Jesus in the workplace: Ahmed

Jesus promised, “Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Mt 18:20). Many Muslim seekers and believers in Jesus are indeed experiencing His presence as they gather in homes in His name. We learned recently from our friend and worker “Jasmine” that Jesus is present also in the workplace, in fields and farmers’ markets!

“Ahmad” is a believer in Jesus who was baptised a few months ago (in the cement water holding tub of a cramped bathroom!). Sometimes he works on construction projects or in the fields when the land owner needs an extra hired hand. In recent months, Ahmad has had free time to visit rice fields near his home. There amidst the rice sheaves he has befriended two day-workers, inviting them to share personal stories and to pray with him. He reads aloud to them from photocopied texts of Scripture and offers explanation. Early in his acquaintance with these two men, Ahmad explained why he prays in the name of Jesus the Messiah. Now the three meet in Jesus’ name regularly. Jesus is with Ahmad as he visits those fields, for Jesus himself promised His disciples, “I am with you always.”

Jesus in the workplace: Aisha

“Aisha” is another believer in Jesus who rises early to sell fish at the local market. Prayers that resulted in blessing on her business were what first attracted her to follow Jesus. Now she has faithfully participated in a home-based community of Jesus-followers for over three years. Gatherings are simple: Scriptures are read, stories shared and prayers offered for one another. Earlier this year Aisha decided that she could start a similar gathering … at the market! So most late afternoons when the market has quieted, she gathers with up to six others. “We are God’s creation,” she says. “Sharing with each other and praying together will help us stay close to God.” In recent weeks this small group has enjoyed readings from Genesis and from the life of Jesus. Jesus is with Aisha as she loves others in His name. Boldly proclaiming authority and blessing through Jesus the Messiah, Aisha and Ahmad are seeing the Kingdom of God established in places where people naturally gather. Thank you, Lord!

Editor’s note:

In this prayer booklet there are a number of testimonies from new believers who have suffered rejection and even significant persecution from their families and government authorities. Like people everywhere, Muslims are generally hospitable and decent people. They do not particularly like violence or being harsh. Muslims can be motivated by a sincere desire to turn their loved ones back to what they perceive as being the right path: Islam. In order to do this they will often bring significant pressures to bear on people who have left or who are seeking to leave the Islamic religion, even threatening them with death. In publishing these stories we are not wanting to criticise or judge the heart motives of Muslims. We simply want to tell how God has worked in the lives of many. May God help us all to walk in His ways.

Complete article: http://www.30-days.net/islam/abdullah-amina/

This is an extract from the “30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World” booklet coinciding with Ramadan