I recently heard an encouraging story from North Africa, where one of our key partners recently embraced a unique opportunity to share the love of Jesus. For me, this story is so powerful because it’s so simple and relatable, and it reminds each one of us that, even during this pandemic, we can make a difference in peoples’ lives by simply living the Gospel.

Sadiq (not his real name) comes from a Muslim background and lives in a country that is dominated by Islam. For several years, we have been working closely with Sadiq, walking alongside him to support his church-planting ministry among his countrymen. 

Recently, Sadiq told us that one of his neighbours tested positive for COVID. As expected, the local authorities required that the family stay in their home and isolate. But the response of the other neighbours caught Sadiq’s attention. He wrote in his newsletter, “I was deeply sorry to see fear grip my whole neighborhood. Most people are terrified to even pass by their doorstep. They feel disgusted by this family.”

In some ways, it is a reasonable response – people are genuinely afraid of being infected by the virus. But Sadiq began to wonder about the family that was trapped in their home. Who will care for them? Who will provide for them?

As he prayed, Sadiq felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit to go and visit his neighbours, even if it meant risking his own health. However, for Sadiq, it was more than just a health risk, because everyone in his neighbourhood knew that he had turned his back on Islam and had become a follower of Jesus. How would his neighbours receive him?

Inspired by the love that Jesus showed toward lepers and other outcasts, Sadiq made his way over to his neighbor’s house. He brought them medicine, vitamins, masks and sanitizer. In turn, the family opened their door to Sadiq, and their hearts. 

While this family was experiencing rejection from their neighbourhood and even from their extended family, Sadiq was showing the love and compassion of Jesus. He has continued to provide for this family’s practical needs and to pray for their salvation.

Sadiq’s example of courage prompted questions within my own heart: What am I willing to do for my neighbours? Are we, in North America, ready to overcome our fears and take opportunities to serve our neighbours in love? 

During the uncertainty of this pandemic, I want to encourage you to embrace courage in the face of fear and love in the face of doubt and distrust. 

We recently heard this update from Sadiq:

“Thank you for praying for the family in our neighborhood who tested positive for COVID-19. They have now completed their mandatory quarantine and required medications. After being re-tested this month, they are all virus free! As they have returned to normal life, they have been very thankful for the support and help that my family offered during this time.”

At Multiply, we are eager to see the Church around the world living on mission during this pandemic. As we encounter this crisis together, we are seeking God for his heart for the world, and for our neighbours. More than ever, we need to work together that the world may know the love of Jesus. 

We are excited about the opportunities that we are receiving around the world during this time. Despite the current crisis, the Church’s witness is being extended and people are finding new hope in Christ. Our Regional Team Leader for North Africa and the Middle East, who works closely with Sadiq, recently reported that more people in that region have come to Christ in the past five months than in the previous five years! 

Would you be willing to help support leaders like Sadiq and to resource the work of the Gospel in parts of the world where people are coming to Christ like never before?

I want to invite you to contribute financially to the work of Multiply. As you pray about what you are able to give, know that your contribution will help to support national leaders as well as North American workers who are serving faithfully among the least reached.

$100 helps provide biblical training for church leaders like Sadiq

$250 helps cover costs for online ministries that bring the hope of the Gospel to those impacted by COVID

$1000 allows for strategic resourcing of national partners as they work together with church-planting teams

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, God is at work around the world and he is giving us unique opportunities to invest in his kingdom. Thank you for joining me in this life-giving ministry.

Let’s continue to live on mission together, multiplying faith and not fear, so that we can show the love of Jesus to others during these difficult times. 

Your fellow multiplier,
Randy Friesen
President, Multiply