Our language teacher’s mother recently passed away while I was out of town. In this culture, it is appropriate to visit the family after a death. So, after I returned, I set up a time to go visit when her husband, Darrell*, would be home.
When I arrived, her husband was not home yet, but other relatives were there so I stayed and waited for him. I got to know Joel* and his wife, and they were intrigued that I was learning their language instead of Arabic. I told them I was learning it so I could talk to their people about Jesus and do ministry with them at their gathering. Then, I shared a video about Jesus in his language and he seemed interested, asking some difficult questions about Jesus being the Son of God, which I answered as best I could.
Just then, a national partner, John*, and his wife came to express their condolences, too. After a few minutes of conversation, I said to John, “Before you came, we were talking about Jesus.” Then I turned to Joel and said, “What was your question again?” And that began about a one-hour conversation between John and Joel about the gospel and who Jesus is and what He has done in John’s life. I just sat back, listened, and prayed. Darrell came home soon after that, and he heard the Good News again, too.
The next day, our language teacher said that Darrell has heard the gospel from Arabic speakers before, but when John and I talk, he really listens and is more open to the faith.
Will you please pray for Joel and Darrell to open their hearts in faith to Jesus? Thank God for people like John and his wife, who are boldly sharing the gospel with their people. John said, “Our people are lost, and I want them to know who God is.” May they come to know Him!
*NOTE: Names changed for security reasons.
