God is always working. In conflict, in delay, and even in seasons of doubt. He can use willing hearts at the exact moment he has prepared.

This is the theme of Haggai Leader Yousef’s story. Since 2003, Yousef* has been serving in evangelism and has had a strong conviction to lead those around him to Christ, even as he serves in a setting in the Middle East where many people come from religious backgrounds that can make them hesitant to consider the Gospel, and where family pressure can create fear around questions of faith.

However, since his experience at Haggai in 2020, Yousef gained a greater structure and organization to teach and train believers in evangelism. Along with the newfound structure, Yousef has set a personal goal to train 100 believers each year in sharing the Good News. Through that newfound vision, he’s been able to lead discipleship groups, Bible exploration for those who are seeking truth, as well as social activities including assistance and support for displaced people.

And God has allowed that vision to come to fruition within his community.

In one particular story of evangelism, Yousef got to know a man who was known for his strict religious background and had grown up deeply opposed to Christ, convinced that faith meant rigidity, power and absolute certainty. However, during a time of unrest in his country, he experienced deep hardship that caused him to question God and his mercy.

Slowly, his foundation began to crack and questions started to creep in, and because of this, he began to search for something real that he could cling to.

It was then he remembered that he had relatives that had believed in Christ, and he reached out to them with his questions about faith and God. But the visit did not happen immediately. Weeks became months, and eventually two years passed. Still, what seemed delayed to them was not outside God’s timing.

When Yousef and the man’s relative finally sat down with him, they presented the Gospel, not as an argument or a debate, but as a story of love, sacrifice, and grace. Something in that moment shifted. The man prayed, opened his heart and received Christ as his personal Savior.

After ten years of questioning, he found the truth, and along with it came a peace surpassing understanding. Two months later, he was continuing to walk in his new faith, taking each step as he learned and grew.

This man’s life would not be the same if Yousef had not trusted God with his passion for evangelism. Yousef trusted God, and God gave the increase. Haggai helped him see evangelism not only as a personal responsibility but as something he could intentionally multiply through training, discipleship and everyday conversations. Now as a result, the ripple effect is spreading across different communities within the Middle East.

*name changed for security

written by Leah Spivak