‘My name is Musa. I was born in Syria 29 years ago and brought up in Islam. Several years ago, my spiritual quest began. I discovered contradictions in Islam and other questions remain unanswered.’

In the Christian faith, Musa discovers love, respect, compassion and forgiveness. These values touch something very deep inside him; a feeling he has never had before. Musa also knows that this newfound faith will have huge consequences for him. Society will not accept him saying goodbye to Islam, and if he starts speaking out openly, his life will be in danger. That is also why he is afraid to look for people in his immediate surroundings who can help him further in his faith journey. He emails us with his questions and one of our staff videocalls him. This has to be done at night because during the day the internet connection is very poor.

During their first conversation, the suffering and death of Jesus comes up and how Jesus paved the way of reconciliation through it. For a personal relationship with God, Jesus taught us to pray. Not as a ritual, but to express our gratitude and desire. For the very first time in his life, Moessa prays in his own words. He expresses a desire to know Jesus Christ better as his Lord and Saviour. After a while, he tells us what happens when he reads the Gospel for the first time.

‘When I started reading the Gospel, I felt something very special. For example, Jesus' words, ”Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is gentle and My burden is light." These words made me feel that when you are tired, burdened or inwardly overwhelmed, there is a real invitation to rest... not in exchange for something, but a personal invitation.

I found an indescribable peace with the Lord Jesus Christ. I found a sense of reassurance in the midst of fear and difficult circumstances, and I felt that I am not alone. I found answers to many questions within myself:

Why am I alive?  What is the value of my life?  What is the meaning of pain and joy?

I also felt that there is a personal relationship... as if you are standing in front of someone who is really listening to you, as if all His attention is focused on you. I used to adhere to all the obligatory religious acts, but I didn't feel like anyone was listening or responding to me. But when I started reading the Gospel, I felt like someone was whispering deep into my heart, telling me that these words are true and bring real comfort.

I experienced a deep reverence... as if I was sitting with Jesus while reading and experiencing the events with Him. And I felt that my heart became thirstier and thirstier... as if someone drinks water but still keeps longing for more. My heart increasingly longs for a real relationship with the Lord Jesus, not just fulfilling duties.’

Give thanks with Musa and with us! In this world full of violence, conflict and despair, especially in the Middle East, God is changing people's hearts, minds and lives!