An example of why we should never stop praying for our persecutors
Youssouf* (29) is from a country in the Sahel. He grew up in a Muslim home and as a young adult went to
Sudan to study Islamic Law until 2015. After that, he devoted his life to teaching the Qur’an to children. He was a respected Muslim cleric, and Youssouf took pride in the fact that he had read the Quran cover to cover several times.
In 2017 his dedication went a step further: he joined a rebel group and went to fight in
Libya. Early last year his group prepared for an attack. It was an opportunity for Youssouf to another score. “There was a church in the area...I was determined to destroy that church.”
But God had different plans. Just a few days before the planned attack, Youssouf had a strange dream. “Until today, I do not understand how it happened. I had set up all strategies and even communicated our plans with two of my collaborators before going to bed. As usual, there were two guards in front of my tent. I fell asleep and, in my dreams, saw a man with a golden crown that shone very brightly. The person called out to me. ‘
Youssouf, Youssouf, go and meet the Christians, go back home and become a Christian’.
“But I was convinced that the person was mistaken. ‘Are you in sound mind?’ I asked him. ‘Do you know who I am? Me, become a Christian?! I will never become a Christian!’ We spoke at length in my dream, but I can’t remember everything we said.”
Youssouf woke up a changed man. He immediately resigned. “I dared not tell them the real reason for my resignation. They accused me of becoming a traitor and severely beat me.”
The next day, Youssouf started his return journey home. Helped by a friend, he spent 10 days on the road. His friend gave him two
boubous (a long, colorful, loose-fitting garment worn by men and women) and a blanket. From there, Youssouf took public transportation home. He had no money with which to pay, so gave the driver his only earthly possessions – the boubous and blanket. The former respected Muslim scholar and “freedom fighter” now had nothing but the clothes on his back.
He went straight to a church compound where an elder connected him with an Arabic speaking Christian who answered Youssouf’s myriad of questions. That same day, he committed his life to
Isa al-Masih – Jesus Christ. “What the Bible says about love – loving your neighbor – is really great, especially as put in 1 John 4:20. Previously, I thought I loved God, but it is through this verse that I have discovered God’s true face.”
No one in his family was aware of his return home, or his conversion. After a few months Youssouf called his father to let him know he was home. His father quizzed him about his reasons for returning, seemingly unimpressed. Youssouf asked him what he would think of a family member becoming a Christian. His father didn’t want anything to do with that. For now, Youssef has decided to not break the news of his conversion just yet. “All I want, is to know God and His Word and to strengthen my faith. Jesus is the way that leads to life. I have found the life and I have decided to follow Him.”
Thank the Lord for saving Youssouf and for making a way for him to be discipled. Please pray for the Lord’s protection over Youssouf and for him to become well-grounded in the faith as he prepares for baptism. Pray that the Lord will give Youssouf wisdom about when to reveal his faith to his family, and already prepare the way for him. Pray for the wisdom, courage and financial resources for Youssef’s disciplers so that they will be able to continue their integrated care to him.
*Name changed for security reasons.
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