Jassim surveyed the crowded café and spotted his friend Glen, a Frontiers field worker, seated at a table in the center of the open room. Waving, he made his way between the tables. “This is exactly where I first met you. Do you remember that?”
“I remember you asking if you could practice your English with me.” Glen laughed. “You had no idea I would talk about Jesus so much.”
“You still do, but I’m grateful.” Jassim took a sip of the cinnamon-scented tea. “That’s what God has called you to do. Because you listened, I not only heard of Jesus’ saving grace, I also discovered His mission for me too.”
“You may never see the impact you have, but you can trust that God is faithfully building His Kingdom.”
Realization sparked in Glen’s eyes. “Does that mean you’ve decided to speak at the rally?”
Jassim nodded. “I’m not sure anyone will like what I have to say. I’m still worried about the backlash, but I believe the Holy Spirit wants me to do it.”
“This is what I call a Kingdom moment,” said Glen. “You may never see the impact you have, but you can trust that God is faithfully building His Kingdom. He has a great plan for whatever He calls you to.”
They talked a while longer about the rally, then prayed together before parting ways.
A few days later, Jassim waited nervously at the side of the stage as several prominent leaders in the Muslim community spoke passionately about a conflict in a neighboring country. Their focus wasn’t on the men, women, and children who were suffering. Instead, they called for revenge on their enemies.
When the time came for Jassim to take the microphone, he silently prayed for God’s help. Then he started his story.
“I was born in the region we’re talking about tonight. Like so many, I have known the violence from those we call our enemies there, but when my father was killed… it was done by a member of our own group.”
The crowd quieted, obviously surprised at that last detail.
He went on to describe how the loss of his father impacted his life. He also shared how, despite everything, he now loves those people. “It wasn’t easy, but it is possible to forgive those who hurt us. I am even finding love growing in me for our enemies in our home country. Hatred only begets more hatred. Love brings peace.”
As Jassim finished to mixed reactions, an imam approached. After introducing himself, Athar asked if they could meet again soon. “I’d like to hear more about your ideas.”
“Jesus brought true peace and the power to live the way we’ve always wanted to. Everyone should know the truth.”
Over the next few weeks, the two men met several times. Jassim explained that the truths he’d shared didn’t originate with him. They were spoken by Jesus. The men began to study the book of Luke, and by the time they reached the last chapter, Athar put his faith in Christ.
“Mohammad brought us a book, a religion, and a law. Jesus brought true peace and the power to live the way we’ve always wanted to. Everyone should know the truth.”
Athar soon opened his mosque to host multiple Bible studies following Friday prayers, appointing six Muslim men to read from the Injil and facilitate questions. Jassim was amazed at how quickly some of these leaders repented and believed.
Over the next several years, the groups continued to grow and multiply.
One day, Athar’s friend Nabil visited a Bible study. As Jassim read the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, Nabil could hardly contain his excitement. “Imagine how different the Middle East would be if we all treated one another with such love and humility.”
Jassim smiled. “It is nice to think about, which is why we must spread the Good News about Jesus. Who are you going to tell?”
“I know it’s dangerous, but I must go.”
Nabil stroked his beard as he thought it over, then announced, “I have some connections with the extremist group fighting south of here. I’ll message them tonight.”
Jassim was surprised by his boldness, but he sensed the Holy Spirit at work. “Will you let me know how they respond?”
Over the next few weeks, Jassim checked with Nabil about the extremist group.
One day, the group invited Nabil to visit them. “They want to hear more about Jesus and the peace that He offers,” Nabil said. “And I don’t know what else to tell them. You do.”
The following day, Jassim returned to the cafe where he and Glen met weekly. The moment Glen sat down, Jassim told him about the invitation to speak about Jesus. “The idea of reconciliation is intriguing to them, and it could lead to conversations about real, everlasting peace. I know it’s dangerous, but I must go.”
Glen shook his head in disbelief. “You’re not afraid?”
The question merely boosted Jassim’s confidence. “This is the Kingdom moment God’s been preparing me for, and a wise friend once told me that whether or not I see the impact, God will always be faithful to build His Kingdom.”
A slow smile stretched across Glen’s face. “Then I trust the Lord will use you to do exactly that.”
Pray:
- Praise the Lord for faithfully building His Kingdom throughout the Muslim world.
- Ask God to help Muslim men and women who are involved in ongoing conflict find true peace through Jesus Christ.
- Lift up Muslim-background believers who have influence in their local communities. Ask God to embolden them to share the Gospel.
