Going Where Jesus Is

We often like to think that we are the first to reach the unreached, or that regions like the Middle East is closed to the gospel. As I travel and talk with people in this needy region, however, my understanding of our role and the reality of God’s active involvement in “closed” countries has been greatly modified.

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An elder in one of the Gulf countries got a phone call one day. The man calling him identified himself as a M-uslim from that country (where M-uslims are not allowed to convert to Christianity). He told our elder that he had become a Christian – that he had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He asked the elder: “What do I do now?” There was no baptismal ceremony. No registration in the church books. But I am sure that man is registered in Heaven with a baptism from God!

In another country, one well-educated M-uslim woman wanted to learn English. As she surfed through her TV channels, she saw an English Adventist TV program. She began to listen day in and day out. At first it was just to polish up on her English. But later on, she began paying attention to what was being said in the Adventist TV program. Soon, she had accepted Jesus as well as the Sabbath truth. In spite of the persecution she received from her husband, she is still an active Seventh-day Adventist member in that country.

When Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all the nations,” He did not mean, “Go, while I stay behind.” No. In fact, He said, “I will be with you always.” (Mt. 28:19-20). The mission of bringing men and women to a knowledge of Christ is not just the mission of every Christian. It is the mission of God which He sent Jesus to do, and Jesus in turn sends us to do (together – always together with Him). He said: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21, NIV). Jesus is busily doing the Father’s Mission since the foundation of the world. He has never stopped working. Jesus is there in the homes of M-uslims in the Middle East now, preparing people for His people to connect with. May you and I find ways to be where Jesus already has gone so that we can allow Him to use us to share the truth to those who are receptive to Him.

- Abdul Nur