(The following is a slightly edited copy of an email written by Beth Baleke.)
Early
morning, Sunday, July 25, as I heard the familiar Muslim call to
prayer, I once again began praying for this large religious group in
my nation. Following a great Lord’s Day worship, etc., I took a 10
minute walk to see a friend. As I started home, little kids
playing caught my attention. We smiled and waved to each other.
“If only I had carried Naigaga (my soft puppet)! Could I call home and ask for the puppet to be brought?” Then I realized I had not brought my phone. “Would I have time to get the puppet before our nightly curfew?” [due to COVID restrictions]
I hurried home, grabbed Naigaga, CrossTalks, and other literature and headed back. An elderly gentleman called the children back for me! More than a dozen came and loved meeting Naigaga as she introduced the evangelistic tract, CrossTalk. I then gave each a tract and used it to explain the Gospel step by step while most listened intently.
As I finished up, waved goodbye and started toward home, one of the mothers, with covered head and a baby, approached me with the words, “I want to get saved.” Somewhat taken aback, I replied, “Why? Who are you?” (I later reflected if our Lord Jesus would have responded this way!) “My name is Mariam. I was a Muslim but I want to get saved. We just lost my sister’s child! When the child was in so much pain, whenever she heard Christian music it would soothe her. We played Christian music for her until the sick child asked us permission if she could follow Jesus. We gave our permission and the child died. Now with all my problems, I also need Jesus.”
I asked her, “How many children do you have?” She answered, “Four, here is the eldest, Helen.” She introduced two others and the baby in her arms. I responded, “Where is the father of the children?” Her face fell, “This is part of my problem. He was a soldier and left me a year ago. Now I cannot even reach him by phone. I was working in the market but now under lock-down we are all suffering.”
I briefly explained the Gospel and she prayed to trust Christ! Helen, about 16 years, also trusted Christ as Saviour as her mother encouraged her. After praying for them, I asked “Do you have a Bible?” Mariam answered, “No.” “If I can get you a Bible, what language?” “English.” “I will get you one." "When?" "Today.” She looked surprised.
I dashed back and retrieved a Bible, Scripture Union devotional book and food! Mariam was so excited to get the Bible she could hardly put it down! She started reading it immediately. She and the children also skipped for joy seeing the food.
The Lord is AWESOME. I am rejuvenated. I am so thankful to our great God and His Holy Spirit’s prompting. God is merciful and helped me overcome my being weary from walking! Pray as I do follow-up with Miriam and her family. Pray others may come to Christ even during our continuing COVID lock-down.
