Hope for the Harvest

As a Muslim-background believer, Kadeem had begun sharing his faith in Jesus. But following a devastating earthquake, he had expected there to be more interest in the Good News of the Gospel.

He’d been inspired by his friend Jason, a Frontiers field worker, who drove hours every week to serve those displaced by the earthquake. He took food, clothes, and supplies, and returned home with incredible stories of how God was at work in the region.  

Kadeem’s experience couldn’t have been more different.

Hours away from the epicenter and unable to leave the province due to his refugee status, Kadeem hadn’t seen any ruined buildings, but there was plenty of devastation among the people seeking care in his city.

Over 100,000 had been injured in the disaster, which meant his local hospital was flooded with patients who needed to know they were more than a statistic. They needed to know they mattered to God.

Visiting hospitals and praying with the injured and their families had seemed like the perfect opportunity to serve, but so far, Kadeem’s efforts hadn’t yielded much fruit.

“Our hearts are burdened for this place. There must be a reason.”

As he left yet another hospital room where he’d been denied the opportunity to share about Jesus, he spotted his wife Maisah in the hall resting her feet. With a sigh he dropped into the chair beside her.  

“I don’t understand. Injured people welcome me. They share their stories, and they’re grateful for my prayers, even in Jesus’ name. But no one has shown any interest in learning more about Him.”

Maisah patted his hand. “Our hearts are burdened for this place. There must be a reason.”

Encouraged by her words, Kadeem stood and peeked through the small window of the next room. “It looks like a whole family. Are you up for it?”

Maisah appeared at his side with a smile, then knocked on the door. A man with a graying beard opened it.

Kadeem quickly introduced himself. “This is my wife, and we’re praying for people injured in the earthquake. Would you like us to pray for your family?”

“I’m Ismail,” the man said, inviting them in. He gestured around the room, presenting his wife and a teenaged son. Then he motioned to his youngest, a small boy covered in scrapes and attached to a breathing machine.

Kadeem inched closer. “What happened to him?”

“He was stuck in a chimney for nearly a week, inhaling ash. The doctors aren’t sure he’s going to make it.”

“I’d like to know more about Him. We all would.”

Ismail shared a few more details before Kadeem asked if he could pray for the boy in Jesus’ name.

Ismail’s older son straightened from where he’d been sitting slumped in the corner. “You know Jesus?”

His enthusiasm caught Kadeem off guard. “I do. Do you?”

“I’d like to know more about Him. We all would.”

Ismail explained that their neighbors had been followers of Christ, but they moved away. The family still had many questions.

Kadeem smiled widely and offered to share everything he knew about Jesus. They talked for hours, and after praying with the family, they exchanged phone numbers and promised to return soon.

Over the next few weeks, Kadeem and Maisah visited several times until Ismail and his family became good friends.

One day Kadeem knocked on the door, then opened it without waiting for a response. He and Maisah paused in the threshold, their friends all seated around the hospital bed, tears staining their cheeks.

“Jesus can be yours too.”

The room was silent, no whoosh of the breathing machine and no monitors beeping. Kadeem’s stomach sank, and he whispered only one word. “When?”

“An hour ago,” Ismail said, his voice breaking.

For a moment, Kadeem wondered if he and his wife were intruding, but then Ismail crossed the room and hugged him.

“I’m glad you’re here my friend, and I hope you brought your Jesus with you.”

Kadeem patted his back. “Jesus can be yours too.”

Ismail nodded. “We need Him now.”

Kadeem’s heart filled with hope. After all this time, the seeds that had been planted were taking root. Before Ismail’s family left the hospital that day to return to their home province, they each put their trust in Jesus.

Kadeem and Maisah have kept in touch with their new brothers and sister in Christ. They also continue to visit the hospital, thankful for every opportunity God gives them to share the Good News, and hopeful for the harvest to come.

Pray:

• Praise God for Muslim-background believers like Kadeem and Maisah who boldly share their faith with friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
• Pray that the seeds sown in response to the earthquake will become a great harvest.
• Ask the Lord to raise up more workers to disciple and equip new Muslim-background believers to reach many with the Gospel.