I wish you could meet Hussein,* the security guard at the building where my wife and I live in the Middle East. From the moment we met him, we could tell that he was sincere in his faith and committed to living according to his beliefs. We liked him immediately. 

Over time, Hussein visited our home many times, and he invited us to his as well. We shared conversations about everyday life and, occasionally, spiritual matters. Whenever we invited him to join us in prayer, he graciously accepted. 

As our friendship with Hussein deepened by God’s grace, my wife and I sensed God leading us to take another step. We began praying for the right opportunity to give Hussein a Bible.

One day, I noticed that Hussein seemed upset. He explained that his bicycle—his only means of transportation to work—had been stolen. He was anxious about finding a bicycle to borrow. That day, I began praying that God would provide a bicycle for my friend. 

Several months later, we unexpectedly received a gift of US$40. I was puzzled. It felt as though God had sent the money directly from heaven. As I prayed shortly afterward, a clear impression came to mind: Show Jesus to your friend. Buy a bicycle for Hussein.

I set aside the money and began saving. But the country’s economy was worsening by the day. No matter how much money I saved, it was never enough to purchase a bicycle. I continued praying and saving and began visiting secondhand bicycle shops. I often imagined the joy of giving Hussein a bicycle for his birthday.

Celebrating Hussein’s Birthday

When Hussein’s birthday arrived, my wife baked a cake, I prepared a special meal, and we invited him to our home for supper at 5:30 PM. Confident that God could still perform a miracle, I spent the afternoon searching for the bicycle we had prayed about for so long. 

At 5:00 PM, I returned home discouraged and empty-handed. 

My wife gently reminded me that God knew how much we wanted to help Hussein and how faithfully we had prayed. “He’s taking care of the situation,” she assured me.

The evening was a wonderful surprise for Hussein. He was delighted and told us how grateful he was to have us in his life. We enjoyed the meal together, presented him with the birthday cake, and prayed a special blessing over him, thanking God for his life. 

But we still had no bicycle. 

The next day, while continuing my search online, I came across an advertisement for a bicycle in excellent condition at an unusually low price. The listing had been posted only 10 minutes earlier. 

I immediately called the owner and even gathered the courage to ask for a small discount. I was thrilled when he agreed. 

When I lifted the bicycle into the back of my car, I knew God had answered our prayers. With the discount, the bicycle cost exactly the amount I had saved over many months.

As my wife and I admired this answer to prayer, we asked each other, “What if we give Hussein a Bible along with the bicycle?”

We wrapped the Bible we had purchased months earlier, wrote a card, and prayed for the right moment to present both gifts. I carefully planned what to say. I knew Hussein would appreciate the bicycle. I hoped he would receive the Bible with the same enthusiasm. 

Indescribable Joy

When we arrived at Hussein’s door with the bicycle, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

But nothing prepared me for the expression on his face when he gently held the Bible and carefully turned its pages. 

He was amazed. He was delighted. And I’m not sure who was happier—Hussein or me. 

After two years of friendship, I was finally able to give my friend the gift I had prayed about the most. My joy was indescribable. 

A few days later, Hussein invited me to his home for tea. When I arrived, I found him reading the book of Genesis. His eyes sparkled as he told me that he had never read the Creation story before. 

I knew we had much to discuss, and I prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide our conversation. That evening, we talked about heaven, death, and God’s promises. I shared several meaningful Bible verses with him.

As we spoke, Hussein continued turning the pages of his Bible. He seemed completely absorbed in God’s Word. Sensing God’s prompting, I asked whether he would like to study the Bible together. 

My heart leapt when Hussein eagerly accepted. 

That very week, we began studying Scripture together. God has been working in both our lives as we grow closer to Him and to each other. 

My heart is filled with gratitude. I stand in awe of the privilege of sharing God’s love with Hussein. I’m thankful for my wife’s faith-filled support and for the friends who prayed with us throughout this journey.

Most of all, I thank God for providing the money for the bicycle, for giving us the courage to share His Word, and for leading a sincere seeker to discover the joy of learning about Him for the very first time.

* Name has been changed

For many people across the Middle East and North Africa, the journey to Jesus begins with something simple: a friendship, a conversation, an act of kindness, or a timely prayer.

Hussein’s story reminds us that God is opening hearts in places where many have never had the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Through compassionate service and the faithful service of frontline workers, lives are being transformed every day.

Your support makes these life-changing encounters possible. It helps frontline workers build relationships, share God’s Word, and walk alongside seekers as they discover hope in Christ.

Today, countless men and women across the Middle East and North Africa are searching for meaning, peace, and truth. Will you help them encounter Jesus?

Your gift today can place a Bible in someone’s hands, open a door for friendship, and help lead a searching heart to Jesus.