A Paradigm Shift: How Vasant Discovered God’s Call Beyond the Church
After Vasant received Jesus in 1988, he encountered the national mentality that the only real future for a Christian is found in ministry. He endeavored to become a pastor, but he was never accepted into seminary. While working at a spiritual life center, he had the opportunity to attend a Christian leadership training program hosted by the center. There, he received the liberating revelation that God calls His people into all different spheres of influence, not just into ministry.
A few years later, Vasant sensed God leading him to the marketplace. His beginnings were rocky to say the least. He took out loans and started many different ventures, but couldn’t sustain any of them. He eventually found success in the footwear industry, but it did not satisfy the longing of his heart. Ultimately, Vasant recognized that God's call on his life was not to pursue wealth or success, but to grow in relationship with Jesus.
Around this time, a friend introduced Vasant to Mickleson. Through his Tentmaker’s training, Mickleson conveyed that the goal of a business is to glorify God first, above profitability. Vasant had previously believed in the separation of work and spirituality, thinking he could only relate to God through church and traditional spiritual practices. However, through Mickleson's guidance, he began to see that his relationship with Jesus could deepen through his business.
Mickleson also poured into Vasant through one-on-one discipleship, offering wisdom, a listening ear, thoughtful questions, accountability, and book recommendations. As a more reserved individual, Vasant was often challenged by such direct counsel. Mickleson was patient, however, and never gave up on meeting with him. After many months, Vasant came to understand the values and made drastic changes to his life, business, and developing ministry. He began diving deeper into reading, praying, and even meeting with four other individuals in a similar manner as he experienced the rewards of close discipleship.
The new principles Vasant applied to the management of his hostel did not go unnoticed by his wife, Eliza. With a business background herself, she was accustomed to the notion that God was not involved in the marketplace. However, as Eliza worked alongside Vasant, she realized that God is both needed and present in the business world. Now, they frequently pray together with their young daughter for their hostel, as well as for their customers and contacts.
One day, Vasant learned that a guest at their hostel had traveled to the city for medical treatment. However, the doctors had told her there was nothing more they could do, so she was preparing to go to a larger city for further care. He and his family went and prayed with the guest and, by God’s grace, she was healed from her sickness! These kinds of interactions have brought Vasant and his family closer as they learn to see humanity as a reflection of God’s image. Where profit was once the primary focus, the priority has now shifted to serving others with compassion.
As Jesus has become more real to Vasant, he's realized he doesn't have to share the Gospel in words. With an evangelical background, he often felt the weight of “go and tell”. Today, Vasant understands that life in Christ is not so much about speaking of Jesus as it is about living with Him and following His voice.
But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him . . .
1 John 3:17-19
Vasant and his family buy fruit, vegetables, and chickens from the vendors who set up right outside their apartment, for example. Although there are better options elsewhere, they continue to support these Hindu and Muslim men in an effort to build relationships. Occasionally, the family even goes down to offer them tea and snacks. Instead of launching right into a Gospel message, they choose to love and serve people first, and trust the Lord to open the doors for deeper conversations in His time.
By the Lord’s grace, Vasant has undergone a complete paradigm shift since first meeting Mickleson. He recognizes that business is a calling, and as such, he has no need to worry about what the future may hold. Even in the midst of financial difficulties, his peace is anchored in God’s abiding presence, which also extends to the hostel. Vasant has learned to trust God’s guidance and provision in every area of his life and is reaping the rewards of watching his family grow in these same values. Through this journey, he has not only gained a deeper, more relational understanding of the Lord, but has also become a living example of Jesus' nearness as he endeavors to make God known in his far corner of the world.