We waited so long!

The wait, oh, the wait. We can all relate to waiting, and this story is a wonderful celebration about waiting and waiting for answered prayer in the life of a family we have been supporting for years now.

Rosemary Hyne and I have been visiting and meeting with Saji in her home and supporting her in a variety of ways. Over the years, we have helped with food, rent and bills, English help and, of course, Bible reading, devotions and prayer.

Saji has had health issues. There has been a lot of stress learning English, finding work and uncertainty about their VISA. Earlier this year, they had their small payments cut from the immigration department, which means they have no government support (including no health care card and no Centrelink payments). COVID lockdowns, the death of a fellow Tamil friend in April and financial strain have been in the mix of their daily lives. Not to mention this humble family of three have been desiring another child, with their daughter often saying, ‘Mummy, I want a brother or sister’. Seeking IVF was too expensive, and after years of hoping, they had given up expecting to conceive.

And then the wait was over – finally good news. Saji called me to say she had been feeling very sick in the mornings. She had a blood test, and it was confirmed she is pregnant. She asked me to share and say thank you for prayer, and please continue to pray for her.

Many times, Saji and I prayed that God would bring life, that he is the giver of life. We prayed, asking ‘Lord, bless this family with a child’. I once shared and prayed the story of Hannah over Saji, and so I was able to witness to her that God had answered her prayer (her heart’s cry for another child), just like Hannah. The wait was over.

Thank you, Jesus, for hearing our prayers, for seeing Saji’s heart, for being the giver of life. This is a gift from you, Lord. Keep this child safe until the day of delivery and continue to bless this family as they face many hardships in life as they seek asylum. Help us to continue to support them and all of our other asylum-seeker families, and thank you for the opportunities you place before us to serve others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Michelle Filipovic is an Asylum-seeker Support Worker in Geelong Victoria.

Story shared with permission from Saji

This feature story came from the July eNews of Cross-Cultural Ministry, which is a department of the LCA’s Local Mission. To sign up to receive Cross-Cultural Ministry eNews, click here.