Source: Operation Mobilization

“God, what do you want me to tell her?” Anette prayed as she walked to meet Aziza. After nearly two years of living and working in North Africa, Anette kept busy juggling time with friends and work responsibilities.  One afternoon as Anette joined with colleagues to pray for their friends, Aziza came to mind.  It had been awhile since the two women had seen each other.  “I was wondering if I should give up the friendship,” Anette explained.

Annette first met Aziza at a sports class the previous year. Aziza was full of energy and personality. Like many in their early 20s, Aziza was interested in Western culture, music and practising her English. When both women realised they lived in the same neighborhood, they began to go to sports class together. Aziza was also friends with another worker, Caren. Together the three women began to spend time discussing life and eventually faith.  They even began reading the Bible. However, their times together became fewer and less frequent.

“She was interested in everything and nothing,” said Anette. It was difficult to see how interested she was in deeper conversations about life and faith. Two days after praying for Aziza, Anette received a SMS message from her: “I haven’t seen you for a long time. I would like to meet you.”

Aziza shared that she was feeling discouraged and a little depressed; she was excited to spend time together. Believing this sudden contact from Aziza was an answer to prayer, Anette asked God for wisdom.

“God, what do you want me to tell her?” Anette prayed on the way to meet Aziza. Psalm 23 was her answer.The afternoon passed quickly as they women shared about thelr lives, and all too soon they were on their way back home. Frustrated that there had been no clear opportunity to share the verses, Anette boldly asked to read something before leaving. They sat together on a nearby bench, and Anette read Psalm 23. Anette explained that God walks beside us in the good times and in the challenging times.  “It’s normal that we go through challenges, but God wants to comfort us,” she said.  “This is exactly my situation,” said Aziza. “I’m standing in the challenges.”

Anette offered to pray for Aziza and the challenges she was facing.  “Now, I feel good,” Aziza said.  “Why?” Anette asked.  “Maybe it was the cake, being outside, good conversation, or maybe because you prayed for me,” Aziza said.  Hugs and goodbyes were exchanged as the women parted ways. On the way home Anette’s phone beeped, indicating a new SMS message.  It was from Aziza: “Thank you!  May God bless you!”

Sometimes in ministry in North Africa its the small acts of obedience that make the biggest difference.

• Pray for workers like Anette to faithfully share God’s love in the small, everyday moments.
• Pray for Aziza to come to know Jesus as her Saviour.
• Pray for workers to have opportunities today to share from God’s Word, and to pray for their friends and contacts in North Africa.

All names have been changed.