As the new year begins, Communitas International continues to see God at work around the world. We love introducing people to Jesus and taking shalom, the peace of God, into the world through ministering in service and justice issues. We also seek to make disciples who make disciples, multiplying the effect that the body of Christ can have in God’s kingdom.
If you go to an established church in the United States, sometimes (not all the time, but sometimes) you can get stuck in a “holy bubble” and focus so much inward that outward focus is forgotten. Just a couple weeks ago, in January, we received the story of how certain refugee Christians in Scotland have been so affected by the gospel in their lives, they can’t help but share it with others.
This is a story about Babak and Behzad who are brothers (names have been changed for safety and security reasons). Babak gave his life to Christ in one of our Communitas churches in Scotland about two years ago. He has been praying for his younger brother Behzad, back in his homeland, and sharing about Jesus with him by way of a protected phone app, despite the dangers and hazards he knows can ensue if they are found out. One month ago, he led his brother Behzad to Christ by way of the same phone app. Excited to grow in his new faith, Behzad got involved in an illegal house church in his home country that was then raided by the secret Mosque police. Behzad had to flee the country very suddenly, but fortunately ended up in London. Knowing his brother was in London, Babak was able to help Behzad get to Glasgow to join him. They are now going to the same Communitas church today, where Babak helps with translation. Both brothers are overjoyed by their reunion and how God has orchestrated their new brotherhood in Christ.
In a similar fashion, Ahmad and Farid were childhood friends, growing up together in the same city in their homeland. Ahmad met Christ in the same Communitas church in Scotland about two years ago as well. He had been witnessing to his lifelong friend, Farid, by the same phone app as Babak and Behzad, and eventually Ahmad led Farid to Christ over the phone app about two months ago. Farid, similarly, got involved in an illegal house church in his home country and the church was also raided by the secret Mosque police. Like Behzad, Farid had to flee his country of origin. Four weeks ago, Ahmad got a proper phone call from Farid, telling him that he was in Scotland. They have been attending church together for the past few weeks. Again, a story of courage and love as the good news of Jesus Christ is spread throughout the world. God desires His creation to come to know Him and join His family.
Let “courage” be our word for 2024, knowing God is with us and before us as we step out of our comfort zones in evangelism and service to Christ. For Babak and Ahmad, they were courageous enough to use the private phone app to lead their family and friends to Christ. For Behzad and Farid, they saw the value of the good news and joined an illegal house church, knowing the risk, and eventually had to leave their homeland because of that decision. They knew Christ was true and worth the danger they encountered. May we all be just as courageous in our own lives, especially when many of us don’t encounter that level of persecution.
