This past June, as we were out sharing the gospel with Muslims in the city, a remarkable encounter unfolded that reminds us of the power of God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. With a volunteer team by our side, we were actively engaging with people, handing out copies of the Gospel of John, and sharing the hope found in Jesus Christ.
On one particular day, Joey, one of our team members, felt the Spirit leading him toward two young men standing by a shop. As he approached them, he began sharing the gospel, but neither seemed interested. As is our practice, Joey handed each of them a copy of the Gospel of John, with his name and number written in the back, offering them a way to reach out if they ever wanted to know more.
We’ve distributed tens of thousands of these booklets, and it's rare to get a call back. Joey rejoined the team, assuming this encounter would be like many others—seed sown, but no immediate response. However, the very next day, Joey received a text from one of the young men, whom we’ll call Adam. The message was simple but profound: “I believe.”
Joey, surprised, texted back, “What do you believe?” Adam’s response was nothing short of miraculous: “I’ve read the whole book of John, and I believe Jesus is Lord.”
This was the beginning of a transformative journey for Adam. That afternoon, Joey met him at a local café, joined by some of our volunteers. The café was filled with Muslims, yet Adam was resolute. Joey took the time to explain what a life committed to Jesus would entail, even challenging Adam to reconsider if his motives were anything but sincere. But Adam’s resolve was unwavering. That very evening, he was baptized, marking the start of his new life in Christ.
Two days later, we left for our six-week trip to the States, leaving Adam’s discipleship in the hands of our teammates. Shortly after our departure, Adam returned to his aunt’s house, where he had been staying, and declared his newfound faith in Jesus. Her response was swift—she kicked him out of the house.
Yet, even in this trial, God’s hand was at work. A couple from our team took Adam in, offering him a place to stay and pouring into his discipleship. Upon our return, we were overjoyed to find Adam not just surviving but thriving in his faith. He was full of joy, deeply committed to Jesus, and already leading others to faith.
In fact, Adam had even traveled to his mother’s house, 11 hours away, to share his testimony and the gospel with his close relatives. His courage and conviction are a powerful reminder that when someone truly encounters Jesus, their life is transformed, and they cannot help but share that transformation with others.
Adam’s story is a testament to the power of God’s Word, the importance of obedience to the Spirit’s leading, and the incredible fruit that can come from faithfully sharing the gospel, even when we don’t immediately see results. We continue to pray for Adam and for many more like him to come to faith in our city and beyond.
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