Coming to Christ in a Muslim country

Silver Spring, Maryland
Shelley Nolan-Freesland

Our world continues to struggle for freedom of religion. In the past year, two Adventist World Radio (AWR) producers nearly lost their lives because they were discovered making programs that are heard in Muslim areas. Many listeners to "The Voice of Hope" broadcasts suffer in various ways because of their decision to heed God's call.

But the gospel continues to be heard by people in these difficult areas, because of the reach of AWR. Following is a series of e-mail messages that we received from one listener. It illustrates not only the harsh reality faced by those who wish to follow Jesus but also the inspiring testimony of a changed life.

First message:

Thank you so much. I really love AWR and its programs. To introduce myself, my name is Amin. I am a boy of 19 years old and I am from [a Muslim country]. Please, will you help me to learn more about Christianity and Jesus Christ? I'm eager to know about this religion and this radio.

Second message - one month later:

How delightful it was to receive your first letter. A great joy filled my heart. But I have some questions.

1. How does Christianity view the other religions?
2. Can a non-Christian become Christian?
3. If yes, what conditions fulfill this conversion?
4. How do I know I am "saved?"
5. What will happen to me if I don't "receive Christ"?
6. Is it true that all I have to do is "believe"?
7. How do I pray?
8. Can you explain Matthew 10:34 36 and Corinthians 6:3?

May I have a Bible (both of them: Old and New Testament)? I do hope I am not putting you to too much trouble. Thank you again for your precious letter and helpful programs. Please, pray for me.

Third message - two months later:

I'm very happy to say that I have received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. My life has just begun.

As a teenager, I wanted to be happy. I wanted meaning in life. I was asking myself, "Who am I? Where am I going?" But when I started to know Jesus Christ, my life has changed.

I know Satan hates me now more than ever, but I also know that Jesus is alive to help me live a new life that is pleasing to God. Now I'm a new Christian. Every day I read the Bible (using the Internet). I read some stories and miracles of the Lord. I'm learning more truths. The word of God makes my heart come alive again, and my prayers bring light to me.

The message of Jesus Christ is my only hope. I have sincerely trusted in His word, and I am following Him. Really, He was right when He said, "I'm the light of the world. I'm the way, the truth, and the life."

I wish I could find someone to share the word of God with, and Jesus' salvation and prayers, because I don't want to be alone with the Satan, especially as I have just begun my new life.

Next message - two months later:

Every day they abuse me and say, "Let the Christians feed you if they can," and start laughing. My father tore up my Christian books and said, "If only I see one book like those between your hands, I will bury you alive."

I know that Jesus Christ said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."

But what should I do if my family kicks me out? Where to go? What to do? Don't tell me to pray or to read the Bible. I do that every day. I can't receive any letters now because my father will get them instead of me and burn them.

God bless you.

Last message - a few days later:

I don't care what's happening to me. I love Jesus Christ. I'm ready to die for Him. When my father tore up my Christian books, I used to read the Bible on my computer, but now I'm not allowed to use it. I'm obliged to borrow some money from my friends to go to the cyber cafe.

Yesterday, two policemen came to our house and asked to meet me. One of them said, "I think you were playing, right? You'd better stop this Christianity game and be a man. But if you don't stop this game, we'll bury you alive. We'll consider you a terrorist. I think you know the result. In this case prison will welcome you forever."

I'm sure I'll be taken to prison soon. Either this week or the next one. I'm just writing to let you know, not to ask for help. I know that no one can help me, even Christians, but only the Lord.

I don't know what will happen to me. Maybe this e mail will be the last one.

Note: This was the last message we received from Amin. We pray that he is safe and faithful.

By giving generously to the AWR Annual Offering (collected at all Adventist churches in the South Pacific on 7 March 2009), you will make it possible for millions of people around the world to hear about God and His love for the very first time.

AWR's ministry is unique in several ways:

  • Programs are created in 75 languages by native speakers from each country.
  • Several thousand hours of programs are broadcast each day, covering the majority of the world.
  • Programs can be heard on AM, FM, and shortwave radio, as well as Internet podcasts and satellite transmissions.
  • Radio can reach more people, for less money, than nearly any other form of outreach.
  • Broadcasts bypass political and geographic barriers, bringing the message of hope to people who are otherwise inaccessible.