God changes everything

Every day before going to work, Moses* drank a strong cup of coffee. Early one cold winter morning, he put down his cup and looked out the window, staring into the darkness. Suddenly, a bright light filled his face. He put up his hands to thank the Lord but could not utter a sound. Moses said, "As I opened my mouth, this dead Muslim came out of me! The Spirit of God came in, and the spirit of Islam left!"

That experience of God's transforming love changed everything for Moses. Soon after, his wife also became a believer.

Moses and his wife are two of many Syrian refugees who have experienced Christ's love. Though their life in a country in West Asia is sometimes difficult, the couple has found encouragement and community, such as through workers in a local community centre who help, pray and share the gospel with anyone who walks through the door. 

Moses, his wife and many others who newly received Jesus are now sharing the good news with their family and friends. Through their witness, a church with a vibrant community of Jesus followers was established.

"God is actively pursuing people through His Word, even those who come here from other countries," exclaimed Julia*, an Australian OM team leader, who has been working in the Muslim-majority country for over 10 years and has seen the impact of the gospel. "Through working in partnership with local church networks, we see people experience God's love in tangible ways by helping practically in times of crisis and supporting vulnerable communities like refugees."

OM teams, spread throughout the country, share the good news of Christ through short-term outreaches and meeting people to answer questions about faith and personal discipleship. 

Many younger Christian workers need visas to stay in the country and enrol in local universities as students. "This is the age group where we see God moving visibly. Many young people have given up hope in Islam, saying they are atheists but still searching for the Truth," shared Julia. "We praise God for this new access to universities to work alongside what He is already doing."

'That would change everything'

Julia has been amazed at how God prepares hearts, even before teams arrive in parts of the country where the gospel is little known.

When doubt plagued a local leader of a mosque 30 kilometres from where an outreach team was working, the leader drove the distance to meet them. While having tea, he shared how some mornings he wakes up as a Muslim and others as an Atheist. He was in a crisis of faith and wanted to see what the other books wrote. After many questions and talking for a long time, he asked: "How can a man dying on a cross pay for my sins or anyone's sins?" One worker answered with a question: "What if this was not just a man, but what if it was God? Would that change anything?" The leader sat back in his chair and murmured, "That would change everything."

The gospel story does change everything. Jesus came to earth to reach people. And He is still doing it today, drawing people from all nations into His Kingdom.

*name changed