Participants:
Series Code: AWR
Program Code: AWR360003A
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00:38 I never would have thought
00:39 my peaceful life in Nazareth would come to this. 00:50 God, are you still there? 01:21 I have always dreamed of visiting Israel. 01:25 Of walking where Jesus walked, 01:26 and seeing where some of the greatest 01:28 miracles of all the time took place. 01:33 Yes, it is different now. 01:35 The cars and skyscrapers that dot the Tel Aviv sky, 01:38 remind me, 01:40 we are not in Bible times anymore. 01:42 But when I step into the Old City of Jerusalem, 01:45 or climb the Mount of Olives, 01:47 I am transported back in time and the stories of a Messiah 01:50 and miracles come alive. 01:57 Israel is a country of diverse cultures. 01:59 Even in the relatively small area of the old City, 02:02 Jerusalem, four distinct sections appear, 02:06 the Muslim Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, 02:08 the Armenian Quarter, and the Christian quarter. 02:12 Each group leads lives full of tradition. 02:15 They religiously preserve their rich cultural heritage, 02:18 and seldom mingle with those of another quarter. 02:21 Despite past and present conflicts, 02:24 for the most part, peace currently reigns. 02:30 During my time here, 02:32 I have been privileged to see the Bible in living color. 02:36 Standing on Mount Carmel, 02:38 I envisioned the Prophet Elijah, 02:40 and how God demonstrated 02:42 His almighty power to the unbelieving Israel. 02:48 I have walked the Via Dolorosa, with a heavy heart 02:51 for what my Lord carried for me that day. 02:54 Stepping into the Garden Tomb, 02:55 I thought about Mary and how she felt 02:58 when she found it empty. 03:00 And then the joy of a risen Savior, 03:02 we still celebrate today. 03:07 But my time here will be remembered, 03:09 not only by what I have seen, but also heard. 03:13 Come with me to Nazareth, 03:15 the little city in the northern part of Israel, 03:17 where Jesus grew up. 03:22 Here I met a man named Wisam, 03:24 whose life of extraordinary miracles 03:26 has indelibly shaped my own. 03:36 When I tell people where I'm from, 03:38 they always laugh and say, 03:40 "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" 03:43 My country is occupied primarily by Muslims. 03:46 And I was born into one of the largest 03:49 Muslims family tribes in Nazareth. 03:53 Wisam's father was head of the tribe 03:55 and his uncle, the imam. 03:57 At age five Wisam was chosen to be 03:59 the next leader. 04:00 And from that time on, 04:02 he was sent to special Islamic schools 04:03 and trained for the sole purpose. 04:07 Wisam learned the Quran my heart, 04:09 studied Sharia law, martial arts, 04:11 and was taught to be fearless and feeling less. 04:15 But the harder Wisam studied, the more empty he felt. 04:18 He always thought, 04:20 if he memorized more of the Quran, 04:21 if he prayed more or became rich, 04:24 it would fill the emptiness he felt, 04:26 but it never did. 04:28 At age 17.5, Wisam decided to leave home. 04:35 My decision was the ultimate shame to my family, 04:39 and they called a council to discuss the matter. 04:43 I sat on the ground, 04:44 in front of my father and uncle, 04:47 and expressed my desire to leave. 04:50 Everyone started shouting and threatened to disown me, 04:54 and take away all my possessions. 04:58 Despite threats from this angry family, 05:00 Wisam packed his bag and left. 05:03 He traveled from north to south, 05:05 looking for what to do next. 05:08 One day Wisam met the owner of a hotel, 05:10 and after talking, 05:12 the man offered him a job working in the kitchen. 05:15 Wisam was so excited. 05:17 This was his first real job. 05:20 The hotel chef was a kind and honest man. 05:24 He taught me many things. 05:26 Every day was a new experience. 05:28 As I learned how to be humble, 05:31 ask for help and many other life lessons 05:33 that I had never learned before. 05:36 Soon I had mastered cooking 05:38 and enjoyed working alongside the head chef. 05:44 One day a stranger came to the hotel. 05:46 Wisam went out to meet him, 05:47 and learned that he was in the Russian mafia. 05:50 The man heard of Wisam's skills in martial arts, 05:53 and had come to ask him to be his bodyguard. 05:56 Wisam refused, and immediately the man 05:58 became very angry and threatened to kill him. 06:02 I was in constant dangers and fearing for my life. 06:06 Then one evening, 06:07 I saw several men at a distance, 06:09 point their guns at me. 06:12 Bullets flew through the air. 06:14 Three bullets hit me, and I fell unconscious. 06:22 Wisam regained consciousness sometime later, 06:25 and found himself in an unfamiliar hotel room. 06:28 Upon inquiring, Wisam was told that 06:30 a doctor had seen him lying on the street. 06:33 And after bandaging his wounds had brought him here. 06:36 The doctor had paid for six months 06:38 of medical treatments, and then left anonymously. 06:43 Wisam's heart was full of gratitude 06:45 for this doctor's kindness. 06:47 But as he began healing from his wounds, 06:50 discouragement set in, what should he do now? 06:53 He could not go home for fear of death. 06:56 And for the same reason he could not go out 06:58 on the streets either. 06:59 As Wisam pondered the situation, 07:01 his thoughts surprisingly went to a sister in Austria. 07:05 He had not seen her in years, 07:07 and had no way of contacting her. 07:10 But for some reason, Wisam felt that she could help. 07:15 I knew my mother's heart would be the softest toward me. 07:18 So I called home. 07:20 She answered and immediately said, 07:21 "Son, your sister is searching for you. 07:24 Here's her number, please call her." 07:27 Astonished by his mother's words, 07:29 he immediately called his sister. 07:32 She answered and said, 07:33 "Do you want to come to Austria?" 07:36 For the second time, he was taken aback, 07:38 but answered yes. 07:41 His sister suggested that 07:42 he attend a special language school in Vienna, 07:45 and gave him directions on how to get there. 07:49 Wisam was soon on his way, and upon landing in Austria, 07:52 was amazed by all the big buildings 07:54 and people everywhere. 07:56 His sister had instructed him 07:57 to take a train and get off at a certain station. 08:02 When I arrived at the appointed train station, 08:05 I found it in the middle of nowhere. 08:08 With one lone man standing on the platform, Wisam! 08:12 He called with excitement and gave me a big hug. 08:16 This was the first hug I have ever received. 08:23 Arriving at the language school during summer vacation, 08:26 Wisam was assigned to work in the garden. 08:29 It was not until the students returned 08:31 and classes resumed, 08:32 that Wisam realized he was at a Christian school. 08:36 I could hardly believe my good fortune. 08:39 I fell to the ground and began to thank Allah, 08:41 that I was destined to become a Muslim missionary 08:44 to hundreds of Christian students on campus. 08:48 If I had anything to do with it, 08:51 this Christian school would soon be a Muslim school. 09:00 As Christians, our family is much larger 09:02 than our immediate biological family. 09:04 In fact, we have brothers and sisters 09:06 that live in more than 200 countries 09:08 all around the world. 09:12 We want to remember them in our estate plan. 09:15 We can help you with that process. 09:16 Just call 800-337-4279 toll free 09:21 or log on to awr.org. 09:28 Wisam began praying five times a day, 09:30 through his open window, 09:32 thanking Allah for the wonderful opportunity 09:35 to be a Muslim missionary at a Christian school. 09:39 He was confident in his abilities 09:41 to convert the students, 09:42 and as time wore on became more and more bold. 09:46 Become a Muslim or go to hell 09:48 he would tell the frightened students. 09:50 Wisam even started reading 09:51 the Bible attempting to prove it false. 09:54 But all these efforts were in vain, 09:56 and instead of converts, he received only criticism. 10:01 My sister started receiving calls 10:02 from the teacher, saying, 10:04 the students were feeling threatened 10:06 and asking that she come and get me. 10:08 Instead of relenting, my sister begged the school 10:11 to give me a second chance. 10:13 They finally agreed. 10:20 One day Wisam sat basking in the warm sunshine. 10:23 When a lady came and started engaging him 10:26 in a conversation. 10:27 She asked, "How he was, and how his sister was doing." 10:30 Then she inquired, 10:32 "How is your sister's boyfriend?" 10:34 Wisam jumped up in disbelief. 10:37 My sister has a boyfriend? 10:39 His face grew hot with anger. 10:42 It only got worse. 10:44 The lady shared that, 10:45 not only was my sister a Christian, 10:48 but the man she was planning to marry was a pastor. 10:52 In fact, he was the same man 10:54 who had met me at the train station 10:57 and give me the first hug. 11:02 Filled with rage, Wisam called his family 11:05 telling them of the emergency. 11:07 His sister had become a Christian. 11:10 The family commissioned him to find his sister 11:13 and tell her that if she would not repent, 11:15 she would be killed. 11:17 Wisam was unsure of where in Austria his sister lived. 11:21 So he called her on the telephone. 11:23 He begged her to return to Islam. 11:25 But in response, she quoted Matthew 16:26, 11:30 "For what profit is it to a man 11:32 if he gains the whole world, 11:34 and loses his own soul." 11:37 I have found Jesus, she said, and I won't go back. 11:41 Wisam was furious. 11:43 "I will have to kill you," he said. 11:45 "I serve an almighty God," his sister calmly replied, 11:48 "Do what you want." 11:51 My sister requested that 11:52 I studied German for one year 11:54 at the language school. 11:55 And if I did this, at the end of the year, 11:58 she would hand herself over to be killed. 12:01 I thought this was a good plan, but I left her with a warning. 12:05 If you don't come at the end of one year, 12:08 I will kill one Christian every day until you come. 12:13 Wisam studied German 12:15 and worked hard to pass the state exam. 12:17 After completing his studies, 12:19 he returned to work in the garden for the summer. 12:22 As the days passed, 12:23 and the appointed time drew near for his sister 12:25 to hand herself over. 12:26 Wisam spent much time, 12:28 contemplating what method he would use to kill her. 12:32 One day, Wisam received a call regarding his visa. 12:35 Problems had risen, and he was told to report 12:38 to the immigration office immediately, 12:40 or be deported. 12:42 Realizing the seriousness of the situation, 12:45 Wisam asked his boss if he could leave work early, 12:47 and go to the office to hopefully resolve the issue. 12:50 His boss said no. 12:57 I was in shock that my boss wouldn't let me go. 13:00 And the situation with my visa weighed on me heavily. 13:04 I didn't want to dishonor my family for a second time. 13:10 Wisam sank to the ground in discouragement, 13:13 and resting against a tree, fell into a fitful sleep. 13:17 All of a sudden, he saw a bright light 13:20 and heard a powerful voice saying," 13:23 You are mine." 13:26 Shocked, Wisam woke up to see the theology teacher 13:30 walking toward him. 13:32 Have you seen the man from Israel? 13:35 I answered him, "That's me." 13:38 "I have a gift for you," he said, 13:40 "Here's an orange from Israel." 13:44 Confused, I looked into his face. 13:47 I asked him, "Who's your God?" 13:49 "The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit," 13:51 he answered me. 13:53 With these words, 13:54 I was jolted back reality and I said to him, 13:59 "I'll accept your orange, but not your God." 14:09 Wisam sat in bewilderment. 14:12 What was this all about, he thought. 14:14 Before Wisam could find an answer, 14:16 he fell asleep. 14:18 Again he saw the bright light, and heard the words, 14:20 "You are mine." 14:22 And again he woke up and saw the theology teacher 14:25 walking towards him, orange in hand. 14:28 "Have you seen the man from Israel?" 14:29 He asked. 14:30 And again, Wisam took the orange. 14:37 Now, I sat there with two oranges, 14:39 and more confused than ever. 14:43 But despite the questions, I fell asleep again. 14:46 This time the voice was even more powerful. 14:49 "Fear not, you are mine." 14:54 My body shook, 14:55 and I opened my eyes to see the theology teacher 14:57 standing right beside me. 14:59 "Are you from Israel?" 15:01 He calmly said, 15:03 "Here is an orange from Israel, take and eat." 15:13 All I could respond was, 15:15 "Your God, I want to meet." 15:19 Before leaving, the theology teacher 15:21 invited Wisam to supper, 15:23 and a Bible study at his home that night. 15:26 As Wisam sat there, 15:27 now with three oranges in his hands, 15:30 he decided to pray for the very first time 15:33 to the God of the man who gave the oranges. 15:38 If you are the God who can fill my emptiness, 15:42 help me to get my work done fast, 15:44 so I can get my visa figured out, 15:48 and attend the Bible studies tonight. 15:50 After this simple prayer, 15:52 my heart was filled with joy and peace 15:54 and I got back to work. 16:00 Wisam's boss had assigned a job 16:02 that would take around 13 hours to complete, 16:05 ensuring his inability to leave early. 16:08 Miraculously, Wisam accomplish that task in just four hours. 16:12 His boss was astonished and asked who had helped him. 16:17 Wisam told him, 16:18 he had prayed to the God of the man 16:20 who had given him three oranges. 16:22 But his boss only shook his head and sneered. 16:25 God would not listen to a man like you, 16:27 and assigned him another long job. 16:36 Wisam prayed once again, asking the God of the man 16:39 who gave him the oranges to not only help him 16:42 get the job done quickly, 16:44 but prove his existence to the "Christian man." 16:48 Once again, the Lord answered his prayer. 16:51 And Wisam completed the job in record time. 16:54 My boss couldn't believe 16:56 how fast I had gotten both jobs done, 16:59 and suggested that I was possessed by demons. 17:02 I told my boss that he was rejecting the true God. 17:05 But I was receiving him today 17:09 Wisam was able to fix his visa issue, 17:12 allowing him to stay in Austria. 17:15 He began studying the Bible with a theology teacher. 17:18 Soon he was baptized 17:20 into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 17:23 Instead of killing his sister, Wisam was there to bless her, 17:28 as she united her life and marriage. 17:32 As Wisam grew in his knowledge of truth, 17:34 he longed to return and share with his family, 17:37 the joy that comes in following Jesus. 17:40 So one day Wisam packed his bags again, 17:43 this time heading home, 17:45 determined to be the first missionary 17:47 to his community in Nazareth. 17:50 But upon his arrival, 17:52 instead of being warmly welcomed, 17:53 a council was called 17:55 and he soon sat in front of his father and uncle. 18:01 They asked me many questions. 18:02 How is your faith? 18:04 Do you still read your Quran? 18:06 Do you still pray five times a day? 18:09 Before answering their question, 18:10 I asked my own, who's the creator? 18:14 Who raises people from the dead? 18:17 The questions made the leaders very angry, 18:20 and they ordered my stoning. 18:37 I grew up in Indiana, 18:38 and I've been a farmer all my life. 18:41 My father, every time we'd plant a field, 18:44 when we got through, 18:46 we'd always kneel down and have prayer. 18:48 We'd done our part, now the Lord would do His, 18:51 and He always come through. 18:57 After praying about it, 18:58 my wife and I decided to do a gift annuity 19:01 through Adventist World Radio. 19:03 It goes to people that normally is not going to hear. 19:07 And that's what our 19:09 three angels' message is all about, 19:11 to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. 19:16 When you're a farmer, 19:17 you don't have a retirement plan. 19:19 It was a good way to supplement our retirement. 19:23 It's been a blessing to us. 19:25 And I know it's gonna be a blessing 19:26 to those others around the world. 19:37 After eight or nine stones, you don't feel them anymore. 19:40 But seeing the familiar faces 19:42 of the ones I had grown up with, 19:45 worked with, and played with throwing stones at me, 19:49 hurt deeper, I fell to the ground. 19:55 As Wisam lie on the ground, 19:57 he heard his father's voice commanding his eldest brother 20:00 to cover him. 20:01 The brother immediately obeyed and the stoning stopped. 20:05 Wisam brother had saved his life, 20:07 but he was still badly injured and taken to a nearby hospital. 20:13 Wisam's father was upset, 20:15 that his son had not been given a fair trial, 20:17 and suggested that another council be called. 20:20 So when Wisam had sufficiently recovered, 20:23 he again sat before his father, uncle and other leaders, 20:27 this time with a Bible in his hand. 20:31 He shared the plan of salvation from Genesis to Revelation, 20:35 explaining that the only way to the Father 20:37 was through Jesus Christ. 20:40 At these words, 20:42 Wisam's uncles aroused to anger, 20:43 and ordered his stoning once again. 20:47 As I fell to the ground bleeding, 20:49 I saw my mother standing nearby, 20:51 tears streak down her face. 20:53 And I reached my hands for her. 20:56 She only shook her head and quietly whispered, 21:00 "Son, give up." 21:02 "I cannot give up Jesus," I said collapsing. 21:06 Again Wisam's brother was ordered to protect him 21:09 with his own body, 21:10 but at that point Wisam lost consciousness. 21:16 Luckily, for the second time Wisam experienced 21:20 a full recovery in the hospital. 21:22 But at home, his family was still enraged, 21:25 and Wisam was given one week to leave the country. 21:31 Permission had been given 21:32 for any of my relatives to kill me 21:34 without punishment. 21:36 And if I chose to stay, I would surely face death. 21:40 Wisam returned to Austria and began studying theology. 21:43 But after receiving threatening letters 21:45 from his family back home, 21:47 he was forced to leave Austria and move to Germany. 21:50 The threats did not cease there and he went to South Africa, 21:54 Zimbabwe and then America, where he finished his degree. 21:58 After graduating, Wisam returned to South Africa 22:01 and settling down, married his sweetheart. 22:04 They soon welcome 22:05 a beautiful daughter into their family, 22:07 and enjoyed a peaceful life of ministry together. 22:11 But with the events of one day, 22:13 their little world would abruptly change. 22:20 My father passed away. 22:21 It had been years 22:23 since I had talked to any one of my family. 22:26 But one day I got the phone call, 22:28 and was shocked to hear my mother on the other end. 22:31 Please come home, she begged. 22:35 All those who want you dead are now dead themselves. 22:42 I sat stunned. 22:43 I knew what I had to say. 22:47 If I come back, no one can stop me 22:49 from preaching the truth. 22:52 But my mother not only agreed, but offered me a special place 22:56 in the family business. 22:58 At the end of 2014, Wisam returned to Nazareth, 23:02 this time with his wife Audrey and daughter Rochelle. 23:05 Wisam works as a full time pastor, 23:08 and together with his wife has opened a beautiful center 23:11 of influence in the heart of Nazareth. 23:16 Here they hold classes several nights a week, 23:18 teaching English and computer skills 23:20 to eager Muslim children 23:21 and the youth from the community. 23:25 English classes are conducted straight from the Bible, 23:27 and they learn about Jesus, who taught and healed 23:30 in the very places they call home. 23:35 Despite the openly Christian perspective 23:37 Wisam holds, 23:38 they have dozens of kids on their waiting list, 23:41 who also want to attend these classes. 23:49 Audrey has a special work with women, 23:51 teaching them English and how to cook healthfully. 23:56 She has made many friends 23:58 and is excited to also be giving Bible studies 24:00 to several women in Wisam's family. 24:04 Wisam is an influential member in his community, 24:07 even holding a prominent position 24:09 in the local school where his daughter attends. 24:13 He has helped to start music and computer classes, 24:16 which are not usually taught in Muslim elementary schools. 24:21 The school also has an extensive library 24:23 sponsored by Wisam and his family, 24:25 and donated in the name 24:27 of a Seventh-day Adventist Church. 24:29 The principal has great respect for Wisam. 24:32 Together they discuss all details before making 24:34 any decision for the school. 24:36 His Christian perspective 24:38 is welcomed despite everyone else being Muslim. 24:43 Every day Wisam and his family witness 24:45 the mighty power of God in this land, 24:48 as they boldly share 24:49 the truth of Jesus and salvation. 24:53 Faithfully fulfilling his pastoral duties, 24:56 Wisam does visitations 24:58 three times a day in his community. 25:00 And is currently studying the Bible 25:02 with several Muslim men. 25:06 Many Muslims are having dreams and seeing visions, 25:10 and they are searching for answers, 25:12 answers that Wisam gladly gives. 25:22 From my home, I can see the place 25:24 where I was once stoned. 25:27 It is now a place where children play. 25:30 So much has changed since that day. 25:33 Today I'm unafraid and freely share about my friend Jesus, 25:37 introducing Him to everyone I can. 25:43 Some people might be frightened to talk so boldly about Jesus 25:47 in such a Muslim area. 25:49 But my people must hear 25:51 and until the Lord allows otherwise, 25:54 nothing can stop me. 26:00 In his short time since returning to Nazareth, 26:02 Wisam has led five Muslims 26:04 to dedicate their lives to Jesus 26:06 through baptism and is preparing several more. 26:09 Wisam gives all the glory to God, 26:12 knowing that Christ method alone 26:14 is what makes evangelism successful. 26:17 As I listened to Wisam share his incredible story 26:20 of deliverance, and witnessed his commitment 26:22 to sharing the truth, no matter what the cost, 26:25 my own faith has been strengthened. 26:29 I am returning home energized 26:31 with Wisam's favorite Bible verse ringing in my ears, 26:35 "Them that honor Me, I will honor 26:38 and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed." 26:41 Will you join me in standing up for Christ today? 26:47 Recently Wisam began partnering with Adventist World Radio, 26:51 and is now sharing Godpods 26:53 with those who attend his classes 26:55 and others in his community there in Nazareth. 26:58 We are excited to see how God will use to further 27:01 His work here in Israel. 27:04 In addition to receiving AWS broadcasts, 27:07 each of these Godpod radios are pre-programmed 27:10 with the entire Bible, in both English and Arabic, 27:14 as well as various Bible stories for children. 27:17 Only the Lord knows how many countless lives 27:19 will be touched by these radios of hope and truth. 27:24 Thank you for supporting Adventist World Radio, 27:27 together we are making waves. 27:29 From broadcast to baptism, 27:31 this is AWR360A°. |
Revised 2020-01-23