Martin Journal Entry: The Weekly Miracle

By E. Scott Martin

This past Monday, Crystal and I were meeting with a student involved in the university student ministry here at American University Central Asia. She and her entire family are of a Kyrgyz Muslim background. She is a beautiful young woman who is full of potential but locked into a small Central Asian country with little hope of a life outside of here. She has been a very good friend to our Chialphastan team and has been involved in multiple events we have had here.

She was the co-emcee at our smashing Christmas Party in December. I asked her to obtain her parents permission to do so and to make sure they understood that this was a Christian meeting. She did and they were thrilled for her to be a part. They even asked for permission to come to the party themselves to see her and her sister take part in the various productions of the party.

Her mother is a seamstress, and we hired her to make all the Christmas stockings that we gave out to everyone who attended the party. The stockings were stuffed with a Bible with a One More Friend bookmark at the Luke Christmas story, a CD of our favorite Christmas music and other cool things. And this is where we pick back up at my story.

Monday, as Crystal and I were meeting with her, she pulled out the Bible she had received at the Christmas party. She told us she had been reading it and that she had a question. Her question was, “What is the difference between the two books?” I thought for a moment before responding, “Which two books; the Bible and the Koran?” Then she answered my question, “The big book at the beginning of the Bible and then the smaller book.” That took us to a 1-½ hour discussion on the Old and New Testaments and during that dialogue, the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit visited us all. We went from Genesis to Revelation, highlighting powerful inspiring points. This entire family was so close to the Kingdom.

I cannot share her name and photo, but would you please pray for her and her family; that they would come to know the fullness of the love and plan of Jesus. They are awesome people who Jesus loves.

This is one of many weekly stories that we encounter here. What an incredible privilege it is to be the first person to bring the Kingdom of God to students and families. This is your fruit as well as ours. Thanks for your giving and prayers that make this happen.