I sat on the floor of the bare room with Aida, the mother of my friend Reema, a Muslim-background believer. As we chatted together, our conversation turned to the coronavirus. “It’s in God’s hands,” Aida said with resignation. “He will do what He wants.” But then she brightened, as if […]
First Day of First Grade in a Muslim School
Her backpack loaded with new school supplies, my daughter and I marched off to her first-grade orientation at the local school in our Muslim neighborhood. As we entered the building, all the teachers and staff members clapped to welcome her. We toured her classroom and met her teacher. In so […]
Pray for Beirut, Lebanon
As we’ve watched footage of the massive explosion that happened in Beirut, Lebanon, at the beginning of August, our hearts have grieved for a country that was already overwhelmed by crisis. The blast was caused by a fire at the city’s port in a warehouse where ammonium nitrate was being […]
Pity Parties and Growing Pains in a New Culture
My first months on the field have been full of awkward moments and growing pains as I learn to navigate life in a new culture. Neighbors and local friends are incredibly patient with me. I’ve worked hard at the language, and on my best days, I can understand about half […]
Imams, Biryani, and the Goodness of the Gospel
Carefully pushing aside one of the piles of notebook paper on our kitchen table, my husband quietly set down a platter of steaming biryani from a nearby restaurant. My mouth watered as I smelled the local dish of masala- and cinnamon-infused rice and meat. But my friend Sohaila paid no […]
Finding the Bread of Life in the Company of Cows
Syed is part of a growing network of Muslim-background followers of Jesus. Equipped and encouraged by a team of Frontiers workers, he and his fellow believers are passionate evangelists. One day while passing through a Muslim neighborhood, Syed noticed a few cows resting by the road. In the midst of […]
Generosity and Business Loss in a Time of Crisis
The year 2020 was to be the best yet for our travel business on the field. We had already hired new employees and trained others to become managers. Then came the pandemic, and our plans for the business went south. Every day brought another postposed event or canceled trip. Suddenly […]
The Power of Christ in a Timid Heart
My Muslim-background friend, Sameen, was recently baptized into new life in Christ. She’s a bit timid and doesn’t feel comfortable praying out loud or with groups of people. But one thing Sameen isn’t afraid of is telling others about Jesus. As my teammates and I have encouraged her, she’s grown […]
He Sets the Lonely in Families
During this past season on the field, my loneliness has felt amplified. My team went through a major transition, and two of my closest friends moved away from the field. In addition, global crises and increasing political tensions in the region have made everything feel heavy and uncertain. So much […]
Social Media and Joyful Confessions
Ramzi had been a strict follower of Islam his entire life. He was a respected Islamic leader in his conservative Muslim community and taught the Quran at the local mosque. But Ramzi had questions about his faith. And he wasn’t alone in his doubts. Ramzi’s friend Ilyas had also been […]