By an international global team member
Hundreds of thousands from the North and Central Asia Region have migrated to a European city to find work. Because of the prayers and sacrificial gifts of God’s people, Alliance teams are on the ground, sharing the gospel with migrants from this vast area—where less than 1 percent of the population has heard about Jesus.
“. . . open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35b).
As I’ve meditated on these words of Jesus, I’ve become convinced that, if given the chance, many of the marginalized migrant workers in our city are ready to say yes! to Him.
Because of my increased motivation to keep an eye out for what God is already doing—and joining Him in it—I’ve spotted Him at work in two men with whom I’ve crossed paths.
“Man of Peace”
I’ve struck up a friendship with Norman,* who cleans tables at a fast food restaurant near our home. I visit him at least once a week. He’s someone I think could be a “man of peace”—an unbeliever whom God has been preparing to receive the good news about Jesus (Luke 10:6).
I’m testing this theory, but it’s been a challenge. Norman works long hours and goes straight home from work—partly out of tiredness and partly due to late-night safety concerns. (His people aren’t welcomed by all here.) But I’ve continued to stop by the restaurant to see him.
Soccer Connections
In the meantime, some of my Christian migrant worker friends who play soccer met Elliott, a young guy from their country who wanted to join them. They’ve learned that several years ago Elliott became a believer in his home country, where Christianity isn’t the preferred belief system.
Because his family members weren’t Christians and he didn’t have other believers helping him to stay strong, Elliott had apparently let his faith in Christ grow dormant. He was thrilled to meet some of his people in our city who share his belief in Jesus.
Barriers to Conversion
Most of the north and central Asians here follow the predominant faith of their homeland; following Christ comes at a steep price. Dr. Dan Nesselroade wrote an article for Alliance Life, describing the cultural barriers to Christian conversion for those whose families follow the predominant religion in Mali, which Elliott’s family practices.
“. . . Unless you live in this culture, it is hard to truly appreciate the social implications of believing something different. Honor and shame figure prominently in any major decision here, and it is common for Jesus followers to be completely ostracized, excommunicated if you will . . .
“In an American context this would be akin to risking your family, job, and insurance coverage to publicly take the name of Christ. And yet in many cultures, this is far closer to the norm for a new Christian.”
A Sign from God
Elliott accepted his new friends’ invitation to visit the small group that meets in our home and attend church. He told us that he wanted to be careful not to let his dad know what he was doing—and with whom. I didn’t see him for another week.
When I visited Norman at the restaurant days later, I quickly noticed he wasn’t the one cleaning tables. My first thought was, “Oh, no, Norman is gone and I’ll never see him again!” (That happens a lot with migrant workers here.) But then I got a better look at the guy—it was Elliott!
Elliott recognized me immediately, and his face lit up. We talked for a few minutes and then I asked, “Do you know what happened to the guy who worked here before you?” His response rocked my world.
“Norman is my dad!” Elliott replied. I felt in my spirit immediately that this was a sign that God was going on the attack (in the good sense of the word!) to rescue this entire family for Himself.
Elliott said he’d like to get together with me to study the Bible after work. Since he works 14 hour days, 7 days a week, it’s been difficult to meet with him regularly, but we’ve been able to connect from time to time.
Celebration!
The great news is that recently we threw a big celebration commemorating the independence day for Norman and Elliott’s home country. We decked out the place with their flag, music, and lots of photos of their homeland.
A good number of unbelievers attended, including Norman, who also brought one of his nephews! Norman was so impressed that at the end of the evening he gave a speech about how grateful he was that Americans would do this for his people.
But the best part is that we presented the good news that night. So far, I’ve seen no visible response, but Norman has remained friendly and warm each time I drop by his restaurant. Often after we the share good news people shut us off, so this is encouraging.
There are millions of migrants in this city, but God led me to Norman and Elliott. How amazing He is! I am excited to have joined Him in the work He is doing in this family.
*Names changed
Pray
Praise God for how He is leading Norman and his family to Himself; pray that He will orchestrate additional encounters in this city, providing many more opportunities for central Asian migrants to say yes! to Jesus.
God’s people’s prayers strengthen Alliance team members to live and serve around the globe, effectively reaching those from other cultures with the good news. Use our weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to join the worldwide Alliance family in praying for them.
Learn More
Read an article that further unpacks how prayer is assisting Alliance team members to share gospel truths with individuals from the North and Central Asia Region—where less than 1 percent of the population has heard about Jesus.