When God called Emily and Stephen Foreman to bring the hope of the gospel to a Muslim nation where Christianity was illegal, they knew they were being called to a life of sacrifice. “We died before we came here” was their common refrain.
Emily was left with four children and an undying calling to reach the Muslim world—even after her husband’s murder. Stephen’s death was not the beginning, nor was it the end. He did not die in vain. Compelled by God’s love for Muslims and inspired by her late husband’s willing sacrifice, Emily and her family continue to work in North Africa and strive to mobilize Christians across North America to see Muslims through a lens of faith.
One of the most profound aspects of our return was the deep need our friends had to see us, and to offer their condolences. They were also hurting. Their friend had been brutally murdered, and by men from their own country. Their friend’s children were now fatherless, and his wife had been left a widow. They were battling their own emotions and heartache and longed to be there for us, and I deeply longed to be with them as well.
The next morning, I started returning phone calls. Our first stop would be to our dear friends Amir and Jameila. They ran out to greet us. Amir embraced each of us; the children he embraced for a long time. Jameila wrapped her arms around me, sobbing. We both nearly fell to the ground.
During this visit, Amir recounted his experience in the rain the night Stephen was killed. “My brother has gone to be with our Lord, but we must carry on his legacy,” he said fervently.
He paused, then looked at me with a calmness and boldness I had never seen before. “As you know,” he continued, “I have always dealt with fear not only for my own life, but the lives of my wife and children, but I tell you, that fear is gone. Did you know that Stephen had come to see me only days before his death and sat right here in this room? He was very sick with fever, but he had an unusual sense of joy in his voice when he told me”—Amir’s voice cracked—“‘Amir, I don’t know the number of my days. I could die tomorrow. Whether I die by illness or at the hands of extremists, life is too short. We must obey God while we still have breath in our bodies—before we no longer have a chance.’”
In visit after visit, with Muslims and believers alike, many tears were shed as they shared stories of things Stephen had said or done. Over and over, I was amazed at the amount of emotion being expressed by my Muslim friends.
Many locals whom I didn’t know found my phone number to call to offer their condolences. “Your husband was a great man of God,” they would say. “I have never met a Muslim who was as great a man as him.” A wealthy businessman told me. “Our country has lost a great man.”
One government official came to pay me a visit. After I served him a cup of tea, he looked at me with anger in his eyes and said, “How can your family forgive those men who killed your husband? They are not Muslims. They are dogs who deserve to die.” I was touched by his emotion for our family—and I had the opportunity to explain that we follow Jesus, and Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and bless those who persecute us. He was speechless.
Meditation: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” – John 13:34
Also Read:
- Understanding God: He is Quick and Dispassionate
- Nehemiah’s Leadership Playbook: Zeal
- He Was God Backed
- Saved from Idol Worship and Death
- An Easter Reflection
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