program. If you are interested you should forward your application tomorrow itself". They praised God for many wonderful ways He opened for him. Few weeks after he applied, he was offered the scholarship of $14,000 per year for two years plus air-fare. They marveled, "Alleluia! About nine years ago CMC hospital sponsored you for master's program and you rejected it at the last moment. We felt bad about it; later you felt sorry for your decision. The Lord didn't forget your desire and has offered another wonderful chance. We must be grateful to Him in our lives". Omar reminded, "After we go to Australia, settle family matters in India and join us there mom!". She replied, "Shahjahan invited me many times to live with them in England. So if it is God's will I may go there first". Omar regarded with sadness that mom did not promise to join them later. He did not realize it was prophetic word.
With the hope of migrating to Oceanica or western country, he resigned his job with three months notice in advance. They decided to enter in whichever direction the Lord leads. The western country High Commission did not issue visa. Finally all preparations were made to go to Oceanica. Mom promised to help him with financial assistance if he needs in Oceanica. She was worried that they would be living in Oceanica without any job for both of them. He felt bad about separation again. Finally they flew to Oceanica saying bye to mom and other believers at the air-port.
In Oceanica one Christian family from the same church supported them with their initial settlement. They hosted them for a month. He was concerned about expenses and limited amount of money he had in bank which may not be adequate for long time. He informed this to mom over telephone and they prayed. After about three weeks the Lord gave him a job as occupational therapist in one of the largest hospitals there. They praised God.
Mom stayed three months in Singapore in a believer's home and flew to India in time to attend annual CPM church convention at Chennai. It was a great blessing and she enjoyed it. She went on a tour with her two grand-daughters to visit relatives, Christian believers and churches for a month. On her return she started to feel weak and developed tooth-ache. Omar was not informed about it.
One day Omar received a phone call from western country stating, "Your employer waited for you for nearly one year and government had finally frozen the position. However another employer is interested in considering your application for the post of occupational therapist". When Omar accepted the offer, agency suggested him to contact employer. The same evening he contacted employer and they conducted an interview over phone. Finally they intimated, "We have decided to offer you the position. How soon will you come to this country?". Omar explained the status of his application for permanent residence and indicated his willingness to immigrate as soon as it was approved. New employer promised to make necessary arrangements for his immigration. They praised God for His unbelievable and wonderful way of guidance...while closing one door he opened another door on the same day. He is Almighty God. There is nothing He cannot do as prophet Jeremiah said. In few days he received a mail from Singapore. He could not believe when he opened mail. It was the document offering them permanent residence status in that country. His promise came true as He told mom, "I will give him a permanent job...I will build a house permanently for him". He informed this to mom immediately and asked her to get ready to immigrate after six months. Two or three days after he mailed the letter, he received a letter from his mom stating that she was suffering from tooth-ache and was weak. He got worried and telephoned to India. His sister informed that she was weak because she could not eat due to tooth-ache and otherwise she was fine. After four or five days, while they were praying for her health Dr. Greenrose telephoned, "I returned from my overseas trip just yesterday and found mom was very weak. We tried our best to take her to CMC hospital. She refused. She wanted to believe God for healing and receive it by faith and not by any medical treatment. It's better you come here immediately. I have also informed Shahjahan. He promised to be here in four or five days". Shocked to hear this Omar said, "How can it be? She was in perfect health...some how we must take her to hospital and find out what is wrong with her health, even if she doesn't take medicine. I will talk to mom over telephone. I will try to be in India as soon as possible". When he telephoned mom she said, "Why do you worry about me? God is healing me. I couldn't eat because of tooth-ache and became weak. This is also one of the tests brought by Satan. One of the lady servants of God saw a vision during prayer...a devil standing of about one and half feet height...having a candle which was burnt out....there was smoke coming out of wick....said that the devil came to take my life away. Another minister was shown a vision by the Lord in which I was carrying a very heavy cross in a tough path and He told her to pray for me earnestly. He also showed another vision to another God's minister that I am walking on a beautiful green land. Yes! It's a heavy cross but the Lord will give me victory. You all pray for me". After talking to her for forty-five minutes he was encouraged by her words of faith. They prayed continuously for her healing. They decided to go to India on one year leave of absence after completing the first semester in few days and then migrate to Canada after she recovered her health. This happened during the week end. It was Monday. He tried his best to make flight reservations and arrangements for leave of absence, in vain. No reservation was available and the university program authorities were on leave. On Wednesday Dr. Greenrose telephoned, "We brought mom to CMC hospital by force. She is not happy about it. Specialist examined her. According to them she is in a serious condition. She may have two months to live.
There is one particular drug which may help her to live for a maximum period of two years...if her body reacts adversely to drug it might kill her immediately. This drug would cost about Rs 75,000. What do you think?". This was like a thousand thunder bolt. He was speechless and remained like a stone. Finally he gathered his strength to say, "I don't understand anything. Last Sunday she spoke to me for forty-five minutes. Now you say she has only couple of months. Both choices are bad....but if we give medicine at least she may be alive for two years if it is successful. So make arrangements for administering medicine and I will pay for it. I will try to be there as soon as possible". Shahjahan from England also telephoned, "I am going to India on Friday with some medicine, given by specialist in England. Try to come soon".
Doctors did not decide to administer any medicine including the one Shahjahan brought form England, as she was very fragile. They needed more time to think about choice of treatment carefully. Everyone prayed day and night.
Finally Monday morning - June 25, 1990 - Omar managed to resign his job and take leave of absence from studies. Desperately he tried to get reservation through Air-India which refused to help. Some friends assisted him to get immediate reservation to fly next day through Singapore Airlines. To buy ticket, he rushed to bank at last few minutes before they closed for the day. Bank teller refused to pay money requiring three days advance notice. After shouting at the manager he got his money and rushed to travel agent to do necessary arrangements. He was supposed to fly the next day. His wife met him urgently on the street to let him know Dr. Greenrose wanted to talk to him immediately.
Reached home tired and exhausted due to one week commotion filled with shocking news, running up and down to do many things, doing part-time job and full-time study. Around four o'clock as he reached home telephone rang. Dr. Greenrose said, "Mom is in extremely serious condition. She repeatedly asked whether you have come. Probably you should telephone after couple of hours to find our her situation". They prayed in tears. He tried to travel immediately the same day by contacting Qantas who was very considerate to arrange for morning flight. Finally he telephoned to India after two hours and Ayub wailed, "Mom is gone about half an hour ago". He was stunned and did not know what to do. After few seconds he discussed with Shahjahan about funeral arrangements. Now it does not matter whether he travels to India tomorrow morning or afternoon. As he flew to Singapore, unable to believe that mom was gone, he looked through windows over clouds whether she will be walking around there. Her life events crossed his mind like a cinema. Everything was like a dream. God had given a definite number of days to every one. When those days are counted every one must depart upon His call. He is the one who gives life....and takes it away too. Even the slightest delay in visiting her...ended up in eternal loss of opportunity. It happened in his dad's case as well as in his mom's case. However she should be happy in the bosom of her Lord Jesus Christ. She must have met all dear Christian brethren up there who went before her...Soundrapandian, Thangapandian, Sister Christy, her brother Raju and many more such as....Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job, Paul, Peter, John. She saw our loving Lord in vision while she was alive...now she must have seen him face to face. All labor is over and now there is only rest. The drama is over and the curtain fell down.
In Singapore, God's ministers and believers couldn't believe this news. One of the believers family recalled, "Your mom was very much worried about you both, after you left for Australia. One day we were talking about my late mom who was one of the ministers of this church. The same night I saw a dream in which your mom was lying down in a grave wearing a white sari by the side of my mom. I told...you must not lie down here sister! Please get up. Your mom said...no sister! I must lie down here. She refused to get up. I was very much worried about this dream....I know something was going to happen and the Lord showed me through this dream. I never told this dream to anyone and it so happened now. As mom was getting ready to catch flight for India, I insisted that she should stay in our home when she comes back to Singapore. She said....she will not come back. When I insisted again....she asked me to pray for it. I felt sad about this response. But it seems the Lord already showed her that He will take her heavenly home soon and that's why she responded in that manner". Another believers family remembered, "My wife and your mom were like sisters. One day she visited our home and prayed....there was God's presence; it's hard to see some one like your mom....in prayer, faith, anointing of the Holy Spirit and godly activities. Before she left for India, we emphasized that she must stay in our home when she comes back to Singapore and spend some time in prayer. She replied after a pause....I will not return....if you wish so pray about it. It was sad to hear. They cried on departure. The Lord has already shown her that she would be taken into glory soon". One of the women ministers of church narrated, "We are not able to believe she is gone....but she knew it very well. Because one day I told her....mom you should not go to India....don't we need people like you here in this church to pray. She said....the Lord has completed His work in me....I am ready to go upon His call. I rebuked her not to say so. She said...I will not be here very long....you should stay longer and serve the Lord. See brother! she finished her assignment and waited to leave this world". Chief-mother-minister mentioned, "It's a great loss for church. She was a mother of prayer. It's hard to find people like her. You must be also like her in prayer, faith, and gifts of the Holy Spirit". Church pastor bought funeral clothes for her and gave an offering towards her funeral. Even though Omar refused to accept the offering he compelled him to receive it.
Omar reached India in the midnight. The next day afternoon her body was brought to CPM church in the coffin for funeral service. Her face looked as if she was sleeping. After the service was over all her children were surprised to see a gentle smile on her face. How could it happen? Unbelievable! She was happy about funeral service. On June 28, 1990, the funeral took place at Vellore during the sun-set.
After the memorial service Omar returned to Oceanica. There was great vacuum in family. On the way he testified regarding her life in Singapore church that she was a prophetess and minister of God in their home. She prayed without ceasing and received blessings from God for every one in the family. He felt dry. There is no gain or loss in life...an end will come to every one's struggle. No one knows when. After couple of weeks, unable to continue with his studies, they immigrated to Canada. One day Shahjahan in London felt very sad regarding separation of mom and went to bed. He saw a dream in which there was a big hall which kept expanding and it was not like one in the world. There were many people.
Mom was found sitting by the side of a window. He ran to her, caught hold of her feet and asked her, "Mom! Why did you go so early?" She replied, "I know. God said....my daughter! it is sufficient you suffered in this world". At that moment some one from behind him gave a white dress to mom. He felt in his heart it was the robe of righteousness. She was dressed in white. Her head, neck, hands and feet were glittering like white pearls. At that time a lady minister of the Lord who was very dear to mom peeped through the window from outside. The dream was over. The meaning of the dream is....mom is resting in God's presence. As she followed Him and led many to righteousness through sharing witness for Jesus, she was given white robe of righteousness. Because a minister of the Lord came to see her....it was place for the servants of the Lord which is Zion. He was comforted by this dream.