Ali’s Story: Finding Jesus in the midst of Fear
In the midst of uncertainty and tension across Lebanon, we continue to witness something steady, something unshaken—the transforming power of God’s love.
Time and again, we hear stories of men and women who encounter Jesus not through argument or persuasion, but through genuine love.
Ali Hassan is one of those stories.
Ali is 33 years old and comes from the region of Baalbek in northern Lebanon. His background is deeply rooted in a strict Shiite Muslim upbringing, and his extended family maintains close ties with Hezbollah. From the outside, his path seemed clearly defined.
But God had something different in mind for him.
A Friendship That Opened the Door
*Photos have been illustrated to protect Ali’s Identity*
It began quietly, through a friendship with a Christian family. There was nothing forceful about their witness—just a consistent, authentic love. Ali noticed it immediately. The way they treated him. The kindness they showed his family. It stood in contrast to what he had known, and it stirred something in him. It’s a reminder of the words of Jesus: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Eventually, the father of that family connected Ali with Touma, one of our ministry leaders in Lebanon. What followed were simple, intentional meetings—conversations about faith, Scripture, and the person of Jesus. Ali was given a Bible, and as he began to read, something changed.
He found himself drawn not just to the teachings, but to Jesus Himself—His words, His actions, His character. The more he read, the more he wanted to belong to Him.
A Question of Faith — and Cost
After two months of meeting together, Ali returned once more to Touma’s office. This time, the conversation became more direct.
“Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?”
“Yes.”
“Do you believe that He died on the cross for your sins and rose again?”
“I believe.”
“Do you want to accept Him as your Lord and Savior?”
There was no hesitation. “Yes, I do.”
But then came the weight of the decision.
“Do you understand what this could cost you? Persecution… even your life?”
Ali paused. He understood. The reality of his family, his background, and his environment made that risk very real.
And still, his answer didn’t change.
“I want to have Christ, no matter the cost.”
That day, in a quiet office, Ali gave his life to Jesus. What followed wasn’t loud or public—but it was deeply meaningful. A small celebration. A moment that echoes into eternity.
Since that day, one verse has stayed close to Ali’s heart—John 13:1:
“Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”
For Ali, this truth is personal.
“No one is willing to die for me,” he says. “No one sacrifices themselves for me. But Jesus did. He died for me out of love. That is why I love Him.”
That love has come with a cost.
Choosing Christ in the Face of Risk
Sign up to become a prayer Partner!
Receive news and updates from the Frontlines of Ministry to Muslims
When Ali told his father about his decision, the response was silence. Since that day, his father has not spoken to him. There is also a real and present fear—because of his extended family connections—that his life could be in danger. For this reason, Ali is now preparing to relocate his wife and children to another area within Lebanon.
And yet, even in the face of loss, uncertainty, and risk, his faith remains steady.
“I am not a Muslim anymore. I am a Christian. And I am very happy in my new faith. The love I found in Jesus—I want it to be present in my life and in my family.”
Raised in a family shaped by conflict and deeply connected to Hezbollah, Ali’s story reminds us that God is still working in unexpected places.
Even in the midst of violence, division, and uncertainty, Christ continues to draw people to Himself—offering peace where there was fear, and hope where there was once darkness.
And even in the hardest places, that love is still moving.
