KENYA (ANS – April 4, 2017) — God began to draw the child’s heart away from Islam even before he received his shoebox gift. As he learned that Jesus was more than a prophet, his mother became intrigued by what he shared, and a powerful love she had never known.
“We moved from my hometown to Meru and all the people in our neighborhood were Muslim, so we became Muslim,” Mary told Samaritan’s Purse. As a single mom, she moved there seeking a community that would help her and her son Clinton. After the move, a surprising series of events began to unfold.
In Kenya, Islam has been making gains along the coast and the northern border with Somalia, a Muslim stronghold. Meru, five hours north of Nairobi, is a major hub and common destination for transplanted Somalis.
At the nearby mosque Clinton attended with his mother, the instructors caned his legs when he mispronounced the Koran’s Arabic verses.
One day he had enough and told his mother he didn’t want to return to his Islamic classes.
“Where will you go?” she asked.
“I want to go to church,” he replied. “The Lord will tell me where.”
Mary was surprised by his response, unaware the God of the Bible had begun to draw her son.
By the Lord’s providence, a few days later a friend invited Clinton to attend his church.
Clinton said yes—realizing this was an answer to the yearnings God had placed in his heart.
When Clinton attended the church, he received a shoebox from Operation Christmas Child filled with gifts transported from the U.S. to Kenya.
After Clinton received the gift, he continued to attend the church with his friend, while his mother went to the mosque. He got involved in a discipleship program developed by Samaritan’s Purse for those who receive the shoeboxes.
He was surprised the teachers at the church where his friend invited him did not beat him.
In his classes, Clinton learned about a different Jesus than the one he was taught about by the imams. He learned that Jesus was much more than a prophet – that He is God’s Son.
Photo captions: 1) Mary and Clinton in front of church. 2) Mark Ellis.
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About the writer: Mark Ellis is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), and is also the founder of www.GodReports.com, a website that shares testimonies and videos from the church around the world to build interest and involvement in world missions. Previously, Mark co-hosted a TV show called “Windows on the World” with ANS Founder, Dan Wooding, aired on the Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network (http://hsbn.tv/), which is now co-hosted by Dr. Garry Ansdell, Senior Pastor of Hosanna Christian Fellowship in Bellflower, California. |
