Old Imam turns to Christ

Reports coming in from our North Africa response team are suggesting that many viewers are deciding to follow Jesus Christ.  Here are some of the most recent stories.

The follow-up phone team recently talked with an older man and his wife.  They were both very excited and even argued over who could hold the phone!  They said they watch all the Christian satellite programs and believe everything they have heard.  At first they didn’t want to meet with anyone because the man said he was in a ‘sensitive’ position.  The volunteer on the phone thought the old man might be a police officer or have another government job.  Eventually the man confessed to being an imam, an Islamic religious leader.  In fact, he had just returned home from leading the prayer at the mosque.  Finally, after continued conversation, the couple asked for a visit. 

He explained that all of his life he had taught in the mosque, but the truth of the gospel touched his heart and brought repentance, especially when he saw how different the Bible’s teachings were when it comes to the treatment and love a husband should have for his wife. He and his wife accepted Christ, and three of their children are also now Christians.  With tears in his eyes he testified to his faith in Christ and explaining that he had no fear of dying.  He talked of how good God is that he would allow such an old man to see the light of Christ.

When he was given a Bible, the old man became very emotional because he had never held one in his hands. He had only been able to hear parts of God’s Word on TV.

What plans could God have in store for a 57-year-old house painter?  Three years ago, he came across the Christian channel on satellite TV.  Curious, he began watching regularly.  The first year of watching, he was very negative and skeptical.  The second year he began opening his heart.  During this time, he worked for a national Christian family and was amazed by the love and kindness they showed him.  The third year, he was convinced of the truth of Christianity and gave his life to the Lord!  When his wife first learned of his conversion, she was very upset.  However, she became curious when he responded, “I can either marry three other women as Islam allows or I can faithfully love and serve you only as the Bible teaches."  She accepted Christ!  

Then he went to the local religious leader, imam, and challenged him.  After three years of intense study, he knew the answers that the imam could not answer.  He has since shared about God’s working in his life with many people, and he currently meets regularly to worship, pray, and learn with those who have decided to follow Christ.  He has been baptized and now has baptized seven people himself.  They all meet in his home for worship.  Some of these new believers are also very boldly evangelizing and desire to start new churches in their homes. 

A college student began watching our Christian TV programs on satellite.  She longed to know more but was afraid to call.  Would the police come?  What would others think?  She asked her roommate to call instead.  Two Christians went to visit the young ladies.  It turned out that the roommate herself had many problems and had never been satisfied with her religion.  She worked in tourism and was emotionally broken because of the ways she had been badly treated and misused.  She felt she could never be forgiven.  She couldn’t see any value in her life.  She didn’t feel like her religion could help her.  She wanted new life and hope.  When she began reading the Bible, she was struck by Jesus’ reaction to the woman caught in adultery.  Her heart jumped!  Could Jesus love her in this same way?  She asked the visitors, “Is there hope for me?”  

They began explaining about the broken relationship between God and man and how God had restored it.  She learned that through Christ, she is a daughter of God! She was touched by the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.  She realized that even if she had been the only one, Jesus would have died for her.  Finally, one of them asked her, “Do you want this?  He already died for you.  It’s done.  And He’s risen.  Do you accept it?”  Without hesitation, she replied, “Yes, how can I be saved?”
 
She accepted Christ’s salvation.  She has confessed her sins.  She says that she has joy.  She is like a burning candle now.  She is free.  Her burdens have been taken away!  She does not know any other believers in her area.  Her roommate is still interested in Christianity, as well as two other friends.

Want to read more stories and testimonies from our viewers?  Write to us and we would be happy to send you more and keep you updated.