One Household Stories

North African believer remains firm in Christ despite losing family, wealth

Ameur, a “very humble, tall thin man” from a wealthy family in North Africa, seemed to have everything going for him. His father even deeded him a house. Then seven years ago when he was in his late 20s, Ameur gave his life to Christ.

His father was horrified. Not only did he and the family disown Ameur, but he took back the house and all of his son’s wealth. Ameur didn’t even have a bed to sleep on, and he was forced to live on the streets of his city.

Jobs are hard to come by in the city where unemployment is about 50 percent, so Ameur would find whatever temporary jobs were available such as construction or yard work. Sometimes he would spend the night with friends, but often he would find himself sleeping on the streets.

Despite these difficult circumstances, Ameur has refused to become discouraged or bitter against the Lord. He carefully and openly shares his faith.

Two years ago, using a New Testament, Ameur led a young lady to the Lord. Later when the woman found out that her parents were planning her marriage to a 55-year-old Muslim priest, she was full of dismay. She went back to Ameur and asked him, “Would you please marry me?” Ameur agreed, and they got married in a private ceremony. But they’ve kept their faith a secret from her parents, afraid they would retaliate. Since Ameur is unable to support his wife, she continues to live with her parents.

Ameur attends a small evangelical church in his city and is part of a group that helps produce Arabic radio programs aired by HCJB Global to the region via shortwave and on satellite.

Baptismal Candidates in Tunisia declare willingness to die for Christ

Words cannot describe the emotions and impressions of what HCJB Global Arabic programmer Shukri Habibi saw and heard during a recent trip to Tunisia.

He saw a group of converts worshiping the Lord from the bottom of their hearts, and he witnessed one convert’s baptism. At the baptism, his pastor asked him the most moving question, “Are you willing to die for your Savior Jesus Christ?” In the Arab world, this is the price that a convert may pay—his life. Yet, they are all enthusiastic, and on fire for the Lord.

To become a convert in Tunisia is serious business. Faith in Christ brings with it persecution, disownment and even death. Yet many are embracing Christianity after they hear the message of salvation.

One of these converts came to the Lord after hearing the message from Radio Monte Carlo (Trans Global) during the period when we served there. He is now a local church leader.

Shukri was also excited to meet with the radio group that is producing radio programs in Tunisian dialect. They asked if we both can do some training for them in the future.

The Tunisia trip was an eye-opener of God’s marvelous work among people. Shukri came back encouraged more than ever!