Pepe*, who serves in the Canary Islands, teaches English to a group of nearly 30 young men twice a week; most of the men are immigrants from Muslim cultures. During a recent lesson regarding the Spanish word mata, Pepe explained that the word could mean “plant,” or it could mean “he kills.” The conversation evolved into a discussion about the differences between killing someone on purpose and killing someone by accident. One student, Omar, then introduced the topic of suicide.

“I asked them, ‘What does the Muslim faith say about suicide?’” Pepe says. “They replied, ‘Oh, they go straight to hell.’”

Pepe questioned them and said he thought they believed Allah was merciful, kind and generous. The students refused to back down from their belief that suicide brings instant judgment.

“I said in our Christian faith, God forgives us,” Pepe says. “I explained that if my son did something very bad, I would not like it but I would still love him and forgive him.”

Quoting from Romans 8, Pepe focused on the verses that say nothing can separate us from the love of God.

“After reading the verses, I went back and re–emphasized the words ‘neither death nor life,’” Pepe says. “There was a stunned silence. Some quietly shook their heads, but others looked as though a new light of understanding shone on them.

“I wouldn’t change anything in the world for this work I am doing, and how God is creating these opportunities to talk to my new Muslim friends.”

*Name changed.