Living in fear, young Muslim turns to Jesus
Release No: 09-46
By Gerald Sonnenberg
Sep. 24— BEIRUT, Lebanon: Have you ever made a phone call while in fear of your life? This story is about a young man we'll call "Basel," because it means "brave." Basel was a Muslim man trembling with fear the night he hid on his family's roof making a call to the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) ministry center in Beirut. He was responding to an ad in the local newspaper called "Al Waseet."
The ad said, "Have you ever been offended by your dear ones, relatives and strangers??? Call us and re-ceive, free of charge, the booklet "How Can We Forgive and Forget the Offense?" According to staff members, many people called and came to the LHM ministry center asking guidance for their case, among them was Basel.
"When he called our office, his voice was trembling," said a staff member. "We knew later that he was talking from the rooftop of the building frightened that his relatives may hear him talking to us. He wanted to make an appointment, and the next day, he was in front of us."
Basel is a Muslim Shiite man who suffered several hardships with his family. His father was especially hard on him physically. His father had forced him to work since Basel was a child. He thought that by running away from home and enjoying the delights of the world, his life would be better. However, his dream of freedom became a nightmare.
Basel tried to commit suicide three times. Then he joined the militia of Hezbollah thinking that he was doing a good thing, but he was disappointed. He felt something should be done...something was missing. He had tried so many things, but all of them led to disappointment and failure.
When he came to the ministry center, staff said he was desperate. His heart was full of anger and resentment towards his parents. "He asked us, 'how can I forgive and forget the offense?'" Staff told him he needed "the God of forgiveness to enter into your heart, you need Jesus Christ."
"We started talking with him about Jesus," said staff members. "He was amazed by the act of forgive-ness that Jesus made on the cross and, in tears, he received the booklet on forgiveness.
Basel is eager to know more about forgiveness and the loving nature of Jesus. He is very enthusiastic to learn more about the Christian faith, and the ministry center referred him to a church.
"Now that Jesus has forgiven all my sins, I can forgive, in the grace of God, anyone who offends me," said Basel.
To all of those who send their prayers and gifts of support to LHM-Lebanon and other LHM ministry centers, a sincere thank you from all of the staff and volunteers. They pray for continued support.
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