Hamid was an AFghan refugee on the day he found Jesus. He believed he would be safe in the new country he lived and felt sure his conversion from Islam wouldn't set off alarms. This couldn't have been further from the truth. Hearing Hamid's story reminds us, as the Body of Christ, that we can't forget our family who are new Muslim Background Believers (MBB). They need extra support as they learn to navigate what are often very treacherous waters.
And there are few things more tragic than losing your family. It is one of the harsh realities many experience after converting from Islam. Hamid experienced it firsthand. His wife was not impressed with his new faith and left him for good.
But praise God, Hamid was eventually able to gain custody of his children. In the meantime, despite the immense pressure he felt from the local Muslim population, Hamid traveled through the streets and refugee camps, telling others about Jesus. His boldness, however, bought beatings, knife attacks and threats towards his family. His Bible was torn apart.
In one terrifying incident, Hamid received photographs of the school his children attend, along with threats to kidnap, rape and kill them. He went to the police, but their response was to blame Hamid, stating that he would be responsible if anything happened. "They told me I wasn't forced to become a Christian, so it's my problem, it's my fault."
Hamid found relief in a strong church and a community of Christians who prayed for and welcomed his family with open arms. He remarried and he and his wife are actively involved in refugee ministry. He worries, however, about the vulnerability of those who convert.
"New believers are very fragile when it comes to their faith and need more growth. Churches are often more focused on reaching Muslims rather than coming alongside those who have converted." It's an admonition we can all take to heart.
Hamid used these dark days to build his faith. "I allowed myself to see these times as an opportunity, for my faith to strengthen and refine like gold through fire." He stood on the promises of Scripture that God is faithful and works through the most difficult situations. "I have even more love to share with the AFghan people and will continue to share the word of God even through these times."
Father God, thank You for wrapping Hamid in Your Word and Your Love to bring him through the early days of his faith and to put his feet strongly on the rock of enduring belief. Bless his efforts with refugees and cause his ministry to flourish. We pray for new Muslim Background Believers wh feel they have noone to turn too. Strengthen them with Your Spirit and Your Word and provide them with a community that will support them in their faith.
Thank you so much for praying, Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
And there are few things more tragic than losing your family. It is one of the harsh realities many experience after converting from Islam. Hamid experienced it firsthand. His wife was not impressed with his new faith and left him for good.
But praise God, Hamid was eventually able to gain custody of his children. In the meantime, despite the immense pressure he felt from the local Muslim population, Hamid traveled through the streets and refugee camps, telling others about Jesus. His boldness, however, bought beatings, knife attacks and threats towards his family. His Bible was torn apart.
In one terrifying incident, Hamid received photographs of the school his children attend, along with threats to kidnap, rape and kill them. He went to the police, but their response was to blame Hamid, stating that he would be responsible if anything happened. "They told me I wasn't forced to become a Christian, so it's my problem, it's my fault."
Hamid found relief in a strong church and a community of Christians who prayed for and welcomed his family with open arms. He remarried and he and his wife are actively involved in refugee ministry. He worries, however, about the vulnerability of those who convert.
"New believers are very fragile when it comes to their faith and need more growth. Churches are often more focused on reaching Muslims rather than coming alongside those who have converted." It's an admonition we can all take to heart.
Hamid used these dark days to build his faith. "I allowed myself to see these times as an opportunity, for my faith to strengthen and refine like gold through fire." He stood on the promises of Scripture that God is faithful and works through the most difficult situations. "I have even more love to share with the AFghan people and will continue to share the word of God even through these times."
Father God, thank You for wrapping Hamid in Your Word and Your Love to bring him through the early days of his faith and to put his feet strongly on the rock of enduring belief. Bless his efforts with refugees and cause his ministry to flourish. We pray for new Muslim Background Believers wh feel they have noone to turn too. Strengthen them with Your Spirit and Your Word and provide them with a community that will support them in their faith.
Thank you so much for praying, Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.