Imnah’s Story

“Imnah”* was born in Afghanistan in 1979 amid the struggle of his people against troops from the Soviet Union. All his life, Imnah has known fighting. When he was a teenager, he became involved in fighting between various groups of Afghanis. For six years he fought alongside fellow Afghanis near his home and was eventually wounded. He soon realized that he was no longer safe in Afghanistan and about six years ago he fled from his homeland and went to neighboring Iran. There he stayed for about a year working with his trade of construction. Then he moved on, following the trail of thousands of refugees, heading toward Europe. He crossed the border into Turkey, and then on to Greece and Italy.

It was there in Rome that he met an American working in a local church. This church worker gave Imnah a video of The Jesus Film in his own language — Persian. Imnah watched the movie and saw the story of Christ come alive. The Lord began working on Imnah’s heart and walked with him all the way on his journey. Imnah was heading toward Britain — the ultimate destination for hundreds of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers.

About three and a half years ago, he finally reached England. As soon as he arrived on British soil, the immigration officials began asking him questions. Imnah did not know any English in order to reply to them and to request political asylum. But a priest there knew Persian and was able to translate for him. Imnah was granted asylum here in England and he is now seeking permanent residency here. He took classes at a small college and began learning English.

In October 2007, Imnah walked in to the Baptist church where he met Tim*. He and Tim arranged a time to meet later that week and Tim was able to learn Imnah’s story. He was especially interested in Imnah’s search for Jesus. Imnah and Tim continue to meet together, in Tim’s home, at the park — wherever they can — to talk about Christ and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Imnah’s story of discipleship is just beginning.

It is exciting to see someone whom the Lord has drawn to Himself. Please pray for Tim as he seeks where the Lord is already at work in His harvest field. And please pray for Imnah as he seeks to follow the Savior.

*Names changed for security reasons.

Posted Oct 30, 2007

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