Transformation and Evangelism
“Yes, I am a Christian,” Abdul confirmed. “Why would you accept the little sum of 250,000 naira to convert your faith and give your Quran to the infidels to torch?” “That is a lie,” Abdul said. “I have done no such thing.” Abdul’s brother did not kill him that day. In fact, he eventually accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. And furthermore, all of his brother’s children accepted Jesus, including one who now attends Bible school and plans to become a pastor. Life for this family of Jesus followers in northern Nigeria is not easy. Islamic Shariah law rules the land, and publicly sharing their faith can be dangerous. Yet they continue to share privately with anyone who will listen. Abdul has discovered that he has a special rapport with Muslim clerics, who always listen to his message. “The cleric will understand you, and you will understand him,” said Abdul, “because deep in his heart he knows the truth.”
Faith and Courage Amid Persecution
The same truth, the same power, that turned a witch doctor into an evangelist for Christ can also change the heart of a Muslim cleric. Other Muslims remain hostile to Abdul, however. Islamic extremists have tried to kill him at least three times. “There is no fear in my heart,” he said. In fact, there is contentment, hope, and even joy in the opportunity persecution creates to bring glory to Christ. “I know that if I’m dead I’m going to be with the Lord. So I’m not afraid to die. My greatest desire now is to be an instrument to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus so that the Muslims can hear it.” And a few do hear it. When someone takes the step of faith in Jesus, Abdul rejoices but does not sugarcoat what the new believer will face in the days ahead. “You have come to suffer,” he says, and often shares 2 Timothy 3:12 with them: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Joy Beyond Persecution
The promise of persecution is difficult, but it does not diminish the joy of following Jesus. For those who place their faith in Christ, true hope lies far beyond the security, ease, and comfort of this world. It lies far beyond the way people treat us in this life. For the follower of Jesus, true hope rests in the strength of the one who sustains us in this world and provides a home for us in heaven. True joy comes when our affections are set so firmly in eternity that we consider any affliction that comes because of our commitment to Christ to be a privilege. By God’s grace, may we begin to see persecution as an opportunity to serve and honor our Savior. May we accept persecution with a heart of joy and hope. May the needs and struggles of our brothers and sisters in Christ who face the hardships of persecution today always be on our hearts and in our prayers.
THE END
Date: 29th November 2025
Martyr: Abdulmashi
Location: Nigeria
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs “I am n”
Author: Not specified
Suffering Saturday 171
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