Iraq: One Missionary's Impact
Our partnered ministry in the Middle East recently shared the powerful testimony of a missionary named Abdullah: “My name is Abdullah, and I was raised in a devout Muslim family. My grandfather was an imam at a mosque, and from the age of five or six, I attended religious school to be trained as an imam and preacher. At fourteen, I joined the Muslim Brotherhood, I managed to travel to Baghdad, take the exam, and receive my official license. However, during my philosophical studies, I wrestled with questions about Islam and came to a point where I could no longer lie to myself or others. Though I still believed in God, I left Islam behind. Ten years passed, and I grew more skeptical, challenging anyone to prove God’s existence. That’s when missionary Samir reached out to me. He wrote, ‘I know the true God. I’ve seen and spoken with Him. If you want to see and speak with Him, I will help you.’ When we spoke, he shared Christ with a clarity and beauty I had never encountered.
Though I resisted, clinging to what I had been taught—that the Gospel was corrupted—I couldn’t deny the truth and logic in his words. For three years, I listened to missionary Samir without telling him where I stood. I told myself, ‘If he’s sincere, he won’t give up.’ And he didn’t. Then one night, I had a powerful dream. The world was ending, and people were fleeing to the mountains. I saw three groups: atheists, religious people, and one led by Pastor Samir, who stood laughing, unafraid. I asked why he had no fear, and angels appeared, telling me, ‘Go to Samir, for Christ will call him soon, and you will go with him.’ I then saw Christ descend from heaven and say to me, ‘Well done, because I love Samir. Listen to him about Me.’ From that moment, I believed—but I kept it to myself. Six months later, missionary Samir and I prayed the salvation prayer together. Now, a year and a half into my walk with Christ, I no longer live in fear. My life is filled with joy, hope, and purpose. I am determined to preach Christ and reach as many as I can!”
After being discipled and completing missionary training, Abdullah began boldly evangelizing in his home country—sharing the Gospel with officers, leaders, and elders. Many opened their hearts and accepted Christ. In just two months, he distributed 60 Bibles. Currently, brother Abdullah works as a school bus driver to support his family, but he is out of work during the summer due to low demand. Despite the economic challenges he faces, he lives a modest life and remains committed to the mission. His dream is to serve the Lord full-time and expand his ministry to neighboring regions and countries.
Please prayerfully consider supporting Brother Abdullah as he continues to serve God’s kingdom and reach those around him in his home country.