ASIA: ‘THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE, AND IT IS STILL CHANGING ME TODAY’ 

Ethan* grew up in a strict Muslim family in a country where Islam was the main religion. His mother was a respected religious teacher, and his family even started an Islamic school. From a young age, Ethan’s life was centred around Islamic beliefs.

But things began to change when Ethan was 13. His aunt was a Christian, and sometimes he went to church with his cousins. That’s where he first heard about Jesus.

One day, Ethan’s mother became very ill. He prayed every day, read the Quran, and even visited a warlock, but nothing helped. One day while praying at the mosque, Ethan heard a voice say, “My name is not Allah. I am Yahweh, I am Elohim.” He had never heard those names before and didn’t know what they meant.

Later, when he went to church again, he felt desperate to know more. He secretly took a Bible home and started reading it under his bed so no one would find out. When he saw the name “Yahweh” in the Bible, he realised this was the same voice he heard in the mosque. That’s when he decided to follow Jesus. Alone under his bed, he gave his life to Christ:

“I would crawl under the bed just to read the Bible. I didn’t want anyone to take the Bible away from me. The more I read, the more I knew I wanted Jesus as my God and my saviour. There was no altar call, there was no guided prayer, it was just me and the stolen Bible under my bed – that is where I gave my life to Jesus... The Bible changed my life, and it is still changing me today.“

Ethan and his brother, who also believed, faced many challenges. No church would accept them or baptise them, so they baptised each other at the beach. They started their own small church and began preaching.

Facing persecution whilst leading a church

As their church grew, so did the danger. Authorities raided their home and took their Bibles. Ethan’s brother was arrested and then tragically died a few years ago. Their car was set on fire, and a spy once tried to destroy their church, and incite a mob to attack their church, but God stepped in and kept them safe.

Even though Ethan’s family rejected him and tried to force him to return to Islam, he has stayed strong. He refused to give up his faith, even when it meant losing his inheritance.

When asked why he keeps going, Ethan said, “I long to see my Creator… I know my life has a purpose. I teach my children to never deny the Lord, no matter what.”

Today, Ethan shares the Bible with others, leads a church, helps poor children, and teaches immigrant kids. Through all the pain, he holds on to Jesus’ command: “Love each other as I have loved you.”

*Name changed for security reasons. Images are representative.