Ibrahim has been a disciple maker for many years in one of the strongest, least-reached Muslim people groups in the Horn of Africa. He belonged to that group himself, until he came to faith in Jesus through the witness of a former sheik (Muslim leader) who ministers among that people group.
In the early days of Ibrahim’s conversion, he faced much persecution and ostracization from his community and his relatives. However, when they saw his determination to continue following Jesus Christ, they left him alone but warned him to keep his faith to himself.
Coached and mentored by the former sheik, Ibrahim became a key evangelist and was making disciples among his people, though discreetly. The Lord helped him lead many people to follow Christ. As a result, many small fellowships were formed that meet regularly and secretly in homes.
Four years ago, Ibrahim took four Christ-followers about 150 miles away to be baptized in an evangelical church. When he returned to his home village that day, his neighbors who were keeping tabs on him and knew what he had done stopped him on the street and beat him severely.
Relatives took the wounded Ibrahim to the nearest hospital where he was admitted and treated for many days and released. This event did not discourage Ibrahim who continued to share his faith with his people.
A few months later, Ibrahim loaded his camel with goods to sell and went to a distant town on market day. As he was returning to his village, he noticed a man lying under some bushes. The man appeared to be very ill and was shaking uncontrollably. As Ibrahim drew closer, he recognized the man. He was one of those who took part in beating him!
Ibrahim raised the man’s head and gave him water to drink. His head felt very hot and Ibrahim knew it was malaria. He put him on his camel and took him to a nearby town for medical attention. Ibrahim paid for the man’s treatment and medication.
The man was in no condition to travel so they spent the night in a small inn. They had plenty of time to talk. The man was amazed and touched by Ibrahim’s care for him. He knew none of his friends, nor even he would have done the same for Ibrahim. The next day they returned to their village.
Through it all, God worked in the man’s heart, and he chose to follow Christ. These days, Ibrahim is closely walking with this new child of God and teaching him about his new-found faith. In time, we pray that many of his friends will see the change in him and come to faith in the Lord.
