Fleeing Syria in Fear
Forced to flee his war-torn homeland, Abu Radwan found himself in Germany, a land of new possibilities and hope. Back in Syria, life had been filled with fear and uncertainty. The war had left him and many others displaced, questioning everything they once held dear. As Abu recounted, "In Islam we live in fear. Fear of God, fear of sinning, fear of the punishment." This journey led him not only to a new geographical location but to an entirely new spiritual path.
Jesus Appeared in Dream
For Abu, the turning point came in the form of a dream. Jesus appeared to him, an encounter that left a lasting impression. "I started going to the church. I believed that Jesus was coming to help us, to save us," he shared. This vision was the catalyst for his interest in Christianity, prompting him to attend services at the Evangelical-Freikirchlichen Gemeinde in Berlin.
As he delved deeper into Christian teachings, Abu found himself drawn to the message of freedom and peace. His heart was stirred as he participated in Bible studies and engaged in discussions with other believers. He realized that this newfound faith was not just a refuge from fear but a genuine relationship with God.
Public Declaration Through Baptism
The decision to be baptized marked a profound transformation in Abu's life. Pastor Matthias Linke asked him, "Do you believe from the bottom of your heart that Jesus Christ is your Lord and savior, and will you follow him every day of your life?" With a resounding "Yes," Abu publicly declared his faith.
Walking in Freedom
Now, as a baptized Christian, Abu experiences a sense of freedom and peace that eluded him in the past. Despite facing challenges and potential persecution, he remains steadfast in his commitment to his new faith. "Now we are free and can be ourselves," he echoes the sentiment of many who have walked a similar path.
Through it all, Abu gives glory to Jesus for the transformation in his life. It is not just a story of survival but of salvation, a testament to the hope and redemption found in Christ.
