Pots and pans cluttered the stovetop, and a variety of delicious scents filled the air as my friend Leila and I worked together to prepare the iftar meal. She looked forward to breaking her Ramadan fast in traditional North African style, and I hoped for a chance to talk with her about spiritual things.
I stirred the tomato-based soup as Leila alternated between frying savory brik and watching my children bounce around in the living room.
She laughed when my daughter did a somersault. “They are ready to eat.”
“Yes,” I agreed. The tray of traditional sweets awaiting them probably had something to do with their giddiness. “But they’re also excited for this weekend.”
Leila tilted her head. “What is happening this weekend?”
Both of my children burst into the kitchen. “It’s Easter!”
As quickly as they’d entered, they left, leaving Leila with a confused look. It faded slowly. “Ah, yes. The rabbit, right?”
“Actually, we celebrate the Lamb.” I did my best to explain the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a way Leila could understand.
I’d told Leila about Christ months ago, and she’d made her disinterest clear. But she didn’t change the subject this time.
Instead, she began asking questions.
Leila was so focused and interested that we talked about Jesus all through the preparations and meal. We were still talking about Jesus’ resurrection when we returned to the kitchen to clean the dishes.
As she dried a plate, she shook her head. “What a surprise it would be to find the tomb empty.”
I could hardly control my smile. “The best kind of surprise. The kind that leads to salvation. Freedom. Hope.”
Leila paused in her work. “I think I would like to read this story myself.”
I nearly dropped a bowl in surprise. “I can get you a copy of the book that has this story and many others too.”
“That would be wonderful.”
The next time I saw Leila, I presented her with a beautiful copy of the Injil.
Her eyes shined bright with joy, as if she understood the priceless treasure she held. “Thank you so much. Can you show me where the story we talked about is?”
I thumbed my way to the correct passage, then shared a few questions Leila could ask herself as she read it.
Although Leila has not yet agreed to study the Injil together, I am celebrating her new openness to the Word. That can only be the work of the Father. I pray that as she reads the Bible she will see Jesus for who He really is and follow Him.
What a celebration in heaven that will be!
Pray:
- Praise God for using the spiritual focus of Ramadan to give workers more opportunities to speak about Jesus.
- Ask God to continue softening the hearts of Muslim men and women like Leila.
- Pray that Muslims everywhere will have a desire to read God’s Word and that they will discover that Jesus is the only Way to the Father.
**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names have been changed for security.**
Main photo on iStock
Original article: https://frontiersusa.org/blog/unexpected-celebration/