Do you remember the first time you heard the Gospel? August 1st, 2005
We recently heard about a North African woman who responded to Christ as a result of watching Christian programs on Satellite TV – it was the first time she heard about Jesus.
God’s hand was already moving in her life, and had been for many years. With a seeking heart, she joined a group of pious Muslims who met regularly to talk about God, interact with “holy” men, and try and follow the example of their leaders who were living “holy” lives. She was in this group for over 10 years and never found the peace she was searching for - until she heard the message on TV. When she heard about one mediator - Jesus Christ - who could be trusted and followed, it clicked and answered her search. She immediately accepted Him.
Her clear acceptance was followed by a strong desire to be baptized. There are a few churches in North Africa, but they are only for foreigners - North Africans are not allowed by the government to attend. Regardless, she went to a Catholic church in the area and asked one of the nuns to baptize her. But the nun refused saying the king forbade it. She responded, "He is the King of my country - but not my heart!"
She persevered for two years , faithfully believing in Jesus in secret, and continued watching Christian TV programs. If her family discovered her new belief, they would consider her a traitor and disown her.
At an open market she found a Gospel of Matthew among a pile of books. She bought it and found insight in the story of the woman in Matthew 15:26-28. This woman sought healing for her daughter, but when Jesus refused because she was not a Jew, she boldly asserted that even beggar’s dogs get crumbs of bread from their master’s table. Jesus, impressed with her faith, healed her daughter. This interaction gave the North African woman assurance that Jesus was going to take care of her. Even though she’s considered like a dog by everyone she knows, Jesus accepts her.
As she was watching our TV program later on, she saw a local cell phone number come up on the screen. She called and was encouraged to hear a member of our North African staff share about His faith in Christ. After a long conversation they set up a visit. Together with his wife our staff member went to her town to personally deliver the Bible to her.
You can imagine her joy to be fellowshipping with another Christian lady and as they talked, she once again brought up the desire to be baptized. Two years after she accepted Jesus and was turned away by the nun, the time and place was arranged. She will finally join brothers and sisters in Christ in a small underground church to be baptized!
This woman stands in firm faith that God will not forget her, as crumbs from her master’s table will sustain her. Stories like this again show North Africans are watching/listening/using media with hearts God prepares to hear and respond. The Church has the privilege of baptizing another one of their own - what a joyful day it will be in heaven!