What I learned in the desert

[ read story | see photos ]

What did I see, hear and experience during my trip to the desert of North Africa?

I saw a beautiful country filled with wonderful people-lost people who showed more hospitality and welcome to strangers than almost any American Christian would ever dream of doing. I heard the sounds of life-busy markets, children laughing and playing and bustling streets. I also heard the sounds of death-prayers of another faith to a god who doesn't hear. I heard questions about my own faith in a crucified God who I claimed to know personally. I experienced God working and moving in that place in the hearts of peoples whom He longs to redeem.

What did God show me?

God showed me that "closed access" countries are not scary places, but places where He is. He showed me that Muslim peoples are not hard to witness to. Many are hungry for the truth. God showed me that it is easy to share my faith - I can't count the times people came and asked me to tell them about Christ and I was able to share the gospel, and my personal testimony, openly. Some even whispered in my ear asking for Bibles. I watched them shove the volume quickly into their backpack so others would not see.

How was I changed?

God changes me every day, but the summer was a huge part of my transformation in that I became acutely aware of the greatness of our God. The hugeness of His concern for the peoples of the world. The wideness of His mercy. I was humbled at my smallness and amazed at His desire to use me in some small way.

What am I doing differently as a result of the experience?

I am walking closer to God than ever before. I am more aware of the people around me. I go to seminary and am sheltered from lost people unless I make a conscious effort to see them. The experience has made me seek out lostness and try to minister in any way I can.

—Heather

(This was written by Heather, 24, one of two seminary students who participated in the North Africa trip.)

[ back to Testimonies ]