Olivia* was called by God to share the gospel among the unreached, and responded with obedience on a short-term mission trip to Southeast Asia to study culture and language while telling locals about Jesus. There she met Bisma*—a Muslim girl interested in her American friend’s belief in Christ.
Bisma’s curiosity lead her to spend time getting to know a group of Americans visiting her university for a cultural exchange program—including a girl named Olivia.
Together, they practiced learning each other’s language and culture, both of which greatly contrasted their own. One thing she noticed most about Olivia and her friends was their faith.
They often talked about their love for Jesus.
Even though Islam denied Christianity’s claim that Jesus is the Savior of the world, in the past Bisma had prayed in His Name … hoping He held the power to heal a sick friend. That day, she learned that Jesus did, and a desire to learn more about Him was placed in Bisma’s heart.
After several months of wondering about this Man, her new friendship with Olivia finally gave Bisma an opportunity to explore Jesus.
The pair exchanged life stories in a local coffee shop. Oliviva was faithful to highlight how God changed her life through Jesus Christ and fully explained the gospel message. When Olivia finished sharing, something in Bisma’s heart and mind clicked—Jesus was who Olivia said He was.
In that moment, Bisma shouted, “I believe!” and chose to leave her Muslim faith to follow Christ.
Olivia’s obedience to the Great Commission led Bisma to Christ, and she now serves as a bold gospel witness in her community despite the persecution that is common in her predominately Muslim nation.
Within two years of meeting Bisma, Olivia moved to Southeast Asia to continue her studies and ministry. Today, these two friends and sisters in Christ work alongside each other to engage the lost with the gospel of Jesus.
*Names changed for security reasons.