For our team serving Muslim refugees in southern Spain, it often feels like they’re trying to grow watermelons in the desert. They’re planting the seeds of the Gospel in dry and severe hearts, trusting that God can produce the sweet, refreshing fruit. This month, God gave the team there several more opportunities to plant seeds – and to glimpse fruit!
“You’re a Muslim, for sure!”
I’ve been serving at a local non-profit as a math teacher for 6 young adults from Africa. In our first class this year, they were commenting that they were cheating on their exams, so I asked them if they believed in God. They all told me that, yes they were Muslims, and I asked them that, if that was so, why would they cheat. There was absolute silence in the class, until one of the guys asked me, “What do you believe in?”
I asked them what they thought I believed, and they said, “You are Muslim, because you come here to help us, you tell us that you do not drink alcohol, that you do not smoke, that you pray, you are Muslim, for sure.”
I answered “I am Christian.” They were surprised, and then the questions started. One guy asked me if Jesus really died, since some Muslims believe He didn’t. Then God gave me the opportunity to tell those six students about Jesus, His death, resurrection and salvation.
That day was an answer to our prayers for them, as they not only listened attentively about Jesus, but their questions have continued in the following classes. Pray that these men continue to ask questions, hear the Truth, and pursue the Kingdom of God in their own lives!
A Man of Peace
I have been studying the Bible with my young Moroccan friend since last June. We have been praying for him to get a job, and he got one very quickly. His very first question when he told me he got a job was if we could change the day when we meet together! Praise God he wanted to continue to study the Word with me, not just stop once he got a job. We are going through the Gospel of Matthew together. Our team would like to see him baptized and following Jesus, but that is the work of our beloved God to convince him of sin, righteousness and judgment. My job is to continue sharing with him and showing him the teachings of Jesus.
But even while he’s continuing to seek answers, he is sharing with others what he’s learning from Jesus. This month he got a new roommate. One day while they were cleaning, his roommate found his Arabic New Testament. My friend told his roommate, “Those are the teachings of Isa (Jesus). I am learning them. When you want, you can read it and if you have questions, I can teach you what I have learned!”
Days later, my friend came into the room and his roommate was reading the New Testament! Glory to God! We even see how a disciple can make another disciple. Let us pray for both brothers.
Learn more about the work in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain and how you can get involved!
