For many believers, the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 – 20 are not just distant instructions but daily guidance— to go, to make disciples, and to teach others to obey all that he commanded. For them, this calling has become central to their lives.
One such life is Israt.*
Born into a Muslim family, Israt encountered the love of Christ and chose to follow him wholeheartedly. Her decision was not welcomed. She faced rejection, hostility, and even serious threats from members of her own community. There were moments when fear could have silenced her, yet her faith did not waver. She understood that the path of Christ is not promised to be easy, but it is always worth it.
Instead of retreating, Israt stepped forward in prayer. She started by building relationships, traveling from place to place, entering homes, listening to people’ s struggles, and forming genuine bonds of trust. She believes that before people are ready to hear the Good News, they must first experience love and compassion. Only after genuine trust is established does she share the message of salvation through Christ.
When someone chooses to follow Jesus, Israt teaches them something simple yet paramount: obedience and sharing must begin immediately. Each week, believers gather in small groups, meeting discreetly in homes or sometimes in an open field. For their safety, they must maintain careful secrecy. Together, they read Scripture, pray, and discuss how to put into practice what they are learning.
These small fellowships are not built around a single leader. Instead, every believer is encouraged to grow, take responsibility, and eventually lead others.
When a group grows, they intentionally multiply. Members begin meeting in a different location, forming a new fellowship. In this way, disciples become disciple-makers, and churches give birth to new churches.
Today, Israt shepherds 49 small house churches. Each one represents lives transformed, families impacted, and communities gradually being changed by the light of Christ.
The journey remains costly. Israt and many other believers continue to face persecution and threats to their lives. Yet passages like Romans 5:3 – 5 remind them that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. The Holy Spirit strengthens them in their darkest moments and guides their steps forward. They have chosen to remain faithful, even when faithfulness is risky.
We humbly ask you to pray for Israt and for the many believers serving alongside her. Pray for protection amid persecution. Pray for courage to continue sharing the Gospel boldly. Pray that each small fellowship will grow and multiply, bringing the light of Christ into more homes.
Through faithful obedience, the light of Christ spreads from one heart to another, from one home to many, transforming lives along the way.
* Names changed and photo altered for security.
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