From Opposition to Ordination: Amil’s Journey to Christ in South Asia

In a quiet little village in South Asia, Amil* was born into a devout Muslim family. Amil grew up with a strong dedication to his faith. Christianity was something he deeply opposed. He didn't just avoid Christians—he despised them.

“I was an orthodox Muslim and was very careful about all the rules and regulations of the Muslim religion” Amil recalls. “I wanted to adhere to the Muslim religion with all my efforts. For me, Islam was the best religion. I never liked Christians. I despised Christ.”

But God had other plans for Amil.

Years ago, a man named Eshaan*, himself a former Muslim, came to Amil’s area preaching the Gospel in a way local people could understand. Though Amil initially resisted, something stirred within him when he heard the message of Jesus Christ.

“I met Eshaan in our area and was interested in learning about Jesus Christ from him. Because when I listen to his preaching, I feel touched by the Holy Spirit” Amil said. “When I was listening about Jesus there was a kind of feeling working in my heart.”

As the Holy Spirit continued to work in his heart, Amil began meeting regularly with Eshaan. Over time, the bitterness and resistance melted away. Months later, he was baptised in the name of Jesus Christ.

But his decision came at a cost.

After Amil’s baptism his life changed. He started experiencing persecution, people from his area started to pressure his family, at one point he was thrown out of his home. Despite the rejection and ongoing persecution, Amil stood firm in his faith.

“Since accepting Jesus Christ, many persecutions and condemnations have come into my life. But I did not turn away from my salvation.”

Today, the man who once opposed Christianity is now a shepherd of Christ’s flock. Amil serves as a pastor in a local Church in South Asia, leading not only Sunday services but also overseeing a children's program and community outreach efforts.

“I used to hate God's people and now I'm shepherding His people,” Amil said.

Amil is grateful to the Bible League for helping him grow in his calling and all the Biblical material.

Amil stated “the work of Bible League is important to me because Bible League has always emphasized evangelism. They give importance to the formation of cell groups in the church which contribute to the spiritual awakening of the church. So, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Bible League for their heart for the church”.

Two Bible verses continue to guide and strengthen Amil in his walk with Christ:

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. “
– Matthew 11:28 ERV

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.”
– John 3:16 ERV

Looking to the future, Amil’s vision is bold. He hopes to establish three new churches in his region and raise up five committed believers to become “Philips”—faithful individuals who can carry the Gospel to others.

“Please pray for my church, family, and ministry area. Pray for me also that I may regularly carry the gospel and serve the church as a worthy disciple of Christ.”

Will you help raise up more leaders like Amil – courageous men and women willing to stand firm, even in the face of hostility? Your generous gift today will help meet an urgent $432,000 need by June 30. In doing so, you can help place the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) of the Bible into hands who have never held God’s Word before, supporting vital training and discipleship, and opening hearts throughout South Asia.

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*Names changed for security reasons.