A Year-Long Path to Christ

Asad* first contacted our team in January of 2024, deeply interested in learning about the teachings of Jesus. Though there were occasional long pauses in communication due to work and personal demands, he always came back with more questions and renewed interest. As the months went by, we were encouraged to see him move forward, even while still in the process of fully surrendering his faith to Christ.

We had many gospel conversations with Asad, explaining that Jesus came to earth to forgive his sins. It was not until the first week of December that Asad fully grasped what this meant. Our team uses media to reach closed countries like Asad’s. That month we released a series of 24 short videos telling the Christmas story, one episode per day leading up to Christmas. On day four, Asad sent us a message. “This is the first time I’ve heard portions of the Christmas story.”

Muslims know that Jesus was born of a virgin, but the details of the birth – the angel appearing to Mary, the story of Joseph – are unknown. It was impactful for Asad to hear the story’s details, to see that God was working, and to understand that Jesus was not just an ordinary person.

The story’s simplicity touched Asad’s heart, and he gave his life to Jesus. He is convinced that Jesus is God-sent, the Savior, and the true path to his salvation. Asad is now studying the Bible with someone from his hometown, further strengthening his faith and spiritual commitment.

Asad’s path to accepting Jesus was not direct or quick. It spanned an entire year of conversations with our team. The turning point came after watching four videos, each less than a minute long. When we speak with someone, we cannot predict how or when the Holy Spirit will put the pieces together and cause their understanding to click into place.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual contemplation, a holy month for Muslims. They abstain from food during daylight in order to pray and focus on being right with God. For some, this is when God leads them to Himself. Due to the many requirements of observing Ramadan, we tend to see a drop in communication with our regular contacts. Many stop talking with us for a time, then resume conversation once the season ends.

Currently, we have ongoing spiritual conversations with 40 people. Some are close to putting their faith in Christ yet still need that tipping point. During Ramadan, pray that they will earnestly seek God. Once they are ready, we will be there to encourage them to take the next step. Even in the silence, God is working.

*pseudonym used