I read a devotional called _From this Verse_ each day (as well as one by the same author, Robert Morgan, called _On This Day_ both published by Thomas Nelson) and I thought that today’s was particularly good. You can find lots more stories like this either from a verse or of what happened this day in Church History by purchasing Morgan’s books either from Amazon From this Verse
Here is the story:
… And Harlots
July 13
Eva J. Alexander was born to believing parents in Chennai, India, and born again at age 12 during a Billy Graham meeting. In 1963, she married R. D. Alexander, and the two took positions with the Indian government. Eva’s job exposed her to the plight of women in her country, and she began speaking out about their status and suffering. For awhile, she became so socially active that her spiritual life suffered. Politics became more important than religion.
But the Lord sent a serious illness that brought her to her knees. “God, if you’re real,” she prayed, hovering near death in the hospital, “do not allow me to die. I will serve you.” Returning home, Eva began reading her Bible again and two words in Matthew 21:31 tore through her mind like torpedoes—and harlots. Jesus wanted to bring harlots into His kingdom.
A week later, a nearby pastor told her of a prostitute who had run away from the brothels, and he asked Eva to provide a room for her. “I can’t,” said Eva. “You keep her.” Eva had a husband and four children at home, including two teenage sons. But the Lord again brought Matthew 21:31 to mind, and Eva relented.
Her family was aghast: “What is this? You’re turning our house into a brothel!” But their attitudes soon changed, and they accepted this ministry as coming from God. Other girls began showing up, and the Alexander home became a rehabilitation center. Police officers and prisons referred troubled women to Eva, and today up to 15 women live in the Alexander home at any one time. The Alexanders provide medical treatment, job training, and a strong gospel witness. Eva has started a home for the children of prostitutes where 60 children, age 12 months to 13 years, find refuge.
Her husband and children joined her work, and, spurred on by Matthew 21:31, they are bringing many harlots into the Kingdom. *
Today’s Suggested Reading Matthew 21:28–32
Jesus said unto them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31