“But Ruth replied… Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
RUTH 1:16
Issa’s faith journey started years before he met Jesus.
The community that Issa grew up in is severely disadvantaged and neglected. Like many men from his community, Issa believed that the only way to break the cycle of poverty was to seek a future in Europe.
Issa fled to Europe on a boat. He barely made it, the boat sinking during the journey, Issa surviving only by clinging to debris in the water.
A few months later, he met up with Pedro over coffee.
During the conversation, Issa shared something else that was on his heart: his family. When he left Northwest Africa, he wasn’t only seeking freedom for himself. He desired it for his family too. “Please go to my village and help my people,” he asked Pedro.
Issa shared: “When you believe in Jesus, God opens doors. You still get tired and hard things happen, but I find favor in God’s eyes.”
Since this time, God has slowly been drawing Issa’s family and community closer to the liberating freedom of the gospel. Issa’s desire to help his people is being fulfilled. His community back home has welcomed Pedro and others for visits. During these visits, the gospel is shared openly. People are interested.
Over the last couple years, teams have come to bring the transforming power of the gospel through practical acts of service, including a visiting medical team. Medical help is normally a several days walk away. Over the last year, Issa has been equipped to lead transformational projects, including sustainable agriculture. His community is also being trained through a partner organization, Equipping Farmers International.
The book of Ruth paints a picture of a pilgrim on a journey.
God led Ruth to himself through her mother-in-law. She experienced true spiritual freedom. Her actions led to flourishing in her family. She made sure they were cared for. And through her, the family line of Christ was carried on.
Like Ruth, Issa is a pilgrim on a journey.
He has experienced true spiritual freedom. Through him, his community is now discovering how to flourish through the transforming work of the gospel.
Issa story and the story of his people is not over. One day, we pray they will experience total transformation, no longer impoverished physically and spiritually.
One day, we pray they will embrace the fullness of the Jesus that Issa follows.
Interested in doing what Pedro did by introducing Issa to Jesus? Check out this opportunity in Spain.