Three men, working as soldiers in Lebanon, see the love of Christ transform their lives.
Only recently, the head of the military police in Lebanon announced to his soldiers: “The coming days are very dangerous, our needs will increase and the security situation is about to collapse, but you need to be strong in order to keep our security in this beloved country!”
These are shocking words, and perhaps what is even more shocking is that these very soldiers are finding hope and love in Christ!
For one of these soldiers, Abdel, the journey was gradual.
Abdel had always thought Islam was the answer for him, but this began to change as he saw Muslims turning to Christ in his community. His curiosity began to grow and he began attending Call of Hope’s Sunday service; and soon his excitement grew too, as these new converts were living new lives. Soon, Abdel was attending the service every week, without fail!
After several months, Abdel could no longer watch from the pews, and he gave his life to Christ!
Immediately, during his meetings with our Frontline Workers, a burden became clear on his heart. He was asking questions, and learning more about Christ, but he wanted more than anything to share the Gospel with his friend, Gabir.
Gabir was a soldier Abdel had known well for years. Recently, however, Gabir fell into dark times, after suffering a car accident that paralyzed him in both legs. With great sadness, he even struggled with suicide for a time. Now, to make matters worse for Gabir, his good friend Abdel was now a Christian!
This made Gabir angry. “How dare you talk about Christ and you become a Christian, I want to break my friendship with you…” he said.
Abdel was patient with his friend, encouraging him to listen, saying, “Hear me first and later you can decide about our friendship.”
Gabir did listen, and allowed Abdel to even bring our Frontline Workers into the conversation. Miraculously, he continued listening, and, then, he gave his life to Jesus! The change in Gabir’s life was so apparent that people noticed something was different. First to notice was his brother, Hakim.
Hakim, a fellow soldier, lives with Gabir as his caretaker, so he was quick to see the staggering change. Gabir had been known for his sadness and even his struggles with trying to take his own life. The sadness in his life affected his own life and those around him, including his family. But today, he is saying, “I was sad because I lost my legs, I cannot walk but I give thanks to the Lord because I did lose my two legs, but Jesus my Lord saved my whole life.”
Hakim was so moved by the power of Christ in his brother’s life that he accepted Jesus into his own life.
Now, these three men are closer than ever. They will learn to lean on each other in the tough times expected by their superiors in the army. Lebanon is seeing continued economic crisis and daily struggle. Eighty-five percent of the population are considered in dire need, and we thank God that he has prepared these men for a time like this.
If you feel the Lord is calling you to reach others in Lebanon like Abdel, Gabir, and Hakim, please prayerfully consider partnering with us. Thank you, and blessings!
