From Would-Be Assassin to Joyful Evangelist!

Could a radical terrorist become an answer to prayer?

As disciple-makers, we believe God is preparing the harvest around us. We watch to see where God is at work. He will lead us to those He has made ready. One YWAM Frontier Missions coworker was astonished when he met the particular man God had prepared. He was not the kind of person he expected God to choose.

A Bitter Man With an Evil Agenda

In the heart of the Middle East, a man daily stored up hatred in his soul. He made it his goal to persecute members of the Christian community—people he despised as “infidels”.

Eventually, he conceived a plan. He would blow up a Christian church. What better way to kill multiple followers of Jesus all at one time?

Over time, *Laraib prepared himself for his suicide mission. As a member of a notorious terrorist organization, there was plenty of inspiration. It would be easy to prepare the bomb.

Next, he would strap the bomb to himself. Once armed, he would walk into the Christian church while it was full of people. There, in the midst of worshippers, he would detonate the bomb.

Paradise and Honor

He imagined the rewards and glory he would receive in the afterlife. He was convinced such brave actions would lead to Paradise. Back on earth, people in his community would surely celebrate him as a hero. This thought especially appealed to him.

Laraib’s scheme seemed so easy. It was nearly flawless. With one swift move, he would destroy himself and many, many others. Surely Allah would be pleased with him. He would be famous. The non-Muslim community would live in fear of all their Muslim neighbors from then on.

The Lord Interrupts

The night before he was to commit this act of mass murder, he was awakened by a holy Presence in his room. He was very much afraid. “What on earth is going on?” he wondered.

Next, he heard an audible voice. “Laraib! Laraib! Why are you doing this?“

In terror, he cried out. “Who is there? Who are you? Show yourself to me!“

“I am Isa,” came the reply.

Isa! Lariab had heard about Isa. This Arab name for Jesus was familiar to him. He was widely known in the Islamic world as the only prophet who was without sin.

The Lord spoke again. “Laraib, why are you doing this?“

Turned Upside Down

The man was stunned and amazed. He knew his life could not be the same after this encounter.

Once again he searched for a Christian church. This time he had a different plan. Instead of causing bloodshed, he was seeking help. He must discover who Isa really is.

Needless to say, the Christian community would be deeply suspicious. After all, he had been a member of an organization feared around the world. The Christians would find it very hard to believe him. People would wonder, “Can Lariab have had a complete change of heart?” They may think, “This could be a trick!”

How would he find anyone who would trust him? He was a man with a history and reputation.

A YWAMer named Raul* lived in the community. He learned of Lariab’s plight. “Could he be an answer to my prayers? Is this a man God is drawing to Himself?”

Perhaps Raul thought of the story of Ananias being told by the Lord to go to Saul. “But Lord,’ exclaimed Ananias, ‘I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done…!’” (Acts 9:10-19). The situation was indeed similar.

Considering the risk and praying earnestly, Raul took a step of faith. He put himself forward to help. A time and a place were chosen. Raul listened intently to Lariab’s story. As he did he looked into his eyes, watched his expressions, and tried to understand his heart. They talked for many hours. They met again, day after day.

Raul discipled him in the ways of the Lord. Digging into the Word of God, they looked at who Jesus is, what He said and what He did for others. Lariab learned the commands of Jesus and the need to obey Him.

Asking God for More

Lariab was not simply interested. He was filled with hunger! He could not get enough of God’s Word. He committed to lovingly obey Jesus. This changed man wanted to learn everything it took to be a faithful disciple.

He read through the whole Injil (New Testament) and then read it again. And reading it a third time, he was fully convinced. Lairab decided to be baptized.

Now Lariab, like every disciple-maker, goes. As he goes, he prays and believes God is preparing the harvest around him. He watches to see where God is at work and trusts He will lead him to those He has already prepared. His daily hope is to encounter people ready to hear the Good News and respond in faith.

Ananias obeyed the Lord who said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take My message to the Gentiles….” Ananias went to Saul.

Raul obeyed the Lord and went to Lariab. Let’s pray Lairab will be another chosen instrument to take His message even further.

There are Christian believers who have lived through terrible persecution brought by people like Lairab used to be. They have lost loved ones. They have been physically and/or emotionally wounded. They may be shunned by their families, friends, and colleagues. In such cases, extending forgiveness seems impossible.

Yet with God all things are possible! Pray for those who have been persecuted. Pray they will continue to love and forgive those who attack and harm them and will stand firm in their faith.

* Not his real name