Wafaa’s Story and a Call to Love Our Muslim Neighbors

By Wafaa

“God is not waiting for us to start working with Muslims. He is already at work. He is inviting us to join Him.”

Wafaa grew up in a Sunni Muslim family shaped by two cultures and two spiritual influences. In her home, Islam was practiced faithfully—prayers, fasting, and mosque attendance—but there was also a quiet respect for Christians. Her mother loved Christ and was drawn to the church, yet no one ever invited her to become a Christian. Like many Muslims, faith was something she was born into, not something she believed she could question or leave.

As a child growing up in the Middle-East, Wafaa watched Islam become more visibly strict around her—women covering, religious practices intensifying—yet she sensed something missing. People were changing outwardly, but hearts were not being transformed. That tension stayed with her.

Everything began to shift when God brought Christian neighbors into her family’s life. These were local believers, not foreigners, who loved them well. They shared meals, visited often, and lived life together. Through these relationships, Wafaa began attending church and Sunday school. She describes it as stepping into another country—new language, new ideas, and a very different picture of God. Still, Scripture captured her heart, and she sensed God speaking to her through His Word.

As she grew older, the contrast between Islam and Christianity became clearer. She continued learning Islam because it was expected of her, but she also kept going to church. Eventually, she tried to hold both faiths at once. But she soon realized that Islam and Christianity make opposing claims and could not both be true. A decision had to be made.

That decision came during a Christian camp outside Amman. A pastor spoke about the physical suffering of Christ on the cross. Wafaa remembers carrying deep insecurity and low self-esteem, shaped by the belief that she had to fix herself before approaching God. In Islam, she felt responsible to clean up her own mess before being acceptable. In Christianity, she heard something radically different: come as you are—Christ will carry your mess for you.

“I had questions about the cross, the Trinity, and the resurrection. But that night, I could not resist the love of Jesus.”

She accepted Christ that night, not because all her questions were answered, but because she finally encountered the love she had been searching for.

The church became Wafaa’s family through her teenage years. Her faith grew gradually, not instantly. She emphasizes that sharing the gospel with Muslims is often a journey, not a single conversation. Her sister came to Christ first, then Wafaa, and later their mother. Her father remains a committed Muslim, and Wafaa continues to pray for his salvation.

Choosing Christ came with real consequences. The family faced intense pressure shaped by honor and shame. They were called in by authorities and threatened. While Wafaa was not imprisoned, fear was constant, and for safety she began using a different name publicly. Yet God remained faithful.

Over time, the Lord opened doors for ministry. Beginning in 2006, Wafaa helped lead a sports ministry in located in the Middle East that shared the gospel with both Muslims and Christians. What started small grew into a long-term ministry that trained local leaders rather than relying on outsiders.

In 2018, Wafaa moved to the United States. She faced complicated visa challenges and continues to wait on immigration decisions. Now serving in partnership with churches in home country and Tennessee, her calling is clear: build bridges between Christian Americans and Muslims.

She admits she once assumed American Christians understood Islam and Muslim culture. Living here changed her mind. Many believers want to reach Muslims but feel paralyzed—afraid of offending, unsure where to start, or too comfortable to try.

“God brought them here. It is our role to reach out to them.”

Wafaa reminds the church of Esther’s story: God places His people in specific moments for a reason. Comfort is not the calling—faithfulness is.

She shares practical examples of bridge-building, such as assembling small gift packages for Muslim women at the end of Ramadan. These gifts are not about strategy, but relationship. Sometimes they open the door for a first visit. Other times, they deepen existing friendships.

When asked why Muslims matter, Wafaa points to a simple truth: God loves them. They are not beyond His reach. Jesus came for those who were far away, and God is already moving among Muslims. The church is not starting something new—it is being invited to participate.

Key Takeaways for the Church

• Be rooted in Christ and Scripture, not just information about Islam.
• Stop training without action—obedience grows through practice.
• See Muslims as neighbors, not projects or threats.
• Pray continually—for boldness, love, and open hearts.
• Prioritize relationships over programs—trust opens hearts.
• Stay flexible—interruptions are often divine appointments.
• Build bridges of love, not walls of fear.
• Share the gospel clearly—kindness opens doors, truth brings freedom.
• Follow through—walk with people whether they accept or reject the gospel.
• Equip others—ministry multiplies when shared.

“You will never feel fully ready. You learn as you go. God does the work—we just say yes.”