My name is Priyanka Rane, and I am from Karnataka, India. I am 33 years old and live with Cerebral Palsy. I was born into a Hindu family, but I have been following Jesus Christ since I was 12 years old. I want to share my journey of living with and loving God.

 

Please pardon me if my English is not perfect.

 

When I was born, until about 1.5 years of age, there was no movement in my body. My mother told me that I couldn’t hold my neck or speak a single word. My family, including my parents, believed that I might also be mentally challenged.

 

At that time, Christianity was not common in my region. One of my father’s friends, who was a Catholic Christian, suggested that my parents take me to a Divine Retreat Center in Kerala, South India.

 

When I was brought there, my parents didn’t know how to pray, but a pastor held me and prayed for me. The very next day, I began to speak. After staying there for a few more days, I started to hold my neck. My parents were overjoyed, but my extended family opposed them for following Christianity.

 

So, I was raised as a devout Hindu. I used to draw different gods and goddesses, read their scriptures, and pray before idols. However, I felt very alone. Other children did not play with me because of my disability. I was often hurt by the behavior of my family members and others.

 

I was homeschooled and was always a top student. Even though I could not write quickly, I managed to pass every year by the grace of God, whose hand was always upon me.

 

Being disabled in India is very challenging, especially without support from family or the government. I had no pension, no facilities, no insurance, and no writer for exams. Throughout my childhood, I felt something was missing.

 

Later, I learned about Christianity from some of my classmates. At that time, my father worked in Goa. My mother reminded me of the miracle from my childhood, and I began to take more interest in Jesus. I asked my father for a Bible, and one of his colleagues gave me a Bible and Gospel storybooks for children.

 

On my 12th birthday, I fainted and became very sick with a high fever and severe coughing. There was no good doctor in my region, so I was taken to another city. The doctor diagnosed me with severe pneumonia; my lungs were filled with fluid.

 

Everyone thought I would not survive. There is a generational pattern in my family where female children faced severe illness or early death. My grandfather’s only sister was disabled and died young. Then my father’s only sister died from an ear infection at the age of 12. Now everyone believed I would not survive either.

 

They began consoling my parents, telling them to focus on my younger brother, who was only five at the time. But everything changed when I stopped praying to false gods for healing and started praying in the name of Jesus. I didn’t want to die, and I believed only Jesus could heal me. God revealed Himself to me through His Son and preserved my life.

 

I was encouraged when I read in the Bible how Jesus healed a 12-year-old girl who was near death. I prayed, and the very next day I began to feel better. My fever went down. After a week in the hospital, my X-ray was clear, and I was healed. I realized that Jesus had performed that miracle. It felt deeply meaningful that I was also 12 years old at the time. I told my parents, and they recognized that I had a calling toward Jesus.

 

From then on, I began reading the Bible and watching Christian programs. Slowly, I left Hinduism. Thankfully, my parents supported my decision. Because of my disability and mobility challenges, I studied the Bible on my own, as I could not attend a physical church.

 

I desired healing from my disability. I prayed daily and followed healing ministries, but I was disappointed when I wasn’t healed. Over time, I began to understand that God created me with a purpose. If I had been like others, I might never have known Him the way I do. I was inspired by people like Nick Vujicic and Joni Eareckson Tada, seeing how God uses people with disabilities for His kingdom. I found peace in trusting His timing and purpose.

 

As time passed, my extended family began to oppose me because of my faith. They tried to influence my parents against me, but God always protected us. My parents are not believers, but they respect and support my faith.

 

Over the years, I underwent four surgeries for my cerebral palsy. I experienced a lot of pain, but I still had peace because of my relationship with the Lord.

 

At age 19, I was baptized by my local pastor, Uncle John, who greatly helped me understand the Scriptures.

 

During my final year of college, just before exams, I was diagnosed with severe typhoid. Another patient with typhoid passed away, but I survived. Although I missed two exam papers and felt very discouraged, I later completed them and graduated.

 

Later, I underwent eight more surgeries on my legs and hands to reduce muscle spasticity. Through all of this, the Lord remained faithful.

 

However, despite experiencing many miracles, I became spiritually lukewarm. I got distracted by worldly concerns, studies, and worries about my future. I even became curious about New Age practices like astrology and manifestation, though I knew they were not aligned with Scripture. I started relying on my own efforts instead of trusting God.

 

Because of my disability, I struggled to find stable work. Some family members mocked me and called me useless. I had no friends, no church, and no spiritual support after my pastor passed away. I became weak in prayer and Bible reading.

 

I felt like I had no purpose. I tried online jobs, but many were scams or poorly paid. I lost money in trading and investments, which led to severe anxiety, sleep paralysis, and irregular heartbeats. It felt like intense spiritual and emotional distress.

 

God convicted me about my lukewarm life, and I repented.

 

When I returned to prayer and trusted in God again, my health improved, and I no longer needed medication.

 

In 2020, during COVID, another miracle happened. My father and brother tested positive and were quarantined at home. Our house is small, and they had been caring for me before their diagnosis. Yet I was not infected. My mother, who cared for all of us, was also protected. This strengthened my faith deeply.

 

After that, I became more serious about my relationship with God. I realized how faithful He had always been, even when I was not. I longed to return to the simple, childlike faith I once had. I repented and surrendered my life fully to Him.

 

Even during financial struggles and uncertainty, I trusted Him. Through online Christian communities, I found encouragement, prayer support, and freelance work.

 

I made a decision that no matter what happens, God will always be my priority. I will serve Him with the gifts He has given me.

 

I have always loved drawing and design. I studied graphic design, built a portfolio, and started working on gospel-based designs through Print-on-Demand. I am now preparing to build my own faith-based merchandise store.

 

In 2023, God provided me with a job opportunity at a Christian clothing company in India. My network of believers grew, and I began studying Hebrew and biblical history with a Messianic teacher.

 

However, family challenges continued. Due to their health, my parents wanted to place me in a care center. In 2024, I moved to a hostel in another state, but the environment made me sick. I developed severe fungal infections, had high IgE levels, and lost my job.

 

Yet God provided through fellow believers who supported me during that difficult time. This time, my faith remained strong.

 

After a year, I returned home in December 2024. Since then, I have resumed freelance work, and my health has improved.

 

I still face ongoing health challenges, and access to proper medical care and support remains difficult. My parents worry about my future, especially as they grow older. They fear there may be no one to care for me.

 

I do not want to be a burden to them. I pray for them and desire that they come to know the Lord. I trust that God is my provider and caretaker.

 

I continue to fight against paganism in my family, but it still affects me. That is why I need prayers from my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially for spiritual warfare. I don’t attend a physical church but pray online with fellow believers. I always thank God for helping me to stand firm in my faith despite spiritual challenges within my family and surroundings. And He has blessed me with His spiritual family, and I stay connected with believers online for prayer and fellowship.

 

Recently, by the grace of God, I was accepted into Biola University in California for a Master’s program in Old Testament Studies in 2025. For me, this was not just an academic opportunity — it was a clear confirmation of the calling the Lord has placed on my heart for many years.

 

However, despite trying every possible option, I was unable to arrange the required funding within the short 3-month timeframe. In India, educational loans and grants are rarely available for theology or ministry degrees. After much prayer and discussion with Biola, I made the difficult but wise decision to withdraw my admission temporarily and prepare more thoroughly before re-applying for Spring or Fall 2027. The university has been incredibly gracious and supportive, and they have warmly invited me to re-apply when I am ready.

 

Some may wonder why I am not pursuing online education, but due to my living conditions and unstable internet, it is not practical. Studying in the U.S. will allow me to be in a better environment and connect with like-minded believers.

 

As part of this preparation, I moved to a disability hostel in Mumbai. This feels like an important step forward, as Mumbai has the U.S. Embassy and an international airport. This season has taught me valuable lessons in patience, wisdom, and greater dependence on God’s provision rather than my own efforts. I am trusting the Lord completely for re-admission, finances, visa approval, and every detail ahead. HalleluYah!

 

I believe God is calling me to take this bold step for His glory.

 

If you feel led to pray for or support me in this journey, you can do so here:  

https://gofund.me/afa1317d2

 

I am truly blessed to know the one true God and the gospel. I continue to study the Bible, church history, and Hebrew literature, seeking His truth.

 

When I look back at my life, I know that only a living and loving God could have carried me through everything.

 

All glory to God, in the name of His beloved Son, Yeshua Messiah. Amen.