Arben cannot talk about Jesus enough. He first became a disciple of Jesus years ago through a simple, genuine friendship. Watching the depth of his faith grow over the years fills me with a joy that is hard to put into words. There is something remarkable about seeing the Holy Spirit shape a life so steadily, so quietly, until it shines with conviction and compassion that cannot help but spill over to others.

What stands out most about Arben is his boldness in sharing the gospel, gently, sincerely and without hesitation. Every time we are out together, he finds a way to start a conversation about faith. He does not push or pressure. He simply invites. For him, it is as natural as breathing. His relationship with Jesus is not something he turns on or off depending on where he is. It is who he is.

Arben often begins with a question so simple that it disarms people: “What is your faith?”

Those four words open doors that sermons and public evangelism often cannot. They create space for curiosity, respect and real dialogue.

Not long ago, we were sitting at a café waiting to meet someone when our waiter—a young man in his early twenties—came to our table. Arben smiled and greeted him, and before long, they were deep in conversation. Within minutes, the young man had pulled up a chair beside us, eager to listen.

They began to talk about Islam and Christianity. Arben asked, “Do you speak Arabic?”

The young man shook his head.

“Do you have a Quran in Albanian?”

“No.”

“Then how do you know what it says?” Arben asked kindly.

“Our imam tells us,” the young man replied.

Arben paused for a moment and then said with genuine warmth, “Wouldn’t you like to read it for yourself? I have a Bible in Albanian, and I read it every day.”

Something shifted in the young man’s face. Curiosity replaced caution. He began to ask questions. As they continued talking, Arben began naming prophets from the Bible: Abraham, Moses, David and others. The young man nodded in recognition. He realized they shared much more spiritual heritage than he had thought.

By the end of their conversation, Arben offered him a Bible and an open invitation to read and study together. The young man accepted both with gratitude.
A friendship began that day, built not on debate but on respect and sincere seeking.

Now, whenever we pass that café, Arben glances through the window to see if the young man is working. If he is, we stop for a cup of chamomile tea. I often sit back quietly, letting their conversation unfold, and I am moved every time. There is something sacred about watching one disciple make another, not through argument or persuasion, but through kindness, presence and truth spoken gently.

It reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

This is precisely what is happening before my eyes. Disciples making disciples. One conversation at a time.

Jesus Himself modeled this way of reaching hearts: sitting at wells, sharing meals and noticing people others overlooked. His ministry was profoundly relational. He met people in their everyday spaces, often through ordinary questions that led to extraordinary encounters. Arben does the same, and it is humbling to witness.
There is nothing polished about it. Arben is not out to win arguments; he is out to win hearts. His confidence is not rooted in charisma or cleverness but in quiet trust that the Holy Spirit is already at work long before he speaks.

That gives me so much hope for the region where we serve. Each conversation like this is a seed planted, watered and watched over by God Himself. Some may sprout quickly. Others may rest hidden for years before breaking through the soil. But all are part of the same story.

Please join me in prayer for Arben:
Pray that God will continue to strengthen his faith and deepen his wisdom.
Pray that he will remain sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting in every conversation.
Pray that his courage will never harden into pride, but that he will always stay humble and full of compassion.
And pray for those he speaks with who are hungry for truth but unsure where to find it.

We often picture mission work as something exciting and far-reaching. Most of the time, however, the gospel spreads in quiet moments like these that never make headlines but are celebrated in heaven: a question over tea, a conversation with a stranger and the gift of a Bible offered in friendship.

Every time I watch Arben lean across a café table and ask, “What is your faith?” I am reminded that the Great Commission is not a project—it is a way of life.
May we all carry that same boldness and gentleness wherever we go.

• Twitter