written by a worker in North Africa, just returned from the field
Arriving home from North Africa after two years of living there, I was surprised that the question most people asked me was, “Were you scared?”
The first couple of times, I was taken aback by the question, thinking, “What do you mean?” I am heartbroken to leave the place I love and call home. What do you mean — Was I scared?! As I kept hearing this question asked, I realized it was a loving response attempting to understand an unknown world, looking at it from a perspective that sees Muslim countries in a jaded light.
The people asking me this question didn’t know of the kindness and hospitality of people in North Africa. They didn’t realize that my neighbors became my friends and then turned into what felt like a real family. They could not fathom that they were people just like us. They raise children, work jobs, go to the beach to relax, work out at the gym, watch the same Netflix series, and shop in a grocery store with a Burger King attached. Yet, heartbreakingly, they are people who live without access to the gospel.
North Africa is a beautiful place — one of rich culture, bright colors, unique pottery, wonderful tapestries, and amazing food. I lived along the Mediterranean Sea surrounded by mountains! It is a lovely place to belong to. But the people were even more beautiful than any landscape or art. They will go above and beyond for you — cooking more meals than you can count, welcoming you into their home like family, and returning your dish-ware with an even more delicious sweet than you gave them in the first place.
The beauty of North Africa and the beauty of the people are something to marvel at. It is an honor to belong there and it is a special place to call home. But the most beautiful thing in this land is Jesus Christ.
Yes, from just looking around, you would believe everyone around you is a strong Muslim who believes and practices the religion. But, the Lord taught me to see the unseen in North Africa and an equally present reality beside these hundreds of thousands of people was this — He is there. Jesus Christ is there. He is close to the brokenhearted. He is near the hungry, mourning, poor in spirit, the lowly, and the downcast. Right under the surface was this: Young people are in full rebellion against Islam. They won’t settle until they find what they are looking for: Freedom. The older generation believes God must not even be real since he has never answered the desperate prayers they have prayed for decades.
The most beautiful part of my life in North Africa is who I found Jesus to be in this land — for me and the millions of unreached North African people. He is the Good Shepherd leaving the 99 for the 1, time and time again. It is my greatest treasure that the Lord seared the truth of Psalm 23 on my heart as I walked with Him among the people of North Africa.
Here is what He showed me living in North Africa.
Psalm 23, A Psalm of David | Verses 1-3, ESV
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
What He Showed Me
My Shepherd. Not just a shepherd but a good one — the best one. I am your sheep. You have found me. I hear your voice.
I don’t lack anything. I don’t have a single need. Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. I have found this to be true. Shepherd in Hebrew means "companion." You don’t just lead me out or yell from afar where I should go next, no you walk with me — my closest friend. You are on my side as my helper. You are the one who really knows me.
And where you lead me is not to places I can’t make it, places of exhaustion, or places of danger but you lead me to still waters that bring rest to my whole being. It is a pleasant place. You don’t push me to stop and be still, but just like a waiter seats us at a table — you invite me into lovely places.
From the outside the waters look rough, waves crashing all around me, but when I sit with you the waters are still. With one word from you, all is calm. Your leadership is perfect. My shepherd knows what it is like to be a sheep, too. Your compassion and gentleness lead you to gather me up in your arms, yet we move forward in your strength.
*Picture credit: from the author
Restoration happens here — for my soul, for all I am is found in you. You are the healing balm that comes in to cover my wounds — pain, grief, and sorrow leaving me un-scared.
All the paths you have led me on are steadfast love and faithfulness. Paths of goodness. Paths of abundance. As I walk you level the road in front of me as you want to be in right relationship with me.
Psalm 23 | Verse 4, ESV
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
What He Showed Me
Yes, Shepherd, I am willing to walk through the dark valley with you. The Hebrew word Rebekah said to Isaac, “Yes I will go” is the same word Ruth said to Naomi “Where you go, I will go, where you stay, I will stay.” I can willingly walk through the valley of the shadow of death — why? Because you are with me. You don’t force me into these valleys, but the fact that you are here with me changes everything. Your presence changes everything. It is so dark; it is so unknown. I can’t even see my hand in front of my face. I can’t see even the next step to take. Yet, it is in this valley with you that I know your peace like never before, your beauty like never before. With you, darkness becomes light. With you, death leads to resurrection.
You tell us not to fear. You tell us to have courage. All that I had in my own strength failed time and time again. Strength and courage only come from knowing you walk beside us. You never asked us to do anything alone. You hold my right hand. David knew this as his words changed from talking about you to talking directly to you — his Shepherd — for you were there with him. And you are here, with me.
You are my comfort. Your tools for doing so don’t seem comforting to the world but your authority and discipline are what I really need. The word "rod" is the same word used for scepter showing us who you really are — the shepherd is a king. The King of Kings. Your work refining me proves to me I am your child.
Psalm 23 | Verses 5-6, ESV
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
What He Showed Me
Even as the enemy prowls around trying to destroy, lies of idol worship blare outside my windows, brokenness screams around me, I sit relaxed with you under your protection at your table. The food you have to offer me is different from the world’s. You honor me by having a seat for me. This is the safest place for me to be.
Your touch is healing. Like warm oil, seeping in deeply, far more than just my exterior. Oil only comes through seasons of crushing — all crushing necessary is indeed worth it to be filled by you.
My Shepherd — my chosen portion and my cup. Great satisfaction and fullness of joy that comes every morning — I can’t contain this, I am overflowing.
Your goodness and your loyal loving kindness pursue me every single day of my life. You have shown me this. This is who you are.
And with you is the place I will be for the rest of my life. To dwell means to sit. I get to sit in your house always. Where else would I want to stay? I belong there. No one will ever ask me to leave. Who do I have in heaven but you? This earth has nothing I desire besides you, my Shepherd.
A CALLING
Will you invite the people of North Africa to know the Shepherd? He has always and continues to pursue His lost sheep who are not yet in His fold. He is inviting you to be a part of it. Who will go for the beautiful people of North Africa? The Shepherd is extending you a hand to join Him in the harvest field.