“Hey brother, I am going to church this Sabbath!”

Since January 2023, I have written a handful of times about my friend Mustafa and his spiritual growth in Christ [see also the March, May and August 2023 issues]. I am excited to say that he continues to grow in his walk with the Lord.

Mustafa texted me one day with a picture of a pastor who would be preaching at the same church I had taken him to previously. I know the pastor, a retired evangelist who is very passionate about sharing Jesus Christ, and told Mustafa that I was excited for him and believed he would really like his message. Mustafa later told me that he really enjoyed the sermon.

Fast forward to another opportunity to visit Mustafa. That Sabbath, we returned to that church. When we arrived, Sabbath school had already begun, but the greeter directed us to a class just around the corner. When we walked in, we discovered that the Sabbath school teacher was the retired pastor that Mustafa had met and liked. The pastor remembered Mustafa and greeted us both by name, showing Mustafa that he was not just some random person, but someone who had been remembered.

As the class progressed, the pastor asked Mustafa if he had any questions about the topic.

“No. What you are saying is what I read in the Bible. When I come here, it makes sense because I hear what I am learning when I study.”

Mustafa’s response was like beautiful music to my ears. After church that day, he again expressed how much he truly enjoys attending that church. Since that Sabbath, Mustafa has visited the church once more on his own.

Mustafa reached out to me just a few weeks ago and said the pastor had invited him to attend a prayer meeting that Wednesday evening.

“Are you going to be able to go?” I asked, thinking that his job might get in the way.

“Yes, I am planning on going,” Mustafa replied.

When Wednesday evening arrived, I began receiving texts from him with pictures of that night’s Bible study. Once again, I was filled with joy at learning how Mustafa enjoyed worshipping with this church family.

Mustafa still has a difficult journey ahead. While he appreciates the biblical veracity at this Adventist church and enjoys the fellowship, his wife continues to attend her church on Sundays. Please continue to pray for Mustafa. He will have to make some hard decisions ahead. I pray that he and his wife will be able to make those decisions together as a couple grounded in Christ. Please also join me in praying that Jesus will reveal Himself to Mustafa’s family in their dreams, just as He did to Mustafa.

I pray that one day soon each of you will be able to meet Mustafa, his wife and their families before God’s heavenly throne. Until then, remain faithful and keep Jesus at the center of your lives. Thank you for your prayers and support.

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