A powerful true story of faith and transformation, this article recounts how a simple prayer for rain affirmed Samir’s belief in Jesus and became a turning point for his family. From a moment of challenge to his ordination as the first pastor in his country, Samir’s journey reveals how God meets sincere faith with undeniable grace.
Samir and his nephew ran down a dusty street before taking a sharp turn leading to home. Hot and sweaty, they were thirsty and looking forward to the refreshment of a big glass of water. Upon entering the kitchen, they bumped into Samir’s mother, who blurted out, “Samir, if Jesus is God, tell him to make it rain.”
Samir was used to these kinds of taunts and challenges–ever since he’d learned that there was a God whom he could call “Father” and had learned about Jesus and decided to follow him forever, Samir’s mother had challenged him.
“Well,” thought Samir, “it’s about Jesus, not me, and certainly Jesus can make it rain if he wants to.” So Samir and his nephew, who by this time had become a follower of Jesus also, went outside, knelt, and asked Jesus to make it rain.
To their amazement and great joy, as they headed back to the house, they saw clouds roll in over a bright blue sky that had been stretched taut over the earth with only a blaze of sunlight in it.
By the time Samir and his nephew arrived home, it was raining.
“See, Mama,” Samir smiled, “Jesus is God!”
Samir’s faith grew, and he accepted a call to serve God as a pastor. Last month, Samir was ordained in a joyful celebration, a kind of harvest. He is the first ordained pastor in his country. He continues to bless others with the assurance that God is real and Jesus is God.
Something shifted for Samir’s mother that day–the evidence of Jesus’ power to make it rain softened her heart. An elderly woman with a simple approach to life, she continues to pray five times a day and she believes in her heart that Jesus is God. Samir watches her spiritual growth with gratitude to a God who reveals himself to those who ask.
*Not his real name