She Fasted for 21 Days—Then This Happened...
- Vikram Bhandari
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Yet, amidst these trials, Manju's faith remained unshaken. She turned to God in earnest prayer, fasting for 21 days, waking up at four in the morning to plead for clarity and purpose. Her heartfelt prayers were simple yet profound: "God, you called me, you chose me. Open the way for me to serve you."
Do you think God listened?

Brothers and sisters, today, I am thrilled to share an inspiring story that embodies the power of prayer, faith, and your generosity. Let me introduce you to Manju Pal, our dedicated coordinator for Widow's Hope in northern India. Thanks to your incredible support through the Trinity100 Campaign, Manju is now fully employed as a full-time member of our team since January 2025. Her journey is not only uplifting but also a beautiful testament to God's perfect timing.
When I first met Manju, neither of us knew the divine purpose behind our encounter. I stepped into her home by chance—or so I thought—not even realizing she was a Christian praying fervently for an opportunity to serve God. At that moment, Manju was facing immense personal struggles. Her husband had abandoned her, she was responsible for her young nephew after her sister passed away, and she faced opposition from her own family for standing firm in her convictions. Financial pressures mounted as she desperately searched for employment to provide for her son’s schooling and daily needs. During this dark period, she even resorted to making mittens for minimal income, which barely sustained her family.
Yet, amidst these trials, Manju's faith remained unshaken. She turned to God in earnest prayer, fasting for 21 days, waking up at four in the morning to plead for clarity and purpose. Her heartfelt prayers were simple yet profound: "God, you called me, you chose me. Open the way for me to serve you."
God listened.
Just one week after completing her fast, Manju and I crossed paths. What were the chances? Out of millions in India, God guided me directly to the woman who had been fervently praying—just as I had been praying for someone like her, a Christian woman dedicated to serving widows.
Since joining Widow's Hope, Manju has wholeheartedly embraced her role. She visits widows around Uttarakhand, particularly in Dehradun, ministering to them, praying with them, and deeply understanding their stories and struggles. Her own journey through hardship equips her uniquely to empathize with the widows she serves. She shared with me how the pain and difficulties she endured were part of God's preparation, shaping her into someone capable of genuine compassion and discernment. She no longer questions her hardships but instead sees them as vital experiences enabling her to serve others with profound sincerity.

In her own words, Manju expressed, “When God opens a door, no one can close it. Today, I have peace and joy because God Himself called me into this ministry. Serving these women has become my greatest blessing.”
I, too, am deeply blessed to partner with someone whose heart aligns perfectly with the vision God placed in me for Widow's Hope. Your support, contributions, and prayers have made this incredible partnership possible, bringing tangible hope and transformation to many lives. Through the Trinity100 Campaign, you’ve provided not just employment but also a purposeful calling for Manju, empowering her to become a beacon of hope to countless widows.
Thank you, each and every one of you, for investing in lives and ministries like ours.
Together, we are witnessing God's amazing, unfolding plans.
With gratitude and blessings,
Vikram
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