This is a very difficult story to share. I can’t do a good enough job to convey the authentic trust in the Spirit, unconditional pursuit of the Lord, or the love for Jesus Christ shared with me. This is the story of Duke, a man who unknowingly accepted Christ and knowingly gave up everything and everyone to remain in His presence. Part 3 of 3. (Read parts 1 and 2).
A few days later, Paul returned to pick up the order just as they agreed – he brought Christopher; Duke could assume who the man was. Christopher walked right in and with the poise and conviction only possibly conveyed in Dukes mother-tongue, explained that Duke had been overcome by the Spirit of God all those years ago and God had been working on him ever since. Duke sat silently as he wondered what was right to feel – joyful at the answer he’s been given, or fearful that Wife and the elders were correct. Giving Duke time to process, Paul and Christopher left with clear intent to return.
What Duke really gained in that conversation was peace of mind; Duke understood it was not him who was wrong for searching for something, but Him who was right for searching for Duke. Duke began to read and pray with a different attitude – all the same behaviors, but understanding they were in support of the Kingdom of God; his individualism was celebration of liberation from earthly kingdoms and his welcome into God’s kingdom; his encouragement to his daughter was breathing life into her; and his prayer was relationship with Christ.
Christopher began mentoring and discipling Duke, fostering his curiosity and desire for knowledge. He gave Duke a safe environment to pursue God, to know Him, and to pray for those around him – his community, his wife, his daughter.
Duke still lives in and around a lot of oppression because of who people know him to be, but he recognizes the lack of authority oppression has over him. Wife offered to give Duke his community, his home, and his daughter back if only he would denounce that he was a Christian and return to mosque, where he is intended to be. Duke kindly thanked his wife for such an offer, but strongly and firmly declined. What he had received from God was much stronger than his wife could ever provide for him. Wife condemned Duke for throwing away everything he had and then declining her offer to take it all back. Duke explained that he hadn’t thrown anything away, but for their sake, was praying to save them all. Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (NIV).
Duke celebrates the life God has given him – one delivered from fear – but the struggle to love his family is ongoing. Duke has not heard from his parents since the original phone call with his mother; he prays for communion with them. Duke’s wife recently presented him with divorce papers and announced she has a new man ready to marry her; he prays for repair of their marriage. Duke infrequently sees his daughter; he prays the Spirit moves in her and takes each moment with her as an opportunity to breathe life into her.
The last time I spoke to Duke, it seemed that things were getting worse across all of his relationships – the longer he went as a Christian, the less anyone cared to accept him or what he had to say. Every relationship he had was gone, except one; his daughter.
She gets it; she understands; she loves.
Update: I spoke to Duke again recently and he had wonderful news to share; He and Wife have been communicating and are working things out between them – they are searching for housing together! Duke is in the process of raising funds to furnish the apartment they are looking for and has humbly asked for support. If anyone is willing to contribute to bringing this family back together, please let me know. I’m happy to help coordinate.
That’s all I have to share, but please believe this story isn’t over. Neither is yours – whatever you have going on, God will be there for you and continue to provide for you, all you have to do is have faith.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (NIV).
