Muhammad looked out of the window of his shabby room. His soul was filled with silent despair. The burden of his difficult circumstances stifled his zest for life. He was scrolling through Facebook when one of our posts caught his eye. The post invited people to learn about the ‘Jesus Way’. He felt curious. Perhaps this was a door to a different life?
Glad Tidings for the Poor
Glad Tidings for the Poor
On the Holy Night, when Mary had given birth to her child, angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem and brought them the good news: Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). The shepherds to whom the angels came belonged to the poor in society at that time.
Our co-workers Bro. Salman* and Sis. Maryam* are lovingly devoted to caring for the poorest of the poor in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Bro. Salman reports on their work:
Evangelistic outreaches in the villages
“During my mission trips, I go to villages where sometimes there is no electricity, no running water, and no brick houses. People often live in simple huts and makeshift dwellings they have built themselves. Here I proclaim the love of Jesus to the people. Did not Jesus come especially for the poor to bring them the Good News? I go from door to door to preach God’s Word. I also distribute the Carmel Mission Bible calendars.
When I knocked on a door during one of my visits, a man named Mohammed Sultan* opened the door. I gave him our calendar. He was very happy about it and read the Bible verse printed on it in Arabic: For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you” (Isaiah 41:13). I could see that Mohammed Sultan was touched. He asked me if I could explain the meaning of this verse to him.
I told him, ‘God’s children are never alone. God is always with them and protects them.’ I explained to him how God came to us humans through his Son to save us. Mohammed Sultan was very happy when he heard this. He said to me, ‘I believe that Jesus saves me, too. From today onwards, I want to follow God, and I will no longer be afraid of anyone. Jesus Christ will help me.’
Educational efforts for underprivileged children
Many children in the villages I visit cannot read or write. Wherever possible, my wife Maryam offers literacy courses for these village children. She also teaches them Christian songs and tells them stories from the Bible. The children participate enthusiastically.
The children are particularly close to my wife Sis. Maryam’s heart. That is why we are very grateful to God and the prayer partners of the Carmel Mission that since last year we have been able to run a proper preschool, for children from socially disadvantaged families. It is a wonderful, though not always easy, task. Many of the children who come to us cannot yet speak properly or have behavioural problems. We care for them with much love and dedication. The parents are always amazed at the good progress their children make.
Omika* has also changed for the better since she started attending our preschool. At home, she began to pray before meals. Her father and mother became curious and wanted to learn more about Jesus. I was able to tell them about Jesus at school. They are very grateful that their daughter is able to learn in this peaceful atmosphere.
Sewing courses for young women and girls
With God’s help, my wife Sis. Maryam was able to organise another sewing course this past year. Under her professional guidance, young women from Muslim families learn the craft of tailoring from scratch. The skills they learn will enable these young women to become financially independent. My wife reports:
‘Classes are held every day of the week, except Sundays, when the seamstresses have the day off. It is very important to me to build a trusting relationship with the women. Over the course of the months, I am able to teach them many truths from the Bible. I tell them about God, our heavenly Father, who always cares for us. I tell them about Jesus, who redeems us from our sins. God grants that many of the participants come to faith in Jesus. Through our students, we gain access to their families and can also tell them
Humaira* is one of our sewing students. God has worked in her heart so that she got to know Jesus personally. Then she asked us to visit her at home and also talk to her parents about faith. Her parents were willing to receive me and listened with interest as I told them about the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Please pray for Humaira that she may confess her faith in Jesus courageously and steadfastly!
Dear brothers and sisters, please pray for our work. Pray for strength, health and protection from persecution. Pray that the light of God’s love will enter many hearts this Christmas season!
Call to action: Dear friends, Brother Salman and Sister Maryam are showing Muslims in Uttar Pradesh the love of God in a very practical way. They are telling them the Good News of the Son of God who came into this world. In doing so, they are taking many risks and dangers upon themselves, because Uttar Pradesh has a strict anti-conversion law. We kindly ask you to support their work with your prayers and your gifts.
*Name changed
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