As difficult as it is to be a Christian in places where majority of the people observe Islam, Shahid (not his real name) bravely defied the odds and served the God he loves.
Shahid grew up as a devout Muslim in Libya. He was taught Islamic jurisprudence and he even memorised the Quran. However, things began to change when he turned 14 years old and tried to delve deeper into the teachings of Islam.
"Islam was completely exposed with its hidden reality," Shahid shared with Leading The Way. "Little by little, I had serious concerns about Islam."
Shahid questioned his family and friends, who simply told him not to question his faith. "They told me there is a verse in the Quran that urges Muslims not to seek answers to questions about some things, as it may hurt them if they know the answers," he said.
The doubt Shahid nursed never went away, and for more than four years, he struggled with his questions. He later decided to abandon his faith and become an atheist. "I got to a point when Islam had no more part in my life, and religion ceased to exist and Muhammad meant nothing to me," he recalled.
But thanks to the Christian ministry Leading The Way's visit to the Middle East, Shahid was introduced to Jesus Christ. Finally, Shahid's questions about faith were answered.
"I learned about who Jesus is and how to be a Christian. We studied how to live with Christ, fellowship with Him, and be part of the church," he said, adding that he "accepted Jesus' salvation and got baptised."
It was not enough for Shahid to know about God, because He wanted to share the Good News to others as well. He is now helping the Christian ministry spread the Gospel and baptise converts to Christianity.
Shahid's story is one that has deeply inspired Leading the Way's founder and president Dr. Michael Youssef. "He is a free man," Youssef said of Shahid's testimony. "Most importantly, he is free in Christ!"
