The day started like any other. I got up and went for a run. Then I picked up a few groceries at the store. When I returned to my house, I received a phone call from a fellow Frontiers teammate who’d heard sirens and explosions from her home. I encouraged her to stay calm, thinking the attack was likely over. A few hours later, sirens blared in my neighborhood.  

Without a word, my wife Courtney and I herded our children away from the windows and toward the center of the house. My wife looked as uncertain about the situation as I felt.

As the sirens continued throughout the morning, our concerns grew. Courtney and I did our best to remain calm for the kids, who were confused why they couldn’t go outside. Praying and singing worship songs helped us focus on Jesus despite the noise and uncertainty that surrounded us.

When the sirens finally ended and remained off, we made several phone calls to check on our local friends and teammates. Thankfully, everyone we knew was safe.

However, the quiet didn’t last. The afternoon brought more explosions, followed by more worry, prayer, and checking in with others. In the scariest moments, panic and fear threatened to overwhelm us. But as we reminded ourselves that the Lord was in control, peace and contentment soon prevailed.

The next day dawned like normal. Several children in the neighborhood came over to play with our kids, and we worked on ministry projects. While it seemed like all was well, the news reported otherwise.

The chaos had grown quiet, but the situation remained unstable. The violence wasn’t over. No one knew when it would end.

Throughout the day, emails from friends and family overseas who had heard about the conflict poured in. They offered prayers and encouragement, and a few asked if we should stay in the area. I soon began wondering the same thing.

Perhaps it would be safer for my family to go to a neighboring country away from the explosive violence. Courtney and I talked about it and spent time together in prayer. Later, we gathered with our team and prayed for direction, clarity, and safety for those who decided to stay in our city.

As our impromptu prayer meeting closed, I sighed. “I still don’t know what to do. Courtney and I both want to continue ministering to Muslims and sharing the Gospel, but is it wise to remain here? What if something happens to one of the kids?”

One of our other teammates nodded. “I understand. It’s a difficult decision. Just because my family is going to stay doesn’t mean that’s what God wants for you. Keep praying. The Lord will make your path clear.”

Later that evening, a rocket struck a building very close to our home. We decided to leave.

We fled the following morning, crossing the border without any issues. Some long-time family friends greeted us warmly and offered us a place to stay for a couple days. Beyond that, we didn’t have a plan.

Over the next several days, news began trickling in from our host country. The extent of the violence came into focus. Our region was at war.

I should’ve felt relief that we were no longer in danger. Instead, I worried about our Muslim neighbors and teammates. I missed them, and I missed our home.

One night, Courtney set her Bible on the bedside table and turned toward me. “I’ve been reading about Abraham. He was so faithful, so willing to do whatever the Lord asked of him.”

The next morning, her words replayed in my mind as I continued my own study in Romans and came upon a passage focused on Abraham. As I read the chapter, I was encouraged by how he’d trusted God to provide a son in his old age, standing firm in his belief that God was able to accomplish all that He’d promised.

Eventually, I turned back to Genesis and read the story of Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son Issac. As I did, I couldn’t help but think of my own children. Their safety is so important to me, but no matter where we live or what precautions I take, I can’t control their futures.

As a father, the best thing I can do is trust the Lord and go where He leads. His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I must follow Him no matter the risk.

When I shared my thoughts with Courtney, we both sensed the Lord telling us to return to our host city. We didn’t know how long the conflict would last, but we knew that’s where God had called us.

Within a few days, we again crossed the border, committed to following the Lord wherever He might lead us.

Though circumstances in our city are largely unchanged and uncertainty sometimes plagues us, we are clinging to Christ and the peace that He alone offers. We are thankful to be reconnecting with old friends over meals while sharing the story of our journey and the faithfulness of our God.

Despite the dangers, God called us here for a purpose—to tell everyone we can about the eternal hope found only in Jesus. That message is needed, and Muslims are listening—perhaps now more than ever.

Pray:

• Lift up Frontiers field workers who live and minister in dangerous places. Ask God to protect them and their families as they share the Gospel.
• Pray for physical and spiritual peace across the Muslim world.
• Praise God for the wonderful way He uses times of great difficulty to bring the hope of Christ to the least-reached peoples.

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

Main photo on iStock

Original article: https://frontiersusa.org/blog/he-leads/