Aisha* lives in a North African city. Her journey with Jesus Christ began when she became friends with Nathalie*. Although Nathalie was a foreigner, they had a wonderful friendship. Over time, Aisha noticed how different her friend’s life was from others she knew. One day, Aisha asked Nathalie, ‘Why are you so different?’
Jesus changes lives
Nathalie answered her, ‘I believe in Jesus Christ, and he changes lives. When someone believes in him, they display the fruit of the Spirit.’
Aisha didn’t understand what Nathalie meant by the fruit of the Spirit. When she asked her, Nathalie answered by quoting Galatians 5:22: ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…’. Aisha didn’t know that her friend’s words were from the Bible.
Nathalie had to leave the city and return to her own country, and it became difficult to keep in touch. Aisha still wanted to know more about Christian beliefs. Determined, she searched on social media to see what she could find. When she found the Arab World Media ministry page, she reached out to them.
Christians in her country!
One of the Arabic digital responders reached out to her, and they began talking regularly. Aisha was stunned to learn that the responder she was talking with was from her country; she hadn’t realised that there were any Christians in her country!
Aisha asked many questions, and she became convinced that Jesus was the Son of God. She decided to accept Christ into her life. However, she told the responder that she didn’t feel ready to share this with anyone.
Unfortunately, one of her friends at work found a Bible in her bag. At first, her friend thought it was a Qur’an. But when she discovered it was a Bible, she kept asking her about it until Aisha answered, ‘Yes, this is a Bible, and I believe in Jesus Christ.’
Suffering for Christ’s name
The friend began to spread this news to everyone at work until even the managers heard about it. It was a difficult time for Aisha. Most of her coworkers ignored her and refused to reply to anything she said. Aisha’s only option was to be patient.
Through the words of John 16:33, Aisha has come to understand that she will go through trials in her life because of Jesus’ name: ‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’
Aisha knows, too, that she needs to trust him because he is victorious over this world.
* names changed for security
Source: Arab World Media
