“Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles. Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them. Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 638).

Although religious repression was intense in communist Albania, and the atheist brainwashing was mind-numbingly effective, Mustafa never let go of his faith in the Creator. While the dictator outlawed God and all religious materials, the evidence of God’s existence could not be erased. In the midst of that harsh environment, Mustafa noticed the loveliness and perfection of design in nature, and it encouraged and strengthened his hope. Somehow, even with such suffering and pain all around him, and even though he didn’t understand why all this was allowed to happen, he still trusted in God’s goodness and mercy. No one could take away what he treasured in his heart.

Even without an understanding of the Bible, somehow Mustafa knew that God is love. He had been a hoxha, a Muslim cleric, and even though it had become impossible for anyone to openly speak about God, his son Dani remembers how, when some bad news came their way, Mustafa didn’t fret. Whenever someone asked him why he didn’t ever seem upset, he smiled and looked upward. After Albania became free, he always added, “God is good!”

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During the latter years of communist rule, Mustafa’s friend, an old Orthodox priest, came to him with an urgency in his manner. Though the two men were from very different religious backgrounds, their shared belief in God had drawn them together under atheistic oppression. “Mustafa, I trust you, and I trust your good sense,” the man whispered. “The strangest thing has happened, and I need your advice. I know some have been saying that the state is softening about religion, but this is very unusual. I received an official one-time invitation to open the old church and to speak to the people about God. Why would they ask for such a thing?” he paused to glance around nervously. “For more than 20 years, nobody has been allowed even to mention God! I fear this is a trap, not only for me but for anyone who may come to listen. What is your advice for me? ”

“Well, my old friend,” Mustafa replied, “it may be as you fear. This could be a trap, and you know the possible consequences. Yet, this could be the will of God and the only opportunity you will ever have again to turn someone to God’s road with your words. If you decide to open the church, I will be there with you.”

The church opened that day, and Mustafa was there as he had promised. Though neither man ever knew why it was allowed or what purpose God used it for, it wasn’t long before communism began to crumble in Albania and they were free to openly worship and pray.

Many years later, some Adventists from America moved into the neighborhood. Mustafa and his family welcomed them and helped them however they could. He noticed their kindness and their reverent prayers to God. When he was sick, the Adventists prayed for him. They helped his son set up the family shop each morning. Mustafa told Dani that he recognized God’s love in them. When Mustafa was on his deathbed, the Adventists visited him and prayed for him.

Months after Mustafa’s funeral, Dani began to study the Bible. Two years later, he was baptized. Today, Dani is learning how to introduce his Muslim friends to Jesus.

There is no question that the Holy Spirit was at work in Mustafa for decades before we arrived in Albania. We have no doubt that He sent us here and that He is still at work today.

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