South Africa is a large, diverse country, which has high rates of poverty, crime and inequality. There are opportunities to witness, but many people have a limited understanding of the gospel. May Fahiem’s story today encourage us that God loves to welcome us into His family, through the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
My name is Fahiem from Cape Town, South Africa. I was born into a Muslim family. I had a very tough life as the eldest of four children. We had a very abusive father, but I do give him credit for working hard to provide for the family. I always heard about Christianity, but ignored its claims. I had the kind of friends who led me in a wrong direction. Stealing, gambling and smoking drugs became a way of life for me.
I met a young lady who was from a Christian background. She had once made a profession but was not living the Christian life. Six months after meeting her we were married. She invited me to attend a Breaking of Bread meeting and what I heard about the Lord Jesus Christ there impressed me, so I continued to attend this meeting from time to time over a five-year period, but also continued with my sinful lifestyle.
I lost my job as a consequence of stealing. I became very unhappy in my sins and I was afraid that I would lose everything. My marriage was on the verge of ending. I knew that my life needed to change, but I couldn’t do it myself.
…what I heard about the Lord Jesus Christ there impressed me…
I tried to improve by staying sober and looking for employment, but I could not find a permanent job, because of my record. I kept trying my best, but from time to time I went back to smoking drugs. I wanted God to help me with my problems. I also was afraid to die knowing that there would be judgement afterwards. I believed that attending church services would be helpful for me, but still I knew I was not right with God. This continued for almost six years. I was praying that God would show me the right way.
One Sunday evening, very burdened with my sin, I went to Belhar Gospel Hall and said to the believers that I had come to get right with God. The brothers explained the gospel to me and that evening I trusted Christ as my personal Saviour. A few weeks later I was baptised and received into fellowship at the Belhar Assembly. As I partake of the Lord’s Supper, knowing what it means brings tears to my eyes as I think of the high price that Christ paid for my sins. As I continued with the Lord, He opened the door for me to get a permanent job, for which I am very thankful.
I give God all the glory for the amazing things He has done for me. The Lord has given me a desire to know more of His Word and learn more of the Lord Jesus Christ and what is required of me as a believer until I see Him one day. I will cling to God’s Word and praise Him and pray to Him daily. There are also opportunities to spread the gospel to others, knowing that what the Lord has done for me He can do for them too.
Pray:
- for new believers from a Muslim background, like Fahiem, as they continue to follow the Lord
- for Christians to model reconciliation between races and cultures in South Africa
- for peace to come to this nation, as it struggles with violence, crime and inequalities.
