Osman began taking English three years ago at a COI that uses an Adventist school facility for its evening classes. Intrigued by what happened during the day in the school, he began begging his father, the son of a local imam, if he could attend school where his English classes met.
He’s 16 now and his dream came true when he was accepted this past fall at the school. Today he is thoroughly involved in all the campus activities–the Bible classes, the religious programs, the service opportunities. “At one point,” one of Osman’s teachers explains, “I felt I should connect with Osman’s father so that he would be aware of the spiritual nature of many of our activities. I wanted him to decide if Osman could participate or not.”
His father responded with unusual candor. “He is in a Christian school! I have no problem with him having his own Bible and studying it with you or being involved in your activities. Osman can choose what he wants to learn.”
Osman’s dream has created opportunities for his whole family. His brother and sister are attending the language school now, and his father spends several evenings a week at the school waiting for his family—and getting better acquainted with the world where his son is learning more about God.