Ali’s Story: Faith and Miracles in the Military
In the Persian-speaking world, military service is mandatory for young men, and it comes with strict discipline, harsh living conditions, and very little room for personal beliefs. For Christian believers, serving in the army is particularly challenging. Like anywhere else in the region, openly sharing the Gospel or even possessing a Bible can put soldiers at risk of imprisonment and harsh treatment. In this environment, faith in Jesus is mostly kept secret, and opportunities to share the Gospel are rare and fraught with risk. Ali, a young man who had been a believer for two years, recently completed his military service. During his time in the army, he encountered a situation that would test his faith and provide a powerful witness of God’s presence.Ali’s bold faith
One day, Ali and several fellow soldiers fell ill and were confined to a makeshift hospital room. As he prayed quietly, a friend named Ahmed, an atheist, mocked him. “If God really exists, why are you in this state?” Ahmed’s tone, though skeptical, was still curious. Other soldiers and even a doctor were present during the exchange.
A routine medical procedure took a sudden and dangerous turn when Ahmed went into shock after an injection. Panic spread through the room – none of the soldiers were trained medical professionals, and the doctor was overwhelmed. Ali felt fear but also a deep sense of responsibility. Kneeling beside Ahmed, he prayed aloud, calling on Jesus to intervene.
What followed was extraordinary. Ahmed stabilized and recovered quickly, a miracle that left the soldiers and the attending doctor in awe. Seeing Ahmed regain consciousness, Ali felt led to share the Gospel with him, recounting the ways God had shown Himself to be real in his life and explaining that this miraculous healing was only proof of God’s grace and love.
Ali’s boldness and faith did not go unnoticed. The doctor who witnessed Ahmed’s recovery showed him favor and asked Ali to come often to help others and pray for them. Over time, Ali had the opportunity to share the message of Jesus with many soldiers who were experiencing fear, uncertainty, and hardship. It was a miracle that God kept Ali safe from the authorities the entire time.
After leaving the army, Ali continued his ministry among former comrades. He gave Ahmed a New Testament, which he eagerly accepted. Their ongoing conversations about God deepened Ahmed’s faith, and he became a believer himself. Ali continues to reach out to other soldiers who are completing their service, hoping to share the Gospel and provide them with a New Testament when it is safe to do so.
This story is a powerful example of how faith, courage, and prayer can transform even the most challenging environments. Ali’s experience shows that God can work miracles, open hearts, and provide opportunities for ministry in places where believers are at risk.
Prayer Points
- Pray for Ali’s friends still in military service, that God would protect them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Ask for divine guidance in navigating the challenges and dangers of army life, and for safe completion of their service.
- Pray for Ali and other believers in the Persian Speaking World, that they would be able to share the Gospel when God shows them the right time to do so.
- Pray that those who have encountered God through Ali, like Ahmed, would grow in faith and remain steadfast. Ask the Lord to protect them from spiritual deception and opposition and to nurture their commitment to Christ.
Ali’s Story: Faith and Miracles in the Military
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