The names of the author, characters, and location have been withheld.

I started my morning with a much longer prayer time than usual. After meeting many difficulties in applying for residency in a veiled country, my wife and I were told that it might be possible for us to apply that day for a six-month temporary residence card if we presented ourselves at the immigration office.

Our situation was uniquely complicated. We knew that a technicality on my wife’s passport would likely deny any request she made for residency. Our stay in the country was at risk. I didn’t know where to turn except for God’s direct intervention.

At the immigration office, we carefully filled out the paperwork and waited nervously. The woman behind the window who finally called our number was efficient. She quickly processed my request but hesitated when she picked up my wife’s passport. As we feared, none of my explanations satisfied her questions. She waved us away with a mumbled, “You go see a general.”

My heart pounding, I breathed a quick prayer. Someone showed us to an office at the end of a long hall, where a young man sat behind a large desk. He smiled and confirmed, “I am the general.” As he took our passports, he cheerfully told us he was studying English and hoping to serve soon in the United Nations. He didn’t ask why we’d been sent to him.

After a few minutes of paperwork, he stood and announced, “It’s all done. Come back tomorrow for your residence cards.” Even amid my surprise and relief, I felt a nudge by the Holy Spirit. I quickly wrote down my number on a piece of paper and handed it to him, telling him that if he ever wanted to meet and practice English, I would gladly visit.

Later that day, he messaged that he had finished our residency cards early and we could come pick them up. The relief that had replaced our frustration and worry gave way to amazement. God had smoothed the way—and so quickly! Moreover, we soon realized He had even more in mind than our problems.

The general and I have kept in touch. We talk often and have met several times. We enjoy conversations about life and the values we share. As his English improves, our friendship grows, and God’s opportunities unfold before me.

But those are small benefits next to the privilege of watching God use every circumstance to accomplish His purpose. We had approached Him with our great need because we were blocked by the challenges of doing His work, and in answering our prayer, He connected us to the very purpose of our work.

We call a country veiled when we have withheld its name to protect the lives and ministry of frontline workers serving there. To learn about Global Mission’s church-planting ministry, visit bit.ly/GMPioneers