That simple awareness can become the first step toward making an eternal difference–as it did for Dan in this story.
“I haven’t seen Dan* for over a month,” Alex* told his wife, Maya*. “He just stopped coming to class. I hope he’s OK.”
When Dan finally returned, he caught Alex’s eye and asked, “Can we talk after class?”
“Of course,” Alex said, relieved that his classmate had returned and seemed to be doing well.
That afternoon Dan sat down with Alex and opened up about the heavy depression that had settled over his life—so heavy that he’d tried to end it three times. He described how, after his father walked out when he was a boy, the responsibility of caring for his mother and siblings had fallen on him. Long hours of work left little energy for university, and the weight had become unbearable.
Dan recounted how his search for meaning in it all had led him away from the faith of his childhood to atheism, yet the emptiness remained. Alex listened intently, longing to share what was missing, but aware that he would need to do so wisely.
Later at home, Alex shared the conversation with Maya. She blurted out,
“You have to tell him he is the beloved of Someone—don’t wait. What if he tries again? He needs to know he is loved.”
Alex agreed. The risk of Dan never knowing the gospel was far more serious than any risk of sharing it.
He reached out and invited Dan to their home, and he gladly accepted. Soon they were studying the Bible together every Saturday. Dan kept showing up with genuine interest, taking in what he was learning, and returning for more.
When Alex felt impressed to invite Dan to church, he asked, “Would you like to join a bigger family and study with others too?”
“Yes, I’d love that,” Dan answered without hesitation.
A new rhythm began: attending church together, picking mint from the garden, and spending the afternoon studying the scripture over mint tea at Alex and Maya’s until the sun went down.
“You know, Dan said one day, “you saved my life. I have met Jesus—and I want to follow Him.”
Dan is now living in another country in the region, but Alex and he are still in contact and continue to study the Bible.
*Not their real names
Let us pray: God who sees, from the counted hairs of our head to our innermost parts you know and love us. Thank you. May we notice your children around us and let them know that they are seen and loved as well. Continue to guide Dan in his journey with you.