Sanam squeezes between tables in the crowded café. He serves tea to groups of men as they banter over politics, religion, and small-town gossip.

A couple of years back, when his young wife nearly destroyed their entire house, Sanam was the topic of the small-town gossip.

But customers have stopped talking about that. Now they comment on Sanam’s ability to remember their orders—every single time. Sanam has no need to write anything down. The regulars at the café know that, as soon as they’re seated, the young waiter will get their orders started.

What they love most about Sanam is his humor, kindness, and compassion—and his natural way of connecting with people.

Customers and coworkers have been deeply touched by Sanam’s words. Many of them have pulled him aside to ask why he’s so different and where his hope comes from.

His answer is Jesus Christ.

Sanam came to know the Lord quite literally through a fiery trial. His wife, who suffered from a mental illness, set their house on fire while Sanam was at work.

After the incident, everyone advised Sanam to divorce his wife.

But then he met a follower of Jesus at the café. The believer invited Sanam to start reading the Word with him. Sanam agreed, and in their Bible studies, he read about divorce and God’s plans for husbands and wives.

After some time, Sanam believed in Jesus and committed to trust the Lord with his marriage.

Sanam has continued studying the Bible with his friend. He has also connected with Frontiers team members who encourage him in his faith and equip him as a bold witness. Today Sanam models faithfulness in his walk with the Lord. He’s grown in his love and care for his family, especially for his wife.

“We have spent a lot of time with Sanam and his family,” says Andre, one of the workers on the Frontiers team. “Even though he faces persecution in his community, Sanam still shares his faith boldly.”

As Sanam shows compassion and proclaims the Good News, God is using his witness to bring Muslims to Jesus Christ.

• Praise God for Sanam’s faithfulness and boldness in sharing the Gospel in his community.
• Ask the Lord to heal Sanam’s wife, strengthen their marriage, and protect them from temptation and strife.
• Pray for Muslim-background believers like Sanam to continue sharing Christ with winsome compassion and joy.

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

Main photo by Rumman Amin

Original article: https://frontiersusa.org/blog/fiery-trial-of-marriage