Two Teenage Boys

Testimony from the Middle East

I enjoy my daily morning exercise. I live on a residential compound that is provided by the hospital where I work as a nurse. I feel safe enough to run and walk in the early morning hours alone, even before daybreak. My heart is lifted as I listen to the birds singing with delight, as if they are giving praises to the Lord, their Creator. I am amazed as I look up to the sky and see the stars and the glow of the moon just before dawn. The time brings me closer in contact with God, who created all these things.

I was deep in thought in my worshipful surroundings when, I believe, the Spirit of God drew me from my meditation to two teenage boys on their bicycles heading to the mosque to pray. That morning was not the first time I’d seen them. I had seen them many mornings going to the mosque for the Fajr, the first of the five daily Muslim prayers.

I also knew they spoke English. As the boys passed me, I had the distinct impression to talk with them. But, I reasoned, it was not safe or appropriate for me to initiate a conversation with strangers and it was completely out of cultural norms for me, a woman, to speak to these young men. I decided there was no reason to start a conversation.

As I caught up with them, though, the impression came again, very strong this time. It was as distinct as a voice in my mind saying, “Talk to them.” So as I walked alongside them, I ventured a greeting in as friendly voice as possible. “Good morning, how are you guys doing?”

They both looked at me with a little disdain. However, with that voice in my head, I was not deterred. I introduced myself and asked their names. With slight reservation, they told me their names: “Rayan” and “Abdullah.”

I smiled and began talking, not really planning what I would say, but glanced back and forth from boy to boy, looking them in the eyes. “I really admire both of you for your commitment and consistency in seeking Allah so early in the morning. I have noticed you for a long time and I want to commend you for your steadfastness. I’ve observed you get up early while others sleep. This tells me you are earnestly seeking God. I pray that Allah will speak to you in your quest for Him.”

It was not your regular conversation. In fact, it was unusual in every way. As I spoke, I prayed that God would reveal Himself to them. That’s when I noticed tears welling up in Abdullah’s eyes. Was he seeking? Was he hurting? Did he know God could be found? Was Rayan reaching out to God too? That’s when another clear impression came to me. The same Spirit who had given me the impression to speak to them was also at work in their hearts.

I bade them goodbye and continued on my morning walk, thankful for the still, small voice that had spoken to my heart, that had spoken to Rayan and Abdullah, and that had brought us together. How many times, I wondered, had I missed His impressions and robbed someone of the blessing He had in store for them? Even more, how often had I wanted to present Christ to someone, not realizing that if I offered a word of courage or kindness that He would be present—presenting Himself to them! Every time we pray, God is working!”

This week’s blog was written by a missionary worker in unnamed country.

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World Church Prayer Requests

January 26 – February 2, 2020

• PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray for your local young people both in and out of the Church, that God will draw their hearts to Him in a special way this coming year. Pray for wisdom to reach out to them. The enemy is working hard to capture the hearts of our children. We need to fight for them on our knees. Pray for these young people by name.

• PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray for those who were recently impacted by the 10 Days of Prayer. Pray that their walk with God and their relationship with a strong, supportive, praying church would continue to grow.

• PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for the leaders of your church—your pastor (including his family), your local elders, deacons, deaconesses, etc. Pray that God would give them a renewed vision and passion for service. Pray that God would bring a fresh personal revival to their life and ministry.

• PRAYER REQUEST: Please continue to pray for those that are experiencing great personal hardships right now, whether through loss of loved ones, through natural disasters, or other trials. Pray that they would feel God’s presence near, even through the storms.

• PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray in advance for the Your Best Pathway to Health event that will be occurring this April 6 - 11, 2020, in advance of the General Conference session in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pray that logistical details would come together smoothly, and that needed volunteers will apply. (To learn more visit: https://pathwaytohealthvolunteer.org)