Ahmet* had seen The Jesus Film maybe a dozen times—but everything changed the night he watched it with Resonate Global Mission missionary Daniel*.
Born into a predominantly Muslim country in Asia, Ahmet grew up knowing Jesus as a prophet. But he felt restless, uncertain, and unsatisfied with life and his faith. Knowing that Christians believed Jesus was God, he became curious about who Jesus really was. When an opportunity arose to watch The Jesus Film the first time, he did—and was fascinated.
“He found that Jesus has real love for all humans,” said Daniel. “He was thirsty in his mind for Jesus.”
After that first experience, Ahmet watched The Jesus Film several more times. When he learned that Daniel's church was hosting an in-person screening, he eagerly attended.
Through Resonate, the Christian Reformed Church in North America sends missionaries such as Daniel to countries around the world to spread the gospel to people who are searching for Jesus. Daniel struck up a conversation with Ahmet and discovered he was eager to learn more about Jesus and Christianity. While Ahmet had watched the movie many times, this was his first time in a church building, and he had never opened a copy of the Bible.
Daniel asked Ahmet if he wanted to learn what the Bible said about Jesus. With Ahmet’s religious background, he had a lot of questions to grapple with: Was Jesus really God? What is the Trinity?
Through prayer and reading Scripture, Daniel explored those questions with him. For a time, they focused especially on Genesis. Then Daniel encouraged Ahmet to read through the entire New Testament.
As time passed and Ahmet learned more about Jesus and Christianity, he became confident that Jesus was “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and told Daniel that he wanted to be baptized.
That’s when the spiritual attacks hit.
“A variety of challenges began to distract him from reading the Bible, including credit card fraud, a severe flu, and emotional spiritual attacks that he had never experienced before,” shared Daniel.
Daniel was able to walk alongside Ahmet as he navigated this rocky path. Daniel supported him through checking in, praying with him, and encouraging him. With Daniel by his side, Ahmet experienced God’s protection and guidance. When he was baptized, he shared a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness.
The denomination’s support is critical as missionaries not only share the gospel with seekers and guide them as they come to faith in Christ, but continue to disciple them on their faith journey.
Daniel continues to meet with Ahmet. He is encouraging him to continue growing in his relationship with Jesus and to also share the gospel with his family, friends, and neighbors.
“I always emphasize that we are built together as a body of Christ, so we need to help each other grow together. Now I am encouraging him to become a channel for others to meet God,” said Daniel. “Will you please pray for the Holy Spirit to continue working in and through Ahmet?”
*Names changed for security.
