Nine hours of travelling left Ali and the two translators hungry and tired, but the three men needed to stay alert as they were at great risk. They were en route to one of the most dangerous regions in South Asia, known for human trafficking, kidnapping, and murder.
But Ali’s heart burned for this region. He had prayed for two years to share the gospel and train believers in this largely Muslim area, and God had paved the way for them to go there.
Punjabi believer
They arrived in a quiet town one evening. It was a major Islamic holiday, so businesses were closed and people were scarce. Unsure of where to go, Ali approached a man he found sweeping outside, named Rahman*. As Ali explained why the three were in town, Rahman revealed that he was a Punjabi Christian. Punjabi speakers in that region were rare, Punjabi Christians even rarer.
Rahman invited Ali and the translators to rest at his house. As the men drank tea, Rahman’s son, Raj*, came home and asked Ali why he had come. Ali described his ideas for training local people and Raj was ecstatic. He said no one had ever come to their area to teach and equip others from God’s word.
After a short nap, the three awoke to hear Raj say he had invited 40 people to hear them teach. Surprised but elated, they quickly prepared for the meeting and went to a building with a diverse crowd – men and women, civilians and military personnel – who had come to hear the gospel.
Men jumped for joy!
Ali shared the good news and preached and 28 people gave their lives to Christ. Men jumped for joy upon accepting Jesus; women removed their veils in celebration. By 2 a.m. the townspeople were still hungry to learn more about Jesus. After a few hours more sleep, the men set off for their next destination, anxious to see what God had in store for them.
