After dinner had been eaten and the dishes cleared, Sammadah presented her gracious hosts with a tin of sohan, buttery, pistachio-filled treats she’d brought with her from Southwest Asia. “Please, enjoy. It’s a gift for letting me stay with you while I visit my son.”
“They look wonderful.” Greg, a Frontiers worker, selected one as his wife Mary poured tea. “I haven’t had these in years. Your country has changed a lot since we were last there.”
“Yes, I know.” Sammadah forced a smile, but she knew it didn’t fool anyone.
She understood why her son counted Greg and Mary as good friends. They truly cared, which meant they paid attention to the details. And during the lovely meal, they had asked Sammadah several questions about her home. She’d been careful not to complain, but the couple understood there wasn’t much to smile about at the moment.
Sammadah’s people were living in dark times, as persecution and imprisonment abounded. Everyone struggled, especially the women she was discipling.
These new believers had once been so eager to pray, talk, and study the Injil together. Now, exhaustion and discouragement pulled at their once joyous faces—faces Sammadah rarely got to see in person anymore, although they could gather online.
Her wishing eventually became praying, and she asked God to help her discover the truth about Jesus.
“Not everything is worse than it used to be. Technology keeps us connected, but it’s not like when I first discovered Isa.”
“Would you tell us how you came to know Him?” Mary asked over the rim of her teacup.
“Of course.” Sammadah explained how she’d become curious about Jesus 40 years ago, as a change in the government of her country put many Christians in danger.
“I had so many questions and no one to ask for answers. I knew of a church building, but when I went there, the doors were locked.”
Sammadah had walked past the church day after day, wishing someone might open the doors and invite her inside, but no one did. Her wishing eventually became praying, and she asked God to help her discover the truth about Jesus.
One day, an elderly man emerged from a back alley. He was the first person she’d seen in the area since starting her daily pilgrimages. She stopped him and asked if he knew when the church was open.
After eyeing her carefully, he revealed a hidden door in the building and told her when to come back and knock.
They answered all of my questions, and I put my trust in Jesus.
“He told me there would be people inside who would welcome me.”
Sammadah returned at the designated hour and was let into the church. There she met followers of Christ for the first time in her life. “They answered all of my questions, and I put my trust in Jesus. Those days of fellowship were so sweet.”
Sammadah cherished the happy memory, though much had changed since then. “That church building still exists, but no one is allowed to enter it anymore. It’s illegal, and I’m not sure when or if that will change. I hope so.” But if she were honest, her hope had dwindled some over the years.
For the first time in so long, Sammadah’s spirit felt refreshed.
Mary reached across the table for her hand. “Your waiting was not wasted. All that time you were watching for the closed doors to open, God was preparing you for the season you’re in right now. He made your heart strong and taught you perseverance.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Greg leaned back in his chair. “Your friends back home are so blessed to have you, and despite the difficulties, you haven’t stopped making disciples. I know it must be hard, but the way you continue must be a great encouragement to them. It is to us. ”
For the first time in so long, Sammadah’s spirit felt refreshed. The days ahead would still hold plenty of difficulty but looking back she now saw how God had prepared her for the challenge.
Pray:
- Pray for Muslim-background believers to be disciples who make disciples.
- Pray for the encouragement of all believers enduring persecution for their faith.
- Pray that the Gospel will spread, and all Muslim peoples will come to know Jesus as Lord.
After 30 years of service in the Muslim world, a Frontiers field worker looks back on God’s faithfulness despite seasons of disappointment.
This account comes from a long-term worker. Names and places have been changed for security.