This past week, I experienced the real presence of Jesus in such a tangible and personal way that I was left speechless with praise and gratitude. The previous week had been full of confusion and stress, as I faced what felt like a series of humanly impossible tasks to accomplish within a short span of time.
I had too many commitments, too much travel, and too many meetings and negotiations. I was shuttling between Kochi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, all of which were time-sensitive. I needed to be in Mumbai on the 20th for my US visa biometric appointment, and again on the 23rd at 7:50 a.m. for my visa interview. In between, I had to be in Bangalore for a conference from the 20th to the 22nd, a commitment I couldn’t break. To complicate things further, my son’s first birthday was on the 23rd, and we had planned a celebration in Kochi. I had waited 2.5 years for this visa interview, having booked the appointment before my son was even born.
The situation was overwhelming, as a single delayed or missed flight would disrupt everything. Missing the interview or my son’s birthday was not an option. In addition, frequent flight cancellations and bad weather forecasts loomed large, adding to the pressure. On the 25th, we were signing the sales deed for the land we were purchasing for our new home—another gift from Jesus. The week was packed with important events: a leadership training program on the 27th, a retreat for our team on the 28th, and another for our core leadership team on the 29th.
Surrendering My Challenges to Jesus
On the morning of the 19th, I shared these challenges and my schedule with my wife Minu, who is very cooperative and understanding. She suggested postponing our son’s birthday celebration, as he’s the only one who wouldn't complain since he’s too young to notice. Though I wasn’t entirely happy with the idea, I accepted it. Later, while having a conversation with Jesus about all of these challenges I was facing, I laid out my worries and told Him that His presence alone wasn’t enough this time. I needed Him to take charge and do it all for me. His response was comforting: “Who asked you to do everything alone? I am the one who will do everything.” The moment He confirmed this, I was filled with peace. Once Jesus gives me His word, I trust Him completely. Those who’ve experienced His care and providence will understand this profound feeling. If you haven’t experienced it yet, entrust your life to Jesus and watch Him guide you.
Jesus Takes Charge: Miraculous Timing and Provisions
Once I got the go-ahead from my Lord, I immediately called my cousin Abin and told him we would celebrate my son’s birthday on the same day. I would fly in by 4 p.m., and Abin and his team, along with my wife, would take charge of making all the arrangements. I told him that Jesus said He would handle everything—my flights, travels, and all the preparations—which gave them confidence to proceed.
So, on the evening of the 19th, I flew to Mumbai for my biometric appointment, which went smoothly. I could sense the presence of Jesus arranging everything for me—timings were very much perfect. I then flew back to Bangalore the same day, just a few hours later, for the conference and spent three days there. I met a few wonderful people there, which again is His providence, and later returned to Mumbai for the visa interview on the night of the 22nd. I checked into the Hotel Trident, adjacent to the US Consulate.
A Miraculous Sign: The Rain Stops in His Name
On the morning of the interview, while standing in the queue, it started to rain heavily, leaving me drenched. I prayed, "Jesus, if it is Your will that Your son be drenched in the rain, despite having dressed so well for the interview, then let it be. But my wish as Your son is that the rain must stop now." I simply used my right as His son to ask Him anything in His name. Trust me, in less than 10 seconds, the rain stopped completely. Yet, I still felt frustrated, as I was already soaked. However, when I reached the security check, I was amazed to find that my clothes, my shoes, shirt, and trousers, were completely dry.
Jesus Answers My Prayer at Counter 34
Even after these signs, I still doubted whether this was His work or just a coincidence. I prayed to Jesus for another sign of His presence with me. The visa office had counters numbered from 1 to 48, and I asked Jesus, “If You truly love me and Your presence is with me here, place me at either counter 33 or 34 only.” Thirty-three represented His age, and 34 was a special number to me representing my birthday. When they called my number, it was counter 34. I smiled and thanked Jesus, as He once again reminded me of how He communicates His love for us in the most personal ways—even in small details. My interview was completed, and I had my visa approved. Praise be to Jesus.
A Birthday Celebration Orchestrated by Jesus
Immediately after the interview, which got over in the precise time frame, I went straight to my hotel, checked out, and booked an OLA cab. As I walked to the entrance of the hotel, the driver was already there, who opened the door for me and took me to the airport, so I could get the flight back to Kochi on time, where my family had organized my son’s first birthday celebration. Though I hadn’t been directly involved in the preparation, everything was perfectly arranged, as if Jesus Himself had taken care of it all. We celebrated with a Holy Mass at 6 p.m., followed by a beautiful gathering. I was filled with overwhelming gratitude and joy. The event turned out better than if I had planned it myself. I’m deeply thankful to Jesus and to my brothers Abin, Toji, and Charly, who helped organize everything along with my wife.
Proclaiming His Name: "Thommy of Jesus"
During the celebration preparations, I felt prompted by Jesus to publicly proclaim His name. I informed my wife, and we decided to include "Thommy of Jesus" on the birthday invitation and event backdrop, declaring that our son, Thommy (Philip Thomson), belongs to Jesus—a simple yet powerful testimony of our dedication to Him, making all the guests notice and read the name Jesus as it was prominently displayed.
Challenges in the Land Purchase: Guided by His Word
After the birthday, the following days brought more challenges, especially with the purchase of land for our new home. There were issues with the loan and confusion about the property boundaries and area. Problems seemed to keep arising. On the night of the 24th, at around 3 a.m., I felt Jesus prompting me to wake up and go to my prayer room. I obeyed, and when I opened the Bible, I was led to Sirach 50:1-2, which spoke about boundaries and walls. Jesus reassured me that He would take care of the boundaries and walls and that I should proceed with the deal. This filled me with immense confidence, knowing that Jesus was guiding every step of the process.
The next morning, the boundary differences were resolved amicably, the loan was sanctioned, and every issue that had come up with the land purchase was resolved by Jesus Himself. We completed the land registration on the 27th. Praise Jesus for this incredible gift.
Leadership Training and Spiritual Retreat
Over the next few days, our company’s leadership training program went smoothly, and even though I couldn’t attend all of it, everything was well organized. On Saturday, we had a spiritual retreat for the entire team Eloit. The retreat was a huge success, and everyone received it so well. On Sunday, we had the leadership retreat and recollection for our core team, and once again, I felt Jesus guiding us through every spiritual moment.
Looking Back: Jesus Guiding Every Step of the Week
Looking back on the past week, it was a whirlwind of back-to-back flights, visa processes, meetings, conferences, and tight schedules related to the land purchase and loan negotiations. Yet, through every moment, Jesus was with me, guiding each step—sometimes even ahead of me, clearing the path. I couldn’t have accomplished all of this on my own, but with Jesus, I felt empowered. As Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Each experience was a powerful reminder that sometimes we don’t just need Jesus’ presence; we need Him to take control. When we invite Him to act, He steps in, often in ways we can’t imagine, handling even the smallest details better than we ever could.