I Decided to Live for God!
Story by Global Mission Staff
"Most people around me live for money, but I decided to live for God!” Asim, the goalie of his city’s soccer team in a closed country of the Middle East and North Africa Union, testifies that he plays to honor God. It’s affected his income, though. When he joined the team, he was the only Adventist in the entire region, and his request to have Sabbaths off was considered unreasonable. The managers flatly turned down his request.
“At first, I was penalized when they realized I wouldn’t play on Sabbath,” Asim said. “They cut my pay. I asked God to help me be a good player anyway. I saw Him blessing me; I don’t get many scores against me.” Asim’s demeanor is humble, but the team could not get along without him. Eventually, they decided to respect his convictions. “I never play on Sabbath, though!” he added.
Playing soccer for God isn’t Asim’s only witness. He also teaches English and French at a local school. “I decided to use that as a mission field as well and told my class about the Al Massira Bible video series. I explained [to my students] that it covers stories from the Tawrat, or Old Testament, and would help them build their English language skills.” The Bible stories become the center of their discussions as they practice conversational English.
Sports and teaching don’t consume all Asim’s time. He heard that a local Christian congregation didn’t have a regular leader. He stopped by the church, introduced himself as a Seventh-day Adventist, and began worshiping with them and leading a study group.
One week when they didn’t have a preacher for the coming Sunday, they asked him to fill in. They liked his preaching and soon invited him to preach every Sunday.
That’s when Asim began a series on important biblical teachings as understood by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His “adopted” church members are not only learning the simple truths of the Bible but also experiencing the ministry of Jesus as Asim visits them in their homes and ministers to their needs.
Seeing decisions for Jesus is his favorite part of his tentmaker’s life. For several years, Asim has led two weekly Bible study groups composed of Christians and non-Christians. A year ago, as COVID-19 decreased in the region, friends helped him dig a hole in their backyard, which they lined with heavy black plastic and filled with water. Under the circumstances, it was the best baptistry they could provide for three of his friends, all from non-Christian backgrounds, who were baptized as the first Adventist converts in the entire region. Asim is not alone in his fellowship anymore! “I see more and more people interested in knowing God,” Asim says. “I see a tremendous opening for God’s work. The four of us are now praying for workers to come to our city.”
Asim has fully dedicated his life to God’s work, and God is using him to make an impact on every person he meets.
Asim is not his real name. Name has been changed for safety purposes. Story shared by Global Mission, which is the frontline mission arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Through wholistic ministry, Global Mission pioneers are bringing light to the cities of the world, with a special focus on the 10/40 Window.
World Church Prayer Requests
February 24 – March 2, 2023
- Pray for our church family in Turkey. Pray for supplies, provisions, protection, and strength to move forward in the face of great tragedy and loss.
- Pray for ADRA workers as they reach out to those whose lives have been turned upside down by earthquakes, fires, and floods.
- Pray for our church family in Ukraine, Russia, and Eastern Europe. Pray for continued strength and provision for their needs, and for courage and peace in the midst of continued hardship and suffering.
- Pray for Global Youth Day which takes place March 18, 2023. The theme is “Love is a Verb.” Pray that many will be reached for Jesus on this day!
- Pray for the preparation for the evangelism that’s planned for Europe for this spring 2023. Pray that God will open doors and hearts to what He has in store.