Irina was new to the neighborhood where Frontiers workers Vance and Kelly lived.

She and her family came from a village several hours away, but they knew no one in the city. As an illiterate village woman, Irina was shy, lonely, and insecure. Like other women in her society, she didn’t go out in public often, and she felt uncomfortable venturing out of the home in search of friendship.

After several weeks of wondering about the new neighbors, Kelly plucked up her courage and knocked on their door.

Irina cracked it open and peered at the foreigner smiling on her doorstep. She felt suspicious. But she was also desperate for a friend, so she invited Kelly in.

At the end of the visit, Irina hugged Kelly and said, “You are my only friend here.”

A few visits later, Kelly invited Irina to study the Word of God with her. They have since completed all eighteen Bible study lessons—from creation to Christ. And Irina is growing in obedience to Jesus Christ.

“Irina may be illiterate and insecure,” Kelly says, “but she’s also eager and open—more so than anyone else we know here.”

But starting a movement to Jesus Christ in this Muslim people group means reaching beyond Irina.

“We want to bring Irina’s whole family into this,” Kelly says. “As a woman in this culture, Irina has little influence. It’s unlikely that the men in her life would listen to her on spiritual matters.”

Vance adds, “We want to help her introduce Jesus Christ to her family in such a way that the men say, ‘Tell us more!’”

• Pray for Vance and Kelly as they help Irina discover the hope of Christ and share it with her family.
• Pray that the Word of Christ would dwell richly in Irina, producing fruits of wisdom, worship, and thankfulness (Colossians 3:16).
• Pray for the Gospel to spread through family networks, drawing many to Christ.

**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names have been changed for security.**

Original article: https://www.frontiersusa.org/blog/article/reaching-beyond-one