Courageous North African Believer Speaks Out

The word “Maghreb” means “the place in the west” in Arabic and describes a transnational region comprising several countries across northern Africa.  WEC has been working amongst least-reached Muslims in this region since the 1970’s.  First in France, then since 2004 in the Maghreb itself, Kiwi Aaron and wife Patrice have been working with North Africans.  The following story is from an extremely isolated Muslim background believer (MBB) that Aaron has the privilege of meeting with. 

“As far as I know there is only one other Christian believer living in my town.  I became a believer many years ago through listening to Christian radio broadcasts in my language.  I now spend much of my time replying to letters from other North Africans asking to know more about Christ.  One day in my home I received the visit of a high official in my town.  He said to me, "Why do you read that book (the Bible)?  You know that it has been corrupted." 

“I was annoyed because people here say that a lot, so I said to him "I'll tell you why.  This book speaks to me about love and peace.  It even tells me to love my enemies and to pray for them.  Why would God let one of his books be corrupted?  No one can tell you when this book was corrupted and by whom because it has not been, but even if it were corrupted I prefer to read it than a so-called 'perfect' book that talks about killing your enemies and terrible judgement from God." 

“The man was surprised at my words, and paused to think.  He then said to me, "In that case, please give me a copy of your book.  I will take it and read it."  Aaron and Patrice continue to mobilise prayer for MBB’s and people like this official.