A few years ago, Jafari* traveled to a remote community in East Africa with a team delivering humanitarian supplies. The truck was loaded. The schedule was full. They planned to unload the supplies and continue to the next village.
They were about to leave when a woman named Njeri* stepped into his path. Looking directly into Jafari’s eyes, she said, “Thank you for this – we truly needed this.”
Then she asked him a question that changed everything.
“Who will stay and teach us about Jesus?”
Jafari had no answer and was silent, in hopes Njeri would just walk away. She did not. She stood waiting. Still, Jafari remained silent. Finally, he had to go. As he walked toward the truck, he turned back and saw that Njeri was still standing there, still waiting.
That night, Jafari couldn’t stop thinking about her question. Physical needs had been met. But the deepest need remained.
Alone with God, he surrendered his own plans and committed himself to the one thing Njeri had asked for – to stay and make disciples.
That moment changed his entire perspective on missions. It became a turning point in his life, and he committed to return. He knew that serving this community would take time. But Jafari understood that the glory was in serving God faithfully — over the long haul.
And that marked the beginning of a movement.
Years later, Jafari returned to that same village. This time, he came back not just as a humanitarian volunteer, but as a pastor and leader.
What he found took his breath away.
The Gospel had spread from one generation to the next. A fifth-generation disciple-maker had emerged from that very village and planted a church.
When Jafari visited the church, Njeri – the same woman who waited all those years ago – was there, her heart overflowing with gratitude.
And the movement keeps growing! Today what was birthed through one woman’s pointed question, is active in about 50 countries.
Jafari emphasizes that this work is not about nationality or some sort of “competitive advantage.” It is about the Kingdom of God.
He says, “Whose ministry are we doing? It is Jesus’s ministry. If we compete, we are competing within His work. Instead, let us find ways to collaborate and serve together.”
And Jafari’s message is clear: There is only unity, love, and collaboration in serving God together.
May the Kingdom advance. May all nations know Jesus is Lord!
*Names changed for protection.
