Ruth* works in the Indian Ocean Islands seeking to share the gospel with people who have never had it explained to them.
She began serving with AIM in 2019 and she is seeking to be bold in her declaration of truth, but also wise in knowing when and how to provoke conversations that will have the greatest gospel impact.
Could you partner with Ruth in this work?
*name has been changed for security reasons
Ruth* works on an Indian Ocean Island, seeking to share the gospel with people who have never had it explained to them. Easter Sunday was a time of great joy for the local believers. They met together to sing, pray, hear a talk, share communion, and watch the segment of the Jesus film about Christ’s resurrection. It was good to all be together; men, women and children, which is so counter cultural. What made it even more exciting was a new sister among the group! Pray for this woman who has decided to follow Jesus, that her decision would be something she daily chooses to learn more about and live out. For workers like Ruth*, it can be hard, knowing this woman’s choice to trust in Jesus is the best thing that could happen to her; while also being aware it could bring real hardship and loss for her. Please ask that God would give her strength and perseverance for the race ahead.
*Name changed for security reasons
Ruth* works on an Indian Ocean Island, seeking to share the gospel with people who have never had it explained to them. Give thanks for new connections, deepening of relationships, and some good chats about why she didn’t need to be fasting during Ramadan to earn favour, because the Lord Jesus has already opened the way to heaven. Pray for the local body of believers as they would like to do an event with the AIM team at Easter time. Please pray that plans will come together and it would be a good time to encourage each other and celebrate together.
* Name changed for security reasons.
Ruth* works on an Indian Ocean Island, seeking to share the gospel with people who have never had it explained to them. Last month she gathered with other AIM workers to think about ministry to Muslims in Africa. The messages focused on Paul’s example in Acts, reminding them of the story we tell, and ensuring we’re not adding to it and putting more demands on people when they choose to believe. Ruth* came away with lots to think about and also a renewed love for Jesus who is the wonderful message, and a passion to share him with those who so desperately need to hear. One highlight was the prayer evening when some of the Africans attending the conference prayed so passionately and loudly for their continent that Ruth* had goosebumps. They were praying in their own languages, which gave a wonderful foretaste of people from many nations and tongues joining together in the New Creation. It was also such an encouragement being in a big crowd of people for fellowship, reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and singing together.
* Name changed for security reasons.
Ruth* works on an Indian Ocean Island seeking to share the gospel with people who have never had it explained to them. She is having loads of little conversations at the minute, but none are going much further. Please ask that the Spirit would be working and that she would be led to people who want to know/study more. One recent opportunity came when she was belting out some worship songs in her room. The next day, her neighbour’s oldest daughter asked her why she sings, which gave an opportunity in front of several other people to share the good news about Jesus.
*Name changed for security reasons
Ruth* works on an Indian Ocean Island seeking to share the gospel with people who have never had it explained to them. This month she has had a lady joining her to see the work the team are doing and to consider if this is what the Lord is calling her to full-time. Pray that this visitor would have good health and stamina in the heat, a good relationship building experience and guidance for the longer-term future.
These beautiful tropical islands are 99.9% Muslim and for security reasons we refer to this area as the ‘Indian Ocean Islands’ rather than naming individual islands. Islam is deeply rooted on these islands and to be an islander is to be a Muslim. There are a small number of believers on each island but many follow Jesus secretly for fear of rejection and persecution.
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Creative Access refers to nations, areas or ministries where there is great hostility towards Christianity and where traditional ‘missionary work’ is not possible. Workers, therefore, need to be ‘creative’ in how they proclaim the good news of Jesus.
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One of our team leaders serving on the Indian Ocean Islands shares how her TIMO experience fortifies her current ministry.
We asked Amelia to share what she has learnt about sharing her faith over the 13 years she has lived on an island in the Indian Ocean, and how important it is to understand other people’s faith before sharing your own.
F* shares why he is serving as an English teacher on an Indian Ocean Island and the challenges and joys it brings as he seeks to share the gospel.
