Ethiopia: This Is My Story

I love a good story, don’t you? I think you’ll love this amazing testimony.

Sitting in the tiny room, my friend translated as a she spoke. Putting a face to the name of the woman I had been praying for instantly turned this stranger into a friend. I sat in eager anticipation of her story.

We sat knee to knee as she began to speak. The most zealous of her Muslim family, she grew up dedicated to it’s principles. She rejoiced when she learned of the tragedy of 9/ll. Saddaam Hussiem was her hero and  her dream was to become a suicide bomber. I tried hard not to let my mouth in disbelief and shock of what I heard.

When her much less religious brother came home one day and invited her to come to  church, she wasn’t just surprised, she was angry. How could her brother betray her religion like this? She refused to go. Relentless in his asking, her curiosity grew. Then one day she went. It was nothing like she expected, and certainly went against everything she had been taught to believe.

Yet the love of the people drew her like nothing she had ever experienced. She continued to visit. Several months later, unable to deny the power of love and the truth of gospel message, she surrender her life to Christ. Slowly, despite the rejection by neighbors and friends, her whole family became believers.

There was much more she wanted to say, but time didn’t permit. I wanted to hear more from this beautiful Ethiopian woman who radiated love, joy and peace.

My new friend was so happy to share the story of her love for Jesus, much like my kindergartner, Leah does. Recently she came to my desk and asked me how to spell the word ” story”.  A few minutes later, tears sprang to my eyes as she showed me her writing. “This is my story. I love Jesus!”

I pray that Leah will continue to share her story. I wonder where her love for Jesus will take her someday. Perhaps we will serve together in Ethiopia, like I am privileged to do this year with five former students!  You can read Ali’s story by clicking here.

What’s your story?