A Story of Faith and Persecution in Africa (pt 1-4)

part 1

The Word of God is a lion that simply needs to be let out of the cage. Take the leash off and turn it loose.

This is part 1 of a current story of the faith and persecution of a Muslim-background believer in Africa. Some of our missionary partners handed Amir a copy of the New Testament during a language learning class last year, and the Holy Spirit has turned his life upside down.

This part of Amir’s story covers his initial conversion from Islam to Christianity, the power of God’s Word in transforming his life, and the faith the Holy Spirit used to carry him through physical persecution.

“I cannot reject the hope that I’ve found in Jesus Christ. When I die, I’ll die with the name of Jesus on my lips.” – Amir

References

• Romans 1
• Greg’s blog and story

P.S. If you liked this episode, we’d love to hear your feedback! Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify and help us get the content out to help others grow in their faith and mission to equip the Church.

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part 2

This is Part 2 of Amir’s story of salvation, discipleship, persecution, and God’s faithfulness in Africa.

The Gospel spreads through the work of church planting. Amir simply responded to God’s leading and people’s questions, and the church began to multiply. News of his miraculous rescue spread throughout the city.

People continued having similar dreams, being urged to “see the words of Jesus.” After four months, there were about fifty people meeting regularly in small groups and growing into churches. This evangelistic movement was driven by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

The Great Commission guides us to plant the church. Raise up pastors, leaders, deacons, and others to serve a people group so that the Gospel spreads through the work of church planting.

When people see the evidence of Christ’s power in the lives of believers, then people will respond to the message of the Gospel. Persecution will inevitably increase, and the Church will multiply. It is critical to lay a doctrinal foundation for new believers in church planting and missions.

Resources

1. 1 Peter 3:13
2. Acts 8:1-8, 11:19

P.S. If you liked this episode, we’d love to hear your feedback! Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify and help us get the content out to help others grow in their faith and mission to equip the Church.

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part 3

This is Part 3 of Amir’s story. Brody and Bobby cover his capture, physical persecution, rescue, and finish with a prayer request regarding his current situation.

In the past twelve months, the Lord has greatly used Amir’s influence and raw obedience to spread the Gospel and grow the Church in their area of Africa. The church in this Africa city crossed people group lines within the first six months!

With great persecution comes the quick spread of Gospel truth. And, more persecution usually follows. Amir has refused offers of wealth and safety by his family to return to Islam because the Holy Spirit has so utterly confirmed the truths of Christ in His heart. But, he’s had a rough eighteen months. His mother died of sickness last year and his brother was later murdered after choosing to follow Jesus.

In the midst of it all, the Church began to grow. Multiple groups of Christ-followers began to arise within the city. His purpose right now is to raise up new leaders and equip the church to continue in the faith, regardless of what the future holds.
Pray for him to walk in the faith, boldness, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the next several months. Hold the line for him!

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” – Tertullian

“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (Hebrews 10:39)

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part 4

Less than two years ago, there was no Gospel movement among this Muslim people group in Sub-Sahara Africa. Now, there are well over 100 Christians gathering in fellowship, teaching, discipleship, and worship.

This episode from Brody and a missionary partner summarizes Amir’s last couple of months. He’s been in hiding, praying about fleeing the country.

Amir was desperately trying to discern:

1. Should his path lead to martyrdom?
2. Or, did the Lord want his path to continue making disciples and planting churches?

Amir is from an exclusively Muslim tribe and his safety has constantly been in danger. However, his father has recently died from health complications and he’s been able to visit and encourage believers with a little more safety.

Resources & references

Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission)