Most labor and delivery coaches focus on a pregnant mother’s physical and emotional well-being, but as a Frontiers worker serving a Muslim community, I also focus on my patient’s spiritual health. Discussions about life and faith often forge deep connections, but none has been greater than my friendship with Asiyah.
A new Muslim-background believer, Asiyah was eager to talk about Jesus with another follower of Christ. Her husband and family had made it clear that they didn’t want to hear anything about Him.
One day, as we were practicing breathing techniques, she abruptly stopped the exercise.
“I’m sorry. I can’t relax.” Asiyah’s palm spread protectively over her rounded belly. “What if my husband won’t let me teach our child about Jesus? Samudra already threw away the Bible you gave me.” Tears filled her eyes. “I don’t know what to do.”
Placing my hand on top of hers, I said, “We can ask God to work in Samudra’s heart.”
After praying together for several minutes, I promised I’d continue on my own and encouraged her to do the same.
When Asiyah went into labor weeks later, I met her husband face-to-face. Samudra’s greeting was cold, his words clipped. Still, I welcomed him into the experience, showing him how to support his wife and help her breathe through the pain.
The hours passed, and Samudra slowly softened toward me, even laughing at a joke I made. Finally, it was time for Asiyah to start pushing. In this culture, men usually aren’t in the room for the birth, so Samudra hurried toward the door.
“Please stay,” I said. “Asiyah needs you.”
Samudra looked confused.
“You won’t want to miss this,” I promised.
He paused at the door, then walked back to his wife. Holding her hand, he stayed by her side. An hour later, he cradled a healthy baby boy in his arms.
As I watched this beautiful family in their first moments together, I prayed that they would be united in Christ as well.
Several days later, I called to check up on Asiyah.
“My friend, it’s a miracle! Samudra wants to meet your family. I think he will hear about Jesus.”
“Really?” I was stunned but invited them to dinner the next day.
I’m grateful for Samudra’s change of heart, and I continue to pray that one day soon he’ll open it to Christ. I can’t wait to see how God continues growing this family.
Pray:
- Pray for Muslim men like Samudra to hear and believe the Good News of salvation through Christ and lead their families closer to Him.
- Ask God to give Frontiers field workers more opportunities to share the Gospel through their vocations.
- Praise God for the wonderful work He is doing in the Muslim world!
**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names and places have been changed for security.**
Main photo on iStock: Pornpimon Rodchua
Original article: https://frontiersusa.org/blog/growing-family/