MIDDLE EAST:
Gabir knew nothing about Jesus. He was bitter toward God because of a disease he had endured since childhood. Many people tried to tell him about God, but he refused to listen. As he sank farther into his bitterness, his only question was: “How could God allow my life to be ruined by this sickness in my body?”

Unexpected developments
When a Bible League-trained church planter visited Gabir’s village, God used him to show Gabir the love of Jesus. “I never experienced love in a practical way like I did from this brother,” Gabir says. “He touched my heart. He showed Jesus to me in everything he said and did.”

Soon Gabir believed the truth of God’s Word and gave his life to Jesus. He began working with the church planter and even hosted a Bible study group at his house. The group had been gathering for about six months when the police invaded their meeting one night. They arrested Gabir and took him to the police station. They wanted him to sign papers that would stop the group from meeting.

Gabir told the police, “I’m a sick man, and it’s hard for me to travel. Those people meet in my house so that I can worship with fellow believers.” One of the officers looked kindly on Gabir and withdrew the papers, and other officers took him home.

God’s amazing provision
“Now I realize why the Lord permitted this disease in my life,” Gabir says. “If I did not have this sickness, they would have closed this meeting.” As Gabir copes with the disease and trusts God, he continues to host the Bible study group.

Gabir’s faith echoes the promise of Romans 8:28 (NKJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”