*Jawaria’s soul was weighed down by unanswered prayers and spiritual uncertainty. She was a devoted SaSumBi woman, a faithful follower of Islam and had spent years striving to please Allah.
That is, until the day she met someone entirely unexpected: another SaSumBi woman—yet strikingly different. This woman, *Ati, also came from a Muslim background, but her life radiated peace and joy. She claimed to follow Isa Al Masih (Jesus Christ). Ibu Jawaria was stunned. “How could that possibly be?” she wondered. Could one come from a world like hers and still follow Isa?
Intrigued and compelled by the difference in Ati, Ibu Jawaria began meeting with Ati, who introduced her to Discovery Bible Stories—starting with the lives of the Old Testament prophets. Ati not only read the stories with her but also trained her to lead these simple yet powerful story-based discussions within her own household.
Each story session included four key questions:
- What does this teach us about the character of God?
- What does it teach us about people?
- How will you personally obey what God is revealing? When will you begin?
- Who will you share this story with so that they, too, may know God?
As the weeks passed, something deep began to shift within Ibu Jawaria. With each story, she encountered glimpses of a God whose heart was tender, just, and full of grace. Tears flowed freely—tears of release and awakening.
Though she had long sought to live righteously under Islam, Ibu Jawaria came to realize that all her efforts—outward rituals and ceremonial cleansings—could not erase the guilt she carried in her heart. She saw clearly her own capacity to harm others, despite her best intentions. A painful truth settled in: there was a chasm between her and the holy God she so desperately wanted to know.
As she and her family continued their Discovery Bible Study journey, they eventually reached the stories of the New Testament. It was then that the truth pierced their hearts with clarity: only through Isa Al Masih could true forgiveness, peace, and eternal life be found.
That day, the entire household bowed their hearts before Isa. They turned from their own ways and prayed a simple prayer of surrender, placing their trust in the One who alone could bridge the great divide—Isa Al Masih.
Finally, Ibu Jawaria was at peace. She had found the Way. And more than that, she had found the truth and the life.
Later, her husband remarked, “You’re really bold in telling others about Isa Al Masih.”
She smiled and replied, “Of course I am bold—this is the truth!”
Today, Ibu Jawaria shares openly, passionately, and boldly the Good News of Isa.
She told Ati of her desire to be like the Apostle Paul—unshaken, unafraid, and completely surrendered, even unto death. She and her husband now lead a vibrant, reproducing house church with their extended household, continuing to discover and proclaim the transforming power of Isa Al Masih.
*pseudonym
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