Those of us at our wellness center have had the privilege of getting to know Amani Bashar (not his real name). Amani is a Muslim man who has helped build the center and continues to be part of our outreach here in the Philippines.
“I don’t have much, but I want to help those volunteers at the center,” Amani said.
One Sabbath, Amani joined us in praising and thanking God for His goodness. During the program, I asked him to share his thoughts. “I come here because I love you,” he said.
He continued, “Since the day I began helping build this wellness center, I’ve been observing. If I had seen anything against what I believe as a Muslim, I would have left. But I saw that you are good people. Your religion is different from mine, yet you serve God. That’s why I stayed and chose to help.”
For three months, Amani volunteered his time to help build the center—not for personal gain but for his community. He became an integral part of the mission, bringing people in need to the center and opening more opportunities to share Jesus with patients and visitors.
Man of peace
Amani worked alongside us showing humility and grace. He even adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, inspired by our way of living. Despite mockery from friends, he remained steadfast.
I recalled words of counsel said before we were sent to the mission field: “Find the man of peace, for he will help you in your work.” Amani embodied peace—not just in name but in action. He became more than a volunteer; he became family.
One day, we asked Amani about the farthest place he had ever visited. Amani replied that he had only been to Zamboanga City. We then promised him we would travel together to see other wellness centers across Mindanao. Amani held onto that promise, though he doubted it would come true.
As time passed, however, Amani joined us on a trip to Sindangan to visit other wellness centers. During the journey, he worshiped with us at church. Though hesitant, he was given the opportunity to speak before the congregation. Nervously, he shared his experiences of building the center. Over time, he began attending our worship services regularly.
The warning
One day, Amani said, “Before I came [here], my relatives warned me: ‘Their ways are different from ours. Be careful not to be inf luenced.’ But I told them, ‘I know they are different, but I want to learn about their faith.’”
He continued, “Even when I’m asked to pray, I know my prayers don’t fit with yours, but I still pray because I’ve been asked to. I accept the good things I see in you. You have loved me, and I love you.”
All this time, I had worried that Amani might harbor doubts about us, but I was wrong. God had been working in his heart all along. The Holy Spirit was touching him in ways we couldn’t see.
What lies ahead for Amani is uncertain, but one thing is sure: God has a purpose for his life. Someday, by the Spirit’s guidance, he may fully accept Jesus as his Savior. For now, he is a living testament to Isaiah 60:22: “A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.”