This is a real-life, real-time story of the brother or sister who has a need (James 2:15)—and to whom someone who reads these blog posts might be able to lend a helping hand.
Marian Sebastian came to the United States in 1996 from his homeland in Sri Lanka, on the promise of finding work through which he would be able to earn money to send back to his family for their daily sustenance. As is so often the case, the promises were not authentic. They were made by unscrupulous people who planned to take advantage of him. In his own words, Marian says, “I came to America to earn money to buy a house for my family, my children’s education and their future; also to help my father, my brothers and sisters.” After a brief time in Florida, where he was supposed to get a job on a cruise ship, he ended up in Indiana, working in a restaurant for a calloused taskmaster—doing the work of two or three people, 13-15 hours a day, seven days a week.
Understandably, after months of this physical, emotional, and mental daily grind, Marian became very discouraged. “I lost hope. Day by day, my workload increased, and I became more and more depressed due to my feelings of loneliness. I told two other people about my situation, but they did not seem to care about me [and] there was also a language barrier. Finally, I concluded that I was unworthy to live any longer. I missed my wife, children, and country terribly. My body was at the point of exhaustion, and I was falling into deep depression. I resolved to end my life by drinking poison.” That was in September 1998.
Marian ended up in Methodist Hospital for 45 days. A social worker took him to Good News Mission on Indy’s east side, where he has resided ever since: “I lost my esophagus. I now need to be fed through a feeding tube. I still experience a great deal of pain and suffer frequent bouts of depression.”
At the Good News Mission, Marian began attending the evening chapel sessions, hearing the Word of God preached every night by different preachers. In a short time, he threw himself on the mercies of God and trusted in Jesus as his Lord and Savior, following Him in baptism shortly thereafter. He began reading God’s Word voraciously and enrolled in a local Bible college, which he attended for four years. Following his studies in college, Marian attended Indy Reads for several years, studying English. Now he is able to read, speak, and write English fluently. He feels that God has given him a second chance.
Marian has had multiple surgeries to repair his esophagus, but to no avail. He was taken to Mayo Clinic in 2021 for an examination but was unable to receive help there.
While at the mission, Marian has worked as a cook. He joined Thompson Road Baptist Church in 2012 and attends faithfully, participating in prayer meetings as he has opportunity. He prays earnestly, beseeching God’s throne of mercy. When one listens to Marian praying, one feels that he knows how to get in touch with his Heavenly father. His prayers are heartfelt and spiritually moving.
Again, in his words: “I have a confidence with Christ and His cross. The Lord said, ‘Take the cross and daily follow Me.’ (Luke 9:23,34) I have a powerful testimony in my life. The Lord Jesus Christ gave me a second chance of life. Many things the Lord has done for me and my family (for which) I praise the Lord. (Luke 19:10) He is the true and righteous God. The gospel message touched deeply in my heart. Today I am happy because of Christ. I believe one day the Lord Jesus will send me to my country to be united with my family. Amen.”
Marian has a wife and three children. He has received a Sri Lankan passport, is working on a T-Visa, has a legal ID card, and his desire is to have his wife come to the States to visit him. Because he cannot receive the medical help in Sri Lanka that is necessary for him to survive, he cannot visit his home country at this time (though he still holds out hope that he one day will be able to).
I was Marian’s pastor for several years and am still privileged to attend church with him at Thompson Road Baptist Church every Sunday and Wednesday. His love for Christ is genuine, and his testimony I can attest to. He has been accepted and loved and helped by our church family. The Good News Ministries of Indianapolis has been compassionate, generous, loving, and kind to Marian since the day he landed there from Methodist Hospital in 1998. They have provided comfortable housing, transportation, meals, clothing, and much medical assistance. As a pastor, close to Marian, I cannot say enough good about Dan Evans, Director of Good News Ministries, and the GNM staff for their loving kindness to our friend and brother in Christ, Marian Sebastian. They have been the Lord’s lifeline to this once destitute brother for more than a quarter of a century! Asking nothing in return.
How can you help Marian? Well, if there is an employer in greater Indianapolis that could provide a job for 15-20 hours a week, that is what he is praying for. He is limited physically in what he can do, but he still wants to earn some money to send home to his family in Sri Lanka. And, Marian covets your prayers for his family and for God’s continued guiding hand upon his life. If you can be of any help with employment for this brother, just reply to this blog. Or, if you would prefer, you can email Marian directly at sebastianmarian717@gmail.com.
And, pray for Good News Ministries in their amazing haven for the hopeless here in our city. Support it with your prayers and with your giving as God enables you to do so. They are an oasis of grace in this great metropolis.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2)
YOU and GOD 