Who was Sadhu Kartar Singh?
Sadhu Kartar Singh, a lesser-known Christian martyr, is a hidden gem in history. Some people, even within Christian communities, may not be familiar with him. Today, we will learn about Sadhu Kartar Singh, his strong faith in Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice he made.
Early Life
Kartar Singh was born to Harnam Singh in Patiala, into a Sikh family. His father, upon hearing that his son was on the brink of accepting Christ, took every step to dissuade him. Despite his father’s many attempts, including threats and emotional appeals, Kartar Singh remained resolute in his faith. When asked how he could abandon his religion, Kartar Singh responded that leaving his Lord was never an option for him.
A Harsh Ultimatum
In a fit of rage, Kartar Singh’s father ordered him to strip off his clothes and leave their home at midnight. Kartar Singh complied, laying his clothes at his father’s feet and stating that while he could remove his earthly garments, he could never renounce the righteousness of Christ that covered his sins. He left his home praying, spending the next few days in the wilderness, suffering from hunger and cold, but finding solace in his unwavering faith.
Spreading the Gospel in Tibet
Kartar Singh took on the appearance of a sadhu, a holy man, and began preaching about Jesus Christ. During his travels, he learned the Tibetan language and reached the town of Kyelang, where he preached for three months. The locals, initially hostile, eventually dragged him out of the town when they realized he wouldn’t leave voluntarily.
Martyrdom of Kartar Singh: Sewed in Yak skin
Kartar Singh was brought before the Tibetan religious leaders, where he was found guilty of preaching a foreign religion. He was sentenced to death. Facing his sentence, Kartar Singh declared that he could not leave the place as the love of his Lord compelled him to shed his blood for the truth.
He was taken to a hill where criminals were executed. Kartar Singh predicted that he would ascend to his Lord in three days. He was sewn into the hide of a yak and left under the scorching sun. The hide tightened, causing immense pain, yet Kartar Singh sang hymns and prayed for his persecutors. His suffering and unwavering faith astonished onlookers, leading some to believe he was possessed by a divine spirit.
On the third day, he requested to write his final words. Allowed to extend a hand, he wrote a message in Persian, praising God and expressing his desire to surrender his life for his faith. His final words emphasized the joy of sacrificing his life for his eternal friend, Jesus Christ.
Impact of the Martyrdom
Kartar Singh’s story continued after his death when a clerk who witnessed his execution saved his final message. The clerk was so moved by Singh’s faith that he decided to accept Jesus Christ in his life. This change in belief shows the powerful impact of Singh’s sacrifice.
Kartar Singh’s Martyrdom: Inspiring Faith in His Father’s Heart
During one of his several trips to Tibet, Sadhu Sundar Singh visited a town where he heard the incredible story of Kartar Singh and the secretary of Tsingham directly from the secretary.
The story didn’t end there. Sadhu Sundar Singh returned to India and sought out Kartar Singh’s father to recount his son’s heroic death. As Sundar spoke of the immense love of Christ demonstrated by Kartar during his martyrdom, the old man’s heart softened. Ultimately, he confesses to Sundar Singh that he, too, believed in Jesus Christ.
Source: This post is based on the book “Sadhu Sundar Singh: Apostle with the Bleeding Feet “, by Dr. Samuel)