Stories from the Field

Rita from Iraq*

At 18, Rita, a young Muslim girl from Iraq, lived a life woven with tradition and expectations. One night, she had a vivid dream. A man dressed as a priest stood at the door of a clay house, his gentle smile illuminating the darkness. “I am Yazu (Jesus),” he said, his voice filled with warmth. Startled, Rita awoke, her heart racing. The dream felt like a calling, a message she could no longer ignore.

For years, she had wrestled with her feelings toward Christianity, torn between her faith and the whispers of her heart. The thought of conversion terrified her—she feared rejection from her family and community. Yet, that dream ignited a spark of courage within her.

After weeks of prayer and contemplation, Rita decided to embrace her truth. On May 21st, she took a deep breath and stepped into the waters of baptism, declaring her faith in Christ. As she emerged, she felt a profound sense of liberation.

From that day forward, Rita, a name she chose to signify her new life, lived boldly, sharing her story with those around her, embodying the love and hope that had transformed her heart.

Ali from Philippines*

In a small village in the Philippines, Ali often felt lost, searching for purpose. One night, he dreamt of a radiant light that filled his entire being, warm and inviting. In the dream, a voice called out to him, urging him to seek a church. When he awoke, Ali couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a divine message.

Driven by curiosity and hope, he wandered through his village until he stumbled upon a modest church. Its doors stood wide open, welcoming and alive with the sounds of laughter and music. Hesitant yet determined, Ali stepped inside.

A youth leader noticed him and approached with a warm smile. “Welcome! We’re glad you’re here,” she said, her eyes sparkling with kindness. She introduced him to the vibrant community, where stories of faith and hope intertwined with laughter.

As Ali shared his journey, he felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. The light from his dream seemed to glow brighter among these new friends. Through their support, Ali began to explore his newfound faith, finding peace and purpose in the love of Christ. His heart was transformed, and he embraced his path with joy, forever grateful for that guiding light.

*Every name has been changed, and in some cases, for security purposes, the country or minor details have been modified.