A woman in the MENA region discovers faith through a trusted relationship, leading to personal healing, restored marriage, and her husband’s growing openness to God.
Amal* first heard the music in her dentist’s office. Barely audible, almost an afterthought in the background, it would have been easy to ignore, but there was something about it that drew her in.
“What is that music?” she asked.
The dentist brushed off the question. As a Christian, part of a small community in this location, he didn’t want to invite difficulty or get Amal into trouble. However, when she showed up for her next visit, handing him a thumbdrive with the request, “Please, I want that music.” He happily complied.
At home, she listened and was moved by a message that was both attractive and unfamiliar. Curious to know more, Amal went back to the dentist and told him she wanted to attend his church. He hesitated—surprised, cautious—but he welcomed her. Amal obtained a Bible and as she eagerly read it, something in her slowly began to shift, something that completely changed the way she related to her husband in such a notable manner that he finally asked, “What happened to you?”
Amal looks back with wonder as she remembers the confidence she felt to answer his question truthfully. At that time, they were staying in separate bedrooms as they waited for the completion of their divorce proceedings. Amal knew that her new faith would remove her rights to obtaining custody of their young child. But she couldn’t deny what God was doing for her.
"It's God," she said simply. And then, getting her Bible, she repeated, "God," pointing to the book.
“This,” she said. “This is why.”
He looked at the Bible and at her and finally said,
“Christianity is a religion of love, I don’t have a problem with that.”
Amal continued to seek God, enjoying the moments when her husband listened to what she was learning. Slowly, the tensions in their marriage lessened, and they moved back into the same bedroom, dropping the divorce proceedings. Amal’s husband began to attend church off and on with her.
Recently, Amal attended a training that helps believers share Jesus in ways that are respectful of cultural and religious identity. Her presence and contributions as an insider local were invaluable, and it was a delight for her to be part of a larger group of people dedicated to serving others in the name of Jesus.
While she was away, her husband went to church—for the first time on his own.
“I gave an offering,” he told her later. “I wanted to thank God for what He’s done for you and for this opportunity you have.” This and several other recent events encourage Amal that the day is coming when her husband will join her in fully dedicating his life to God.
*Name changed.
Let us pray: Thank you, God, for drawing us into your plan for our lives and for desiring our peace and happiness. Bless Amal’s husband as he continues his journey with you so that his joy may be complete. Protect and guide all who are in the process of making their decision to let you be Lord of their lives.