Amir Abdullah*, a religious leader for three countries, accepted Bible truths and, in January, prepared for baptism. “Please get me to the waters fast!” he begged.
His baptism was scheduled when the tide would be high, but as the baptismal group arrived at the beach, they found the water far away and only small pools left among the coral due to the effect of recent monsoons.
When the group returned a little later hoping for higher water, a truck full of government soldiers stopped them. “What are you doing?” they asked. “We fought with a banned militia just a half hour ago. Get out of here fast and run for your lives! Go!”
The group raced to another beach as darkness fell. Clouds covering the moon shielded them from prying eyes as they walked to the beach. But Saleh*, their pastor who was previously injured by a land mine, fell and hurt his only good leg. He had to be carried into the water, slowing progress once again.
The full moon broke from the clouds, exposing them. Some people spied them and walked over, so the baptism was stopped in hopes they would pass. Instead they came near. They recognized Saleh as a famous community and religious leader, so the group provided a study from the Quran about baptism. But the passersby wanted to argue, and another hour was lost.
The clouds returned and the visitors left, but just as the baptism was resuming, the moon came out in full. A couple walked nearby and sat down. They watched without a word, so the baptism continued. At last Abdullah was baptized.
Saleh has led his main mosque to Bible truth, and recently 25 more people were baptized.
*Pseudonyms are used throughout.