Malik is a teenager from a poor Muslim community. He’s an average boy who likes to play soccer with his friends. In a few more years, he’ll be old enough to look for a job and start thinking about marriage.
Most people in Malik’s neighborhood don’t know their exact birthdate. Instead, they refer to major events—like new presidencies or failed crops—that took place the year they were born.
But Malik’s birthday falls on a memorable date. On that day, across the ocean from his hometown, almost three thousand people were killed in a terrorist strike.
For many Americans, September 11th changed our world. Our lives have not been the same since. This is also true for people living in other countries who have been impacted and hurt by terrorism.
Reports suggest that from 2001 to 2015, 75% of all terrorism-related deaths took place in Muslim-majority countries.
Throughout the Muslim world, families like Malik’s face the realities of terrorism every day. They go about their routines, riding an undercurrent of fear and wondering who will be caught in the next attack.
But God’s Word reminds us that we needn’t live in fear. The Lord is our help and salvation (Psalm 27:1). He delivers us from all our fears (Psalm 34:3).
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3)
Christ gave us His wonderful promise that no matter what may happen, He is always with us, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). We have His peace and freedom, no matter what evils we face.
This is good news for those who are afraid. It doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen. But when they do, Jesus is our refuge—our strength and salvation.
Malik didn’t choose to come into the world the same day that thousands of innocent Americans died. He didn’t choose to be born in a Muslim country where he and his family face high risks of terrorism, often at the hands of fellow Muslims.
But the Good News is that Jesus Christ chose to lay down His life for us. And as His followers, we can choose to trust Him with our lives—and help bring this same Good News to Muslims like Malik and his family.
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**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names and places have been changed for security.**
Original article: https://www.frontiersusa.org/blog/article/the-day-malik-was-born
