Our host Laura Wilcox welcomes Ahmet, an Iranian refugee to Turkey, for this episode of International Harvest. After a long and arduous journey over the mountains from Iran, Ahmet arrived in Turkey in search of a better life. He had no interest in pursuing any faith, yet when he broke his leg, he became a captive audience to his Christian brother's prayers. He relented and attended a church service where his brother preached, Ahmet's first time ever to attend a Christian worship service. He was struck by the sense of peace present at this gathering.
Soon after, an argument between Ahmet and his brother focused on Jesus' unique call for Christians to forgive their enemies. Ahmet continued to resist the Christian faith until he attended a birthday gathering of believers from different nations. He kept expecting a fight to break out at the birthday party, because the believers there were from countries at war with one another. But instead, he observed their love for one another. He could no longer resist the draw of this God of true peace and sincere love.
Now Ahmet works as a barista, preparing coffee with the secret ingredient of Jesus' love. He and his brother plan to eventually open their own coffee shop to foster spiritual conversations.
The translator for Ahmet's story is Ashlee. You can find former podcasts about her part in God's harvest on the Sacred Story website at International Harvest #18 and International Harvest #7.
