In the midst of the growing intensity of the global crisis, we had the vision of heading out to a north-westerly region of India. Here the possibility to find a more quiet area of the country, under a less watchful eye of the government compared to the cities, seemed more likely. Upon arriving at the train station we booked a ticket for 3 passengers to Punjab, but later heard that this is a stricter region in the country touching on the regulations that had been put in place by the governing authorities.

What this means is that here, most shops are to be closed; no public transport of any form is to operate; no hotels or restaurants are to be open; and to hit a climax, no foreigners are allowed to enter the city. Having read all of this on the news and received information from trusted sources telling us to rather stay in the current city, or go back to our home country, we were reminded of the above quoted verse in Esther; that against all odds, we are here “for such a time as this.” Not that we can go back to South Africa soon (as all flights are cancelled), if our reaction is nonetheless one of fear and we seek not His perfect will for our being here, our Father will simply find another means to fulfill His mandate in this place and time. If we are faithless, He remains faithful.

The first blessing the Lord poured out on us had to do with our seats. We paid 230 Rupees (R53) each for the general coach and soon found ourselves on the train around 21:30 waiting for its departure at 22:25. But due to minimal people on the train we got to utilize the sleeper coach instead, which when traveling in India is considered other-worldly!

After arriving at our destination the next morning we were ready for “war”, that is, to be confronted with. On our way to find a “tuk-tuk” taxi to take us to our booked accommodation for the night, we were spotted and brought to question by several police officers, who kept their distance. A light interrogation of: why are we here, what are we doing, where did we come from, where are we staying, and other questions related to this agenda, resumed. The ultimate question as to our state of health was emphasized. Then too, “If we knew there was lockdown, why did we still decide to come?”

Having briskly answered all their questions and explained to these why we are trying to get to the North Western province, they nodded and arranged one of the Tuk-tuk taxis to take us to our accommodation. This is the second miracle that took place. No quarantine, no check-ups, nothing.

Arriving at our hostel, it was “closed” along with every other form of accommodation. Apart from having no place to rest our heads no busses were operating and no shops that are open were in the vicinity, so no food for comfort either. Within minutes of our lingering on the streets the third group of police had come to meet us outside the closed hostel. They took us through the same questions as before, once again taken aback as to our supposed unawareness of the corona crisis. It didn’t take much for these to understand our vision, as the hostel opened up to let us sit and wait inside while the police considered how they might aid in seeing our vision fulfilled.

Over chai with the hostel managers and local authorities, we felt a shift in the atmosphere, something only the Holy Spirit does. The lead authority took it upon himself to organize a place for us to stay for the night, free of charge. He also arranged a taxi to take us to our desired location, which is and remains however one of the provinces closed off to anyone entering or leaving, especially foreigners. That this policeman is a God-send who can doubt; that God fights creatively on our behalf who can question?

For the time being we remain yet in the hotel due to lockdown restrictions. In prayer and through His words, we are being deeply encouraged and know the Lord has our way paved through this “wilderness.” We are privileged in that we have no way out, that all options are exhausted but for God to have His way.

“Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go gather all the jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my young woman will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:13-16