God’s paths are not always fast, but they are always right.

Clear and impossible to ignore, I first sensed my missionary calling to serve among the peoples of the 10/40 window when I was a teenager. It was many years, however, before I finally set foot on the soil of my mission field.

The Maghreb Project, where I serve, is located in a region where the gospel is considered forbidden. Here, there are no stages, no microphones, no large public gatherings. My work is simple and quiet: to build genuine friendships, to live the faith before proclaiming it, and to learn the language before sharing the Word. Because in this context, the gospel does not enter through doors . . . it enters through the heart.

Learning the local language has been one of my top priorities. When we speak someone’s heart language, we touch places no translation can reach. I also began studying English at a local school, both to learn and to connect. In this new class, I was the only foreigner, which quickly drew the attention of my classmates. Before long, I had formed close bonds with six young girls who were especially fascinated by my Brazilian heritage and were eager to know everything about my country.

One of them in particular always sat beside me. One day, she picked up my notebook. I had forgotten that at the end of one page, I had sketched out the story of the plan of salvation, a tool I sometimes use with children. As soon as she saw it, she quickly closed the notebook and nervously glanced around. Her expression revealed both curiosity and fear. She seemed torn: drawn to know more, yet afraid of being caught looking at something Christian.

In the days that followed, she would flip through my notebook again and again. Each time, she paused at that same page. She would stare, close it, then look around cautiously. Though she never spoke to me about it, her eyes spoke volumes.
Shortly after this, I had to leave the country for two months. Before I left, two of those friends invited me to visit their homes when I return. I hold on to that invitation as a promise of what God may still do. I am eager to see them again soon and to witness how the Lord continues writing these stories.

Sharing the good news in a country unfriendly to the gospel requires time, patience and presence. It is not about how many heard, but about who allowed me to walk beside them. Deep friendships are the bridge to eternal truths. And living the gospel, even before speaking about it, may well be the most powerful sermon we can ever preach.

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