The Lord called Alessandro* to work amongst an unreached tribe in Africa. This people group is largely Muslim. Today there is a thriving movement of believers. Back in the beginning it was slow going. Alessandro testifies that much of the fruit began with the simple act of reaching out to a neighbour. He trusted that God would move through his prayers.

WILD PIGS AND A DESPONDENT NEIGHBOUR
Alessandro found his friend that day standing out in his maize field. He was working, but sad.  When Alessandro asked why he was despondent, he found it was because of wild pigs. Pigs were coming into his field and destroying his crops.  Alessandro could see how difficult this was for his friend. He asked if he could pray that God would protect his fields.

Confused, the man asked, “How? How are you going to pray? Don’t you see that I’m not clean? I haven’t showered. I’m just out here working? How can you pray when I am like this?”

But Alessandro insisted, “Those things don’t matter. God is always listening.” Eventually, his friend agreed, and Alessandro prayed a simple prayer. They had a bit more of a chat, and then Alessandro went on home.

The next day Alessandro came back. This time greeted by a very different sight. His friend was cleaned up, showered and wearing nice clean clothing. Most importantly, he was no longer sad.

I WANT TO LISTEN TO YOU

He told Alessandro, “Today, we are not going to work in the field. I want to listen to you about this God that you prayed to yesterday.” Alessandro found out God had answered his prayer. The wild pigs had not returned, and this was enough to make his friend want to know more. He listened as Alessandro shared the gospel, and soon enough became a follower of Christ.

The new believer’s faith was contagious. He shared with his wife, and she became a follower of Jesus. He told his brother, and he made the same decision. Soon after, his brother-in-law also joined in their faith. It wasn’t long before there were seven families who had come to the Lord.

All this starting with that one man and that one practical prayer offered in faith and obedience. Alessandro had trusted that God would meet his friend in the area of his need. God then demonstrated His mercy and His power by the way He answered.

*Name changed for security reasons
(The original story was shortened)
Source: YWAM Frontier Missions