“I am not happy with Pastor Badé. His methods are confusing and make it hard for other Christians. His bad influence is visible in town.”

I was sad when Fatou told me about these words from her friend, a restaurant owner and member of the evangelical church Fatou left to join our little group. Fatou was part of our third baptism, which took place in February of this year.

Fatou comes from a Muslim background. But, in Fatou’s teen years, her mother converted to Christianity. Fatou had been attending the evangelical church for 10 years when we met her in 2007 through her husband, who repaired our refrigerator. Her husband’s good report about us piqued her interest and led to her joining us. He is not yet baptized, but he and their four children attend our prayer meetings regularly.

Fatou was also sad to hear her friend’s complaints. But then, to her amazement, a restaurant patron who had been listening to their conversation boldly jumped in. “I don’t agree with you,” the man said, embarrassing Fatou’s friend. “I am a Muslim, but I respect the pastor you are talking about. His activities over the years have reduced tensions between Christians and Muslims. Our town should be grateful he is here.”

Fatou’s friend was speechless. Fatou also was astonished, and she quickly took her leave to hide her happiness and avoid further shaming her friend.

When Fatou shared this story with our group of intercessors who meet three times a day to pray, we were all convinced it was a sign of encouragement straight from God. His work through us is bearing fruit. Praise His name!

Later, I learned that the man who had spoken up is the director of the company that insures our car, a Muslim from the South whom I know very well. What a God we serve! I can say that truly some praises are “not of men, but of God” (Rom. 2:29). Thanks for your prayers and support. As a team, we are moving forward by God’s grace.

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