Though Shashma had lived in the Philippines for many years, she was born in India and had been a Hindu. She was eager to tell the story of how she became a Christian. She and her family were on a mountain road when they noticed their car's radiator was dry. Raising the hood, they realized that someone had forgotten to put the cap on the radiator. The mountain was sparsely populated, and there was nowhere to get water.

Shashma's son, Ali, was the only Christian in the family at that time. When Shashma asked Ali to pray to Jesus to send someone with water, Ali replied, "You be the one to pray to Jesus."

Out of desperation, Shashma prayed to Jesus and asked that someone would come with water for the radiator.

Very soon after Shashma's prayer, she saw a man approaching. He wore a purple robe and had a stick in his hand. He said, "I'm bringing you water," and proceeded to fill the radiator. He tore off part of his robe, and wrapped it around the radiator opening to secure it. Shashma was very pleased and tried to give the man money to thank him for his kindness.

He refused, saying, "I only did what you asked me to do. You asked me to bring you water. I'm not going to take any money for that. However, stop at the first gas station you come to on this road. There you will find the radiator cap that you need."

Shashma's family continued on their way and stopped at the first gas station. Sure enough! There was one radiator cap, only one. But it was the right size for their vehicle! Shashma said she then realized that the man in the purple robe was Jesus. That was the beginning of her trust in Jesus. Since then, Shashma's faith has grown as Jesus supplied what she needed.

Today, Ali is a full-time church worker in Nashville, Tennessee. Shashma's daughter is head of the communications department of a large church in Manila.

Barb and Tad Wulliman have served in the Philippines since 1998, working in education and translation ministries.