Ratnapura, a town in Sri Lanka, is known for its rich gemstone production, but the local people are often poor. The more than 500 villages scattered across the mountain peaks of Ratnapura have few Christians and churches. Believers usually have to travel by car or walk for half an hour to two hours to reach the nearest church for worship in the city center.

In October 2023, Xiao Yang arrived in Ratnapura and used the local church as a base to visit villages, assist with poverty alleviation, and set up four English classes in the villages where she lived, as well as one located 20 kilometers away.

In just eight months, 70 students joined the classes, allowing her to connect with children from dozens of villages. The children, like unpolished gems, are gentle and open-hearted, listening to the gospel and praying the prayer of repentance. May the light of the gospel shape them into precious jewels. Sadly, the heavy rains of the April monsoon and the peak of floods in June often prevent people from coming to church.

While Xiao Yang diligently worked for the Lord, there was a soft spot in her heart for her elderly father in Hong Kong. Despite his declining health and losing vision in his left eye, and though he narrowly survived a serious illness last year, when his daughter visits and prays and sings hymns with him, he always joins in the singing and says that Jesus is in his heart. This brings comfort to Xiao Yang’s heart, enabling her to continue on her path.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You spoke to Daniel, saying, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3 NIV). We ask You to build up Xiao Yang and the Christians in Ratnapura, that they may shine with a unique light of life, becoming Your brilliant sanctuary and guiding others to righteousness. Grant Xiao Yang the strength and grace to live out Your glorious will, to learn Sinhalese, and adapt to the local culture. When she speaks of our Lord Jesus, may the Holy Spirit give her precise words to touch hearts. May the gospel seeds, planted through the children, take root and grow in Sri Lankan families. We also pray for Xiao Yang’s father, that he may experience Your peace, joy, and healing. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.