Genghis’ Baptism

In his dream Genghis found himself sitting at the top of a steep bank overlooking a waterfall and a pool of water reflecting beams of sunlight through overhead foliage. Next to him was an ugly demon.

“You can’t do this,” said the accuser. “You won’t do this. Throw yourself down and end your life!”

Genghis looked down at the water, where he intended to take a public stand for Jesus through baptism. “I am going to do this!” he said boldly. “Leave me, Satan!”

Genghis’ Long Search

Genghis awoke from his dream and thought about his 20-year journey from being a practicing Muslim to fully surrendering to Christ. A Christian television program had first captured his interest, and he began studying the Bible. His work as a bank inspector kept him distracted for many years, but upon retiring early, he returned to his studies. After this, his wife left him.

He began attending a small Evangelical group in his city, and the pastor eagerly studied with him and encouraged him to be baptized. But Genghis hesitated. There was so much more in this Holy Book that his pastor wasn’t delving into. When Genghis’ pastor grew tired of hearing him ask questions, the pastor suggested that he visit the Seventh-day Adventists. He was immediately impressed by Adventist doctrines, but it took him time to make the transition.

Finding a baptism location proved difficult. Proselytizing is not illegal in this officially secular country, but with a 99 percent Muslim population, Christianity is still perceived as a threat. Public displays are likely to result in unwanted surveillance, if not direct confrontation with local Muslims and nationalists. Faith workers who are too public or successful risk losing their residency status.

Those Who Came and Went

Several other individuals came to our house church from the Evangelical group around the same time as Genghis—all middle-aged divorcées. It is common for missionaries to attract unusual people already marginalized by society, people who think outside the box and are in search of community or free resources. “Be careful how much energy you put into these people,” we had been cautioned. But knowing Jesus performed His greatest ministry among societal outcasts, we welcomed and fed all, inviting them to a deeper experience with God’s Word.

Finding a baptism location proved difficult. Proselytizing is not illegal in this officially secular country, but with a 99 percent Muslim population, Christianity is still perceived as a threat.

One gentleman lost interest after failing to convince the others that the earth was flat. A woman returned to the Evangelical group when she learned that we did not serve meat or drink alcohol. A gentleman who was an English teacher alternated between our group and the other for a few years. Even after telling us he had dreamed that he should attend the Adventist Church, he remained uncommitted.

In addition to Genghis, Brother Hassan became a regular part of our Sabbath circle. He had a Greek-Jewish heritage, but had been a devout Muslim as a young man. One day, during a desperate time in his life, Hassan encountered Jesus dressed like a shepherd, calling him to follow Him. When Hassan joined our group, he immediately embraced the Sabbath and boldly witnessed for his faith to anyone who would listen. Having been baptized in another Protestant church, Brother Hassan came to consider himself an Adventist, although his affinity for some unusual beliefs from Jewish mysticism prevented him from formally joining. Still, there was no mistake—Brother Hassan was a follower of Jesus and a Sabbathkeeper, and we became his spiritual family.

Into the Water

It was a high day when we gathered under the shimmering green canopy next to the cool creek that Sabbath in early June, after four years of church-planting ministry in the Middle East. Brother Hassan was there, along with several other special guests. We sang hymns together, and my husband, Jacob, lowered Brother Genghis into the chilly waters. We had great hope in what God would do through Genghis.

One of the mistakes we often make in sharing mission stories is giving a happily-ever-after ending. The truth is that just as our journey continues after baptism, so do those of our converts in the field. The road ahead would not be easy for Genghis—he would keep his faith concealed from his family for some time, and he would even be torn between conflicting factions among other believers in the country. As a result, he did not become a consistent member of our group, but he did hold to his faith and look for opportunities to share it. The Holy Spirit continues to work with Genghis, Hassan, and the others who have worshipped with us at various times. We pray that we will have the privilege of enjoying eternity with all of them.