A divine appointment

A Difficult Decision

In the lead-up to booking this holiday—which we had been planning and hoping for for quite some time—we found it surprisingly difficult to actually make the decision. It became clear that we would have to travel over the Easter weekend.

As a family, our tradition is to be deeply invested in the journey to the Cross and the Resurrection services each year. On a personal level, both my husband and I also become quite reflective during this time. So, it was a significant decision for us to go ahead and book, especially since, for a number of reasons, it had to be this March holiday.

The verse that came to me during the discernment process was Mark 2:27: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” We felt peace to go ahead and make the booking—though at that stage, I had no idea what this decision was releasing us into.

Preparing My Heart

In my personal spiritual preparation for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday this year, I was reading through the Gospel of John—one chapter a day. Once at the resort, we were upgraded (at no extra charge!) to a lovely sea-facing cabana nestled among palm trees. Each morning, I would prepare a delicious cup of complimentary coffee using the fancy coffee machine in our room, then sit on the veranda and read my chapter for the day.

The words of Scripture—especially from John—filled my thoughts during that time.

A Simple Act of Obedience

Part of the resort experience is that all activities are included—entertainment for the whole family on tap! So, we created a relaxed schedule to make the most of it (and not just lie on the beach every day, LOL!).On Tuesday afternoon, my daughter and I joined a painting activity. The resort had an old fishing boat that guests could use as a canvas to leave their creative mark.

I knew I wanted to leave a message about the good news of Christ, but I didn’t know what or how. I also didn’t want it to be vague or meaningless. Since I’m not particularly artistic, I started by painting each family member’s name on the bow using their favourite colours, along with the date of our visit. (My son-in-law’s favourite colour is apparently brown—which I refused to accept—so I painted his name in glorious gold!)

Then, almost without thinking, I painted a gold rectangle—like a plaque—and wrote:

John 3:16
The Bible

And that was it. I felt a quiet peace that it was exactly right. If someone wondered what it meant, they could look it up—or perhaps it would simply remind them of God’s love. At the time, I didn’t realise this was preparing me for something to come.

A Day in Port Louis

The next day, we booked a guided tour to explore the island, including the famous market in Port Louis—the capital city, bustling with activity. Our tour guide gave us helpful warnings: the market is extremely busy, with pickpockets and persistent vendors. Still, our excitement wasn’t dampened. We were dropped off on a crowded street corner with strict instructions to return in exactly 90 minutes—parking was impossible, so timing was crucial.

Within minutes of entering the market, we were separated from our young adult children in the crowds. After trying (unsuccessfully) to find them, we wandered into the fruit section and enjoyed some ice-cold pineapple—perfect in the heat and humidity. Then we noticed an upper level that looked calm and quiet—and decided to explore.

An Unexpected Encounted

Upstairs was completely different—few tourists, and stalls filled with scarves, fabrics, and haberdashery from floor to ceiling. We stopped at a stall selling tablecloths. The owner appeared and offered us a price. It was still too high, but as we browsed, he explained that the items were embroidered by elderly women in homes across the country. Our interest was piqued. As I stepped aside, a younger man—his son—approached. He had the same features, but the saddest eyes I had ever seen. He introduced himself proudly as a fourth-generation market trader working alongside his father.

They were both kind and gentle, though clearly hoping to make a sale. Feeling the heat, I moved toward a nearby fan. The son followed, laughing when he realised why. Then he said: “When the antichrist is defeated, this is what heaven will be like—nice and cool!”

I paused, then replied, “You know, death has already been defeated through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.” He looked at me and asked sincerely, not confrontationally, “How can you say Jesus is Lord and Saviour? I am Muslim. I know about Jesus—but he is a prophet, not God.”

Sharing the Gospel

I told him that I understood, and asked if he would like me to explain why I believe Jesus is Lord and Saviour. He immediately said yes. Knowing he might be familiar with the creation story, I started there—God creating us in His image, giving us free will, and humanity choosing sin. But God, in His love, made a way for redemption through Jesus. I explained that Jesus is God’s rescue plan—that He came to give us another chance to choose life. As I spoke, I noticed tears forming in his eyes.

“What? God loved me that much too?” he asked. I assured him that He did—and began explaining the significance of Easter.

The Power of John 3:16

As my husband finalised the purchase with the father, I felt prompted to do one more thing. I asked if I could write down a verse for him. He eagerly handed me a card from his wallet.

I wrote: John 3:16. Then, prompted by the Holy Spirit, I began writing out the full verse. I silently prayed there would be enough space. As I finished, I looked up—and he was weeping.

I gently said that Jesus is fully God—that He meets us, loves us, and heals us. At the word heal, something shifted. His demeanour changed. He became distressed—his eyes darting, his body heaving. What had been sadness turned into visible turmoil. I realised something deeper was happening. His mother suddenly appeared. He spoke to her in distress. I felt an urgency and asked her, almost pleading, “Please, may I pray for your son?” She nodded.

Freedom in Jesus’ Name

I knelt beside him and asked his name.

“Ilfan,” he whispered.

“Ilfan, don’t be afraid. It’s going to be alright. I’m going to pray for you.”

I prayed a simple prayer of deliverance—not loud or dramatic, just steady and focused.

During the prayer, he heaved twice. Then, as I said “Amen,” he looked up—completely different.

His eyes were bright. Alive. He was smiling, even laughing.

“It’s gone! It’s gone!” he said.

“What is gone?” I asked.

“The voices.”

Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, I then invited Ilfan to accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Right there, still shaken but sincere, he prayed and gave his life to Christ. His family was deeply moved. His mother asked how I knew to pray for him. I told her I didn’t—only that the Holy Spirit had led me. We learned that Ilfan is a husband and father of two young boys, and that he had been tormented by voices for some time. He insisted on giving me a gift—a small heart—symbolising God’s love.

Prayers on the Pavement

Aware of the time, we quickly made our way back to the meeting point. There, on the pavement, the six of us sat together and prayed—for Ilfan’s protection, for his family, and that his salvation would spark something greater in his community. We also prayed for protection over ourselves, having stepped into a moment of deliverance.

Full Circle

As I reflect, I am in awe of God’s preparation.

He led us to book that holiday.
He immersed me in the Gospel of John.
He prompted me to paint John 3:16 on a boat.
And then, He placed me in front of Ilfan.

And Ilfan gave me a heart-shaped gift.

WOW. Truly—wow.

Be Expectant

We never know the time or place—but we can live expectant of holy moments in the everyday. Sometimes, those moments carry the supernatural power of the living God to reach someone in desperate need.

Be ready. Be obedient. You may be the one called to speak the truth of Jesus.

I didn’t get to see the fresh produce market that day—but I did witness the power in the Name of Jesus. Mauritius will forever hold a special place in my faith journey.