PHILIPPINES: THE HITMAN TURNED CHILD OF GOD

When Tarik* in southern Philippines went to a programme run by Christians, it was partly to hide from the police. As a HIGH LEVEL drug DEALER and hitman, he was ‘wanted’. But he couldn’t hide from God, and unusual things began happening, sparking an astonishing transformation. 

Within weeks of beginning the programme, Tarik – who’d suffered with a long-term stomach condition – prayed for the first time. “If you are truly Isa al-Masih [Jesus Christ], heal me,” he said. “After three minutes, the pain was gone.” But given his Muslim background, Tarik resisted becoming a Christian. 

THREE DREAMS

Tarik then had the same dream three times. “I dreamt about Jesus, and that I cast out evil spirits in His name. Those dreams didn’t change my view, though. I still stubbornly believed He was a prophet.

“Until one day, it wasn’t a dream any longer,” he continues. Tarik met local boy who people had said was troubled by an evil spirit. “I said the name of Isa, and he was healed.” The same happened with a woman, who was also healed. News spread that Tarik had powers – powers he knew weren’t from him. “From then, I began to seek Jesus.”

Image: Tarik baptising new believers

‘I FINALLY UNDERSTOOD WHO JESUS IS’

After attending a literacy class where God’s Word was taught, Tarik asked for a Bible. “One night, God woke me up. I didn’t know how to open the Bible, but I did, and the first thing I read was: ‘To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.’ (John 1:12). 

“I never experienced being a child – I had no father figure. When Christ said that, if I follow Him, I’d become the Father’s child, I cried. The Holy Spirit worked in my heart so that I finally understood who Jesus is.”

Since becoming a Christian, Tarik has survived attempts on his life by Muslim extremist groups. “Believing in Jesus where I live can lead to death,” he says. But amazingly, extremists are exploring Christianity, and some have come to faith. “Despite persecution, we’re growing deeper. It doesn’t mean we want it, but through persecution, we experience God’s grace, love and power.”

Key to this is the role of Open Doors local partners, through initiatives including persecution survival training, food programmes and literacy classes. 

“Having you journeying alongside us has impacted us significantly,” says Tarik. “We’re not alone. We know that there are people who pray for us. When challenges arise, we’re not ashamed to talk to them. Before, there was none of that. We were afraid we had no one with us. I’m very thankful.”

*Names changed for security reasons