What does it take for a jihadist to turn to Jesus?
A Muslim extremist in central Africa, Wesley Saliboko murdered people in his fight against Christians. But each time he participated in the violence jihad demanded of him, his heart filled with sorrow.
“I did not want to live with this sorrow in my heart,” he said. (Voice of the Martyrs, X, August 24)
Last year, Muslim militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (an Islamic rebel group in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo) killed Wesley’s niece, as she attended a Christian boarding school. At her funeral, Christians cared for her body and gave her a proper burial, while the Muslim community offered no condolences. His heart stirred as he witnessed firsthand what a loving Christian community looks like.
Then, a minister boldly preached the gospel, there in the presence of a jihadist who murders Christians.
That’s when Wesley left Islam behind and followed Jesus.
LOVE. Kind love. Bold love. True love.
That’s what it took to turn a Muslim extremist to Christ. Now, he is the hunted one, the convert to Christianity who traded violence for the love of Christ.
Lord, we mourn the tragic death so young in her life of this girl who loved You, but we praise You for how, through that death, You brought Wesley to Yourself. We ask You now to be a Shield around Wesley as he faces the wrath of other jihadists. Protect him completely, Lord, and give him wisdom and Your empowering to boldly share the gospel with Muslims. Meet jihadists in their dreams and point them to Jesus. Give them such powerful encounters with You that they fall to their knees in fear of the Lord and surrender their lives to You, as Wesley did. Make a way for every Muslim in Uganda and DRC to hear the good news and be saved. Open their eyes to see You as You truly are and give them courage to surrender all to You, like Paul did on the road to Damascus. Every time extremists seek to persecute a Christian, open their eyes to see Your angel armies protecting them and their ears to hear Your voice calling them to repentance. And save them, O God, by Your merciful hand. Bring to justice those who refuse to turn to You. Whatever the enemy has meant for evil, turn around for great good. For every Christian persecuted, bring 1,000 Muslims to faith. May the violence and terror extremists spread serve only to give Muslims all the more hunger for the One who is Love. Shield every Christian in Uganda and DRC miraculously and bless them so abundantly they will also bless their Muslim neighbors and draw them into Your arms through their kindness. Bring an end to the war, the bloodshed, the persecution, the abductions and rapes. Bring to justice those bent on evil. And make a way for every Muslim to hear the gospel in a way they can easily understand. Awaken Uganda and the DRC with Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
November 3, 2024, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Come join us that day and every day here at the Prayer Wall by entering your email in the space below.
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the ou below:
For a free guide to knowing God’s voice, Dare to Become a Kingdom Culture Leader, Vol 1-2, 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Vol 2, Dare to Be a Mighty Warrior and other books to pray for awakening across the world and in our own churches and hearts, visit MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.
Any proceeds this author receives from the sale of the deep devotional Bible studies and other MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com books mentioned in this post go to shining Christ’s light in the darkness and seeing the nations come to Him.
Thank you for your support! If you have any questions or want to help with this ministry, please contact Mikaela.
PRAYER WALL 