In a strict Muslim republic in the North Caucasus, OM workers share God’s love through building relationships with local residents. Different methods are used to connect with people; sometimes, OM workers and volunteers take to the streets of the city with surveys and creative outreach. Such encounters open the door to further building relationships.
“Once, we conducted a social survey through which we got to know local young people and found out what they were interested in. And then we smoothly moved on to talking about our events and exchanging contact [information],” shared Inna*, a volunteer. This is how Inna and her friends met Dina*, a young local girl.
After they met, Inna and Dina stayed in touch, and Dina began attending youth clubs and learning about God. At the clubs, a speaker shares a topic, and then a discussion takes place in small groups. The small group leaders share their personal experiences and explain how God helped them through the challenges.
"Through these clubs, I began to learn more about God," Dina said. “It was quite difficult for me to accept what believers told me. Personally, I considered myself to be an atheist and thought that there was no God. For me, the absence of faith was part of my identity. I felt like it was meant to be, that it was part of my personality."
Inna continued to build a friendship with Dina and share God’s love with her. They talked often and spent time together, becoming close friends. Gradually, through their friendship, Dina became more open to accepting the truth about God.
Once, Inna and Dina took part in a youth camp, where they shared a room. “I showed her my morning time with God; we drank tea together, prayed, read the Bible and looked at the mountains,” Inna recalled.
Inna invited Dina to church meetings and Bible study home groups, and “out of curiosity, I went,” Dina said.
One day, a worship night was held at the church that greatly impacted Dina. “When everyone prayed, she was afraid at first, but then she decided to pray too. She asked God to be with her and thanked Him for sending her people like us. Dina said that she felt so good and calm,” Inna said.
“The first time I felt that God exists and that He is near was at this worship night," Dina said. "I really felt God’s presence."
Dina continued to attend meetings and Bible studies, which "had a great impact on me. I realised that there is Someone who loves me and accepts me," she said.
After some time, Dina began to think about becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. “For me, everything happened gradually," she said. "For a long time, there was a struggle in me, and there was no sudden moment when I realised that God exists. Over time, I began to understand Christianity better and understood the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I thought for a long time about how to repent and how repentance happens in general.”
She shared her fresh understanding with Inna, who was delighted. Inna said, "One day, during a meeting at a cafe, Dina asked God for forgiveness and proclaimed Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Lord!"
After this, Dina’s life began to change. “I accepted Jesus Christ. I can definitely say that it is a miracle from God. I came to Christ only thanks to God and thanks to those people who showed me God’s love," she said.
“I began to love people more, and relationships with others improved. God really became much more in my life because I started to pray and read the Bible more."
Today, Dina is actively involved in ministries and shares God’s love with others. “I try to tell my friends about God," she said.
*name changed
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