Empty Rituals

Rikis was the village priest, but it seemed the gods were ignoring his sacrifices

Rikis used to support his family by performing ritual sacrifices for local villagers. Today he and his wife are followers of Jesus - and they know Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for them!

Rikis stumbled into his small hut, bleeding from cuts on his arms and face. His wife Pipi gasped and ran to tend to his wounds, muttering prayers under her breath to their gods.

Several villagers had turned violent on Rikis when the gods refused to respond to his rituals for healing - part of Rikis’ responsibilities as the village pujari, or priest.

Now Rikis was more worried about the villagers’ anger than the cuts and bruises. If the villagers didn’t pay him to perform their rituals, the family’s income would drop. And Rikis and his wife couldn’t read, so the only other job they could get was working in the fields.

Several days later, as Rikis was home avoiding the villagers’ angry stares, a Mission India Church Planter named Sikari visited. Rikis was so glad to see a friendly face that he invited him inside, and soon was sharing his worries.

Sikari offered to pray with Rikis and his wife, and shared with them from God’s Word. Rikis and Pipi were curious about this Jesus who always listens to our prayers and meets our needs. After several visits by the Church Planter, the couple accepted Jesus as their Saviour.

Rikis says he does not worry about the villagers anymore, because he knows the rituals they wanted him to perform are empty and without power. He and Pipi joyfully attend their small church each week and trust that Jesus will meet their every need.

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