Ajij’s Legacy

The banter on our video call hushed as Ajij, a church leader in our region, began speaking. We all waited on the edge of our seats as he shared from an old couch in his garage.

Everyone at this virtual meeting of Muslim-background believers, local Christians, and Frontiers field workers had been eager to hear a good report from Ajij, who had been suffering from a serious illness for many months.  

Ajij beamed as he shared about a recent gathering he had organized. Over 300 Muslims had come to listen to the Christmas story, learning for the first time why Jesus came as a baby in a manger.

“About a hundred people asked me about Jesus,” he shared, eyes shining with joy. He went on to talk about another successful event—a five-hour discussion and prayer gathering he had arranged with his wife’s large, unbelieving extended family. Finally, he told us about the thriving young leader he had been discipling.

How could someone so full of life and so eager to spread the Word of God be taken so suddenly?

He hadn’t let his illness keep him from reaching out to his people with the hope of Jesus.

“And, on a personal note,” he added, “I have seen God work in my own life, too. My health is improving greatly.”

We rejoiced at the news of Ajij’s ministry and his improved health. Perhaps God would give him more time on earth than he had expected. Our team had been praying for and partnering with Ajij for many years, and we were eager to see how God would continue to use him in our community.  

The following week, however, we received the devastating news that Ajij had passed away. We were blindsided. How could someone so full of life and so eager to spread the Word of God be taken so suddenly?

At his funeral several days later, I stood next to Ajij’s grave, a hole that seemed too small and too insignificant to contain the body of a great man of God. Across from me, Ajij’s ten-year-old son tried to comfort his mother and older sister. Rain beat a sorrowful rhythm on the tarps propped above our heads as the group of mourners crowded together under their shelter to weep and sing the spiritual songs that this wonderful brother had loved so much.

“Today we are not dwelling on our sorrow but are expressing our gratitude for Ajij’s life.”

After the burial, I spoke with Ajij’s friends and family. In the local language, I offered the traditional words of condolences, expressing my sorrow for their loss.

An older man, Ajij’s best friend, shook his head at me as tears streamed down his face. “Today we are not dwelling on our sorrow but are expressing our gratitude for Ajij’s life.”

Tears filled my own eyes once again. It’s hard to understand why God allowed Ajij to die. He was much loved and a faithful disciple maker.

Even as we grieved, we trusted that God would use Ajij’s life, death, and legacy to bear much fruit among the Muslim people in our city.

Ajij had counted the cost and considered Jesus worthy of all the time and energy he had left.

I closed my eyes, imagining the celebration in heaven for the homecoming of this servant of God. He had been faithful to the end. Even though he knew his time could be short due to ongoing health problems, Ajij had counted the cost and considered Jesus worthy of all the time and energy he had left.

Because of his example, Ajij’s wife and other leaders are dedicated to carrying on the ministry. He leaves behind 40 Bible study groups, several young men he had discipled, and a growing young adult ministry. Our team is helping to identify and train young leaders to carry on his legacy, bringing the truth about Jesus to those who have yet to hear.

Pray:

• Praise God for Ajij’s amazing legacy and his partnership with Frontiers workers. Ask God to comfort his friends and family as they mourn his loss.
• Pray for the new leaders in this ministry as they take on more responsibility and continue the work.
• Ask God to draw many more Muslims throughout this region to saving faith and new life in Christ.