By a Team Expansion worker
Heroes of the faith do not wear capes, at least not here on Earth. Seeking no recognition or attention, they are faithfully searching, praying, reaching, sharing, caring, encouraging, healing, teaching, and baptizing. These people possess and strive to pass on the most vital message in the history of humankind.
Such a person is Amir, whose home country is currently witnessing an increase in opposition to the message of Jesus and the widespread persecution of believers. Despite the circumstances, Amir continues to live out the Great Commission as best as he can.
A unique strategy
Amir and a group of other followers of Jesus in his city found a way to share the Gospel and sow the seeds even in the season of hostility. They turned to social media to find seekers and build connections. Their strategy consists of making Gospel-centered posts on social media and engaging with people online with the ultimate goal of discipling them offline. Amir’s role is to keep the conversation going with the people who respond to the ads.
“I ask them questions. I ask them to read Bible verses. Based on their answers, I continue corresponding with them. I want to give everyone an answer, but sometimes there are so many messages that I cannot give everyone the answers I want,” says Amir.
Not every person who messages responds positively, but Amir finds ways to navigate the conversation regardless of the negativity.
“There are a lot of negative examples and cursing. When I pray in Jesus’ name and then they get mad at me and say, ‘Why would you pray in Jesus’ name?’” Many times people want me to pray for those who passed away. But there have been several times when I prayed for people’s jobs and they got jobs,” says Amir.
During his shift, Amir messages over 100 people daily, often juggling conversations between several people at a time.
“It’s a lot sometimes. But I love it. I have my Bible with me, trying to be ready because any questions can come. Messaging all these people and needing to know answers, I got to know the Bible very well and quickly. I can open the Bible immediately and know what verse I need,” says Amir. “And if someone is genuinely interested, I ask if they want to meet to read together.”
In the face of opposition
Amir meets with those who want to learn more, even in the face of uncertainty. He notices the steady increase in the opposition to Christianity among his people but is willing to follow and serve God regardless of the circumstances.
“God said it would be like that. When making disciples people will reject Him. God said it would be hard, says Amir. “I love sharing the Gospel! When I learned it at first I was really surprised and happy. I want other people to learn about what I have and I do not want to stand on judgment day and hear ‘Depart from me, I never knew you.’ I know the work I have to do. I know that something can happen, but I feel like this is something that God wants me to do.”
Christ is personal, but not private
Amir gave his life to Jesus five years ago. He makes sure to read the Bible from cover to cover at least once a year, daily setting aside time to spend with his Father and pray. He takes prayer very seriously. But what keeps him up at night is his family.
“When will they understand Jesus and accept him? I think about that a lot,” says Amir. “I do not worry about other people I am in contact with. If they want to learn, I’ll meet with them and teach them. But it’s my family I constantly try to find ways to help to understand, but they seem to get less interested. Also, I am not married, and my family is Muslim. If I were to die today, they’d bury me like the Muslim,” he adds.
From the Scriptures, Amir learns that God has a plan for him and his people, and he continues to follow this plan in obedience.
Maybe the next time we see a man bent over his phone, we should remember and pray for Amir, who is in his parched homeland, for the hundredth time that day, proclaiming the name of Jesus.
