People of peace in Middle East city

A WEC team in a resistant Middle Eastern city has had a huge answer to prayer.  The small group of believers have prayed for years for “people of peace” to be discovered in their community (see Luke 10:1-12).  It seems that God is answering this prayer.

Aucklanders Alan and Michelle recently met Ahmet and Halima, who have been reading a very old translation of the Bible for over twenty years.  His mother and uncle, both of whom died recently, were also secret believers.  Ahmet is a well connected landowner, author, and formerly in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

 Since their surprise encounter, Alan and Ahmet have spent many hours together in a discipleship relationship.  While Ahmet lacks little for courage, there are many fundamental gaps in his biblical understanding.

“With a gift for evangelism, Ahmet has given at least twenty copies of the New Testament to seekers in the last month,” explained Alan.  “Some also gather together to discuss what they are reading.  Ahmet was commissioned to write some material for wide distribution during Ramadan.  The financers sought to bring about major changes to the booklet though, as Ahmet had included biblical content throughout.  He refused to compromise and has felt the backlash since.” 

On a recent trip to the capital, Ahmet and Halima gave two copies of the newly translated Bible to influential people in government.  They also prayed for healing with a previous colleague there.  The woman was so touched that she wanted to know more.  They subsequently spent the entire night discussing the scriptures.  

“Sometimes I wonder if this is real,” continues Alan.  “We need to be very careful, and have much wisdom to know how best to proceed.”  However, these events have greatly encouraged the believers, who have rediscovered like Elijah, that God is at work whether we see the signs or not.