With festive music still playing softly in the background, I began cleaning up after the Christmas party I had hosted for the local women from my English class.
While we had played games and eaten cookies, several of them mentioned how much they appreciated the relaxing evening and the chance to escape from their regular routines. I was grateful they had enjoyed the time, but I knew these ladies needed more than occasional refreshment. They needed to know Jesus and the abundant life available only through Him.
As I continued cleaning up my small apartment, I asked God to show me how to continue building relationships with each woman. Our friendships were new, and I didn’t want to overwhelm them or scare them away.
I felt a gentle nudge to visit their homes over the next few weeks and began making plans to do so, excited to see how God would move.
God would guide me.
A few days later, I sat side-by-side with Hanan on the couch in her house. As she often did, Hanan asked me to pray for her health challenges.
I rested a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry you’re sick.” After praying that Jesus would restore her health, I asked, “May I tell you a story from the Injil?”
Her eyes lit up. “Please.”
I shared the story from Mark 2 of the paralyzed man whose friends had brought him to Jesus for healing. Then I pointed out how Jesus first forgave his sins.
Hanan nodded along as I explained the story further. She asked several questions and waited patiently as I pieced together answers in the local language. By the time I left, I knew I needed to invite Hanan to study the Word with me. But I didn’t know if I should invite any of the other women from my English class.
That night, I prayed with my husband about next steps and waited to see how God would guide me.
I pray God continues surprising me.
A few days later, I visited Sahiba, who previously hadn’t shown any interest in talking about spiritual things. When I made a careful remark about Christ, she jumped to her feet, nearly spilling her tea. “Wait, let me get my Bible!”
At first, I thought I’d misheard her. Then she returned to the room holding a local translation of God’s Word.
“I just started reading it,” she said. “I want to know more.”
Before I could offer to help, Sahiba continued.
“The others in class want to learn more about Jesus too. We’ve been talking about Him.” She mentioned several of my students by name, including Hanan.
Despite the excitement coursing through my veins, I proceeded with caution, choosing my words carefully. “Perhaps we could bring everyone together to read and study at my house. Maybe next week?”
Sahiba shook her head. “Let’s not wait.”
She opened her phone and started making calls. Within an hour, several of the others had joined us, crowding around Sahiba’s kitchen table. We didn’t dive into Scripture that day, but many women shared about their interest in learning from the Injil.
As we made plans to meet up a few days later, I laughed with delight. The Lord had answered my prayers beyond what I could have hoped for. I pray God continues surprising me as I meet with these ladies to study His Word.
Orar:
- As Muslims like Sahiba and Hanan begin studying the Bible, pray they will see the truth of who Jesus is and decide to follow Him.
- Lift up Frontiers field workers and ask God to grant them discernment, boldness, and favor in their relationships.
- Praise God that the harvest is plentiful! Ask Him to send more workers to share the Gospel with the Muslim world.
When things don’t go as expected, Muslim-background believer Mahreen leaves her first meeting with another local follower of Christ disappointed. Then a Frontiers field worker points out the amazing ways God was at work.
Este relato procede de un veterano obrero. Los nombres y lugares han sido modificados por motivos de seguridad.