A story of faith and transformation Shankar's journey from despair to redemption: a story of faith and transformation

Nestled 12 kilometers away from the bustling Ramanaguda block amidst the serene landscape of Rayagada district lies Subai village, home to 40 families from diverse tribal backgrounds. Among them, Shankar Bidika's tale stands out as a testament to the transformative power of faith and perseverance. Shankar, aged 45, married to Sabita with four daughters, was once ensnared in a web of despair and hopelessness. Before the intervention of LOGOS in 2017, his life was marred by alcoholism, disease, and perpetual conflict. Selling country liquor fueled his addiction, while domestic violence cast a dark shadow over his family's existence. Their meager income from the liquor business was insufficient to provide for their needs, leading them on a desperate journey to Tirupati in search of better prospects. Yet, the streets of Tirupati offered little solace, and after two months of hardship, they returned home with their dreams shattered. But amidst the darkness, a ray of light emerged with the arrival of the LOGOS organization in Subai village. Through their teachings, Shankar found redemption in the embrace of Jesus Christ. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, renounced his destructive habits, sought forgiveness, and embarked on a journey of self-renewal.

Shankar aspired to open a grocery store and engage in agriculture on his small piece of land for their livelihood. However, due to a lack of funds, his plan couldn't materialize. In the same year, a token of financial assistance amounting to Rs. 10,000 was provided by the LOGOS organization to help him quick start his plan. The organization also advocated on his behalf to the government to address his landless labor issue, resulting in Shankar receiving land entitlement from the government in his name.

With this meager support and advocacy work, Shankar immediately began working on his plan. Turning away from the shadows of his past, he ventured into paddy cultivation and established a small grocery shop. With determination and diligence, he toiled tirelessly to build a better future for his family. His wife, Sabita, became his steadfast partner in their newfound enterprise, running the shop alongside him. Despite facing financial challenges, Shankar's resilience never wavered. He invested in his children's education, ensuring that they had opportunities he never had. Rekha, Namrata, and Sneha began their academic journey, breaking the cycle of illiteracy that had plagued their family for generations.

Shankar also constructed a new house for his small family. He sought divine guidance, finding strength in his newfound faith. As the years passed, Shankar's perseverance bore fruit. His paddy and cotton harvests yielded bountiful returns, while his grocery shop became a beacon of hope for the villagers. Despite facing financial hurdles, Shankar remained undeterred, relying on his unwavering faith to overcome every obstacle.

Today, Shankar stands as a living testimony to the transformative power of faith anddetermination.Hislifeservesasaninspirationtoallwhoknowhim,atestamenttotheboundless potential of the human spirit. And as he looks towards the future, Shankar remainsgratefultoLOGOS ministryforignitingthesparkofchangethattransformedhis lifeforever.