Abdul, the Imam Who Wanted to Be a Pastor

<p class="chapter-lead">“I want to care for God’s people and spread His gospel everywhere. I don’t care what it costs me.”</p>

Since he was a child, Abdul had wanted to be an imam, an Islamic leader. And it wasn’t because he was looking for power or prestige. He longed to know God intimately. Abdul was convinced that as an Islamic leader, he would feel close to God. But much to his disappointment, being an imam didn’t help. He still felt far from God.

So, despite his position, Abdul began looking for God outside Islam. As part of this quest, he found a media outreach website, downloaded a Bible and began watching videos about Jesus. The Lord also brought a local believer into his life to help him understand what he was reading and watching.

Can an Arab Be a Christian?

Before he met this man, Abdul was convinced that someone couldn't be an Arab and a Christian. But now he knew someone who was both. Between what he found online and what he discovered through face-to-face discipleship, his life was turned upside down. He decided he wanted to follow Jesus.

Then Abdul connected with the pastor of a local church who continued to disciple him and even began training him to become a pastor. Abdul told him, “I want to care for God’s people and spread His gospel everywhere. I don’t care what it costs me.”

Disciples Making Disciples

When we send missionaries to places like Abdul’s community, we witness the power of the Holy Spirit again and again. God sends dreams and visions, leads seekers to online media and connects them with those who can explain what they learn. Then they share it with others. More people are hearing the good news and becoming leaders who continue making disciples of the nations.

But Isn’t the Bible Free Online?

In some places, the first step in this kind of strategy is a big one: painstakingly translating Scripture into a new language. But what if the Bible has already been translated? Multiple versions of the Bible and Christian materials in the Arabic language have been available online for many years.

The problem is that many are not aware of the resources that can be theirs with just a few clicks. Some also need help finding a safe and secure way to access them. The same social media marketing efforts that help us all find things we need or want are being used to help people receptive to the gospel learn about Jesus, grow in their understanding, and connect with believers who can disciple them personally. These efforts rest on the support of partners who value this kind of ministry. And many more are praying. Everyone is needed. Thank you for being part of the team.