“Jesus, save us.” Called a Muslim man on a dingy crossing the Mediterranean as the boat overflowed. “Sit down and shut up,” thought the skipper, Omar, who was making his final crossing. For several years, he’d smuggled people and drugs across Europe. As a capable seaman, he’d stolen boats, he’d made boats, and he’d even abandoned a boat full of migrants while at sea, opting to seek deportation so he could start again with his wife.

As they crossed into Europe, the sky blackened, and the waves filled the boat. His wife, now pregnant, sat at the helm. She saw a ferry with warning lights. They were about to collide. Omar, initially mocking this praying Muslim, made a deal. “God, if you save us, I will give my life to you.” Seconds later, a light shone in the sky, and the water calmed. “I knew I could do it,” Omar boasted to himself, forgetting his promise.

Months later, a missionary invited Omar for tea. Omar became a regular at the Bible study, admitting he only came for the tea, for he had nothing else to do. One week, the study focused on Jesus calming the storm. “That was me!” he exclaimed, recounting his near-death experience as he committed his life to Christ.

Working among Muslims, we regularly see people encounter the light through dreams, visions, and miracles. They testify of experiencing an overwhelming, peaceful presence. We count it our greatest honor to have baptized 35 Muslims in the last five years. 

Once a former Muslim counts the cost of living in the light, we don’t go back. We follow come-what-may. We give up everything – family, community, jobs, houses, opportunities – to walk in the light. The suffering was almost unsupportable when I made this decision myself over twenty years ago. Had it not been for a missionary sent and supported by a team of prayer and financial supporters to a country with less than ten known believers, I would not know this life-changing, eternity-giving light.

As we look to even later this week, when we’ll host a week-end theological intensive for over 100 former Muslims, we count our overflowing blessings in awe of God’s generosity towards us through those who give faithfully to Reliant Mission on our behalf.