Apr 2, 2025 When Car Troubles Turn into Conversations

This is a story from one of our gospel workers in a closed country, names and location have been removed for their protection. 

It was a quiet Friday morning in my new city (closed country), and the sun had just begun to warm the streets. I was still getting used to my new surroundings, the city a blend of unfamiliar faces and places. Having an old car in need of frequent repairs, I found myself at the industrial site, a hub of mechanics and garages, hoping to find someone who could fix my car without draining my wallet. The problem was, being new to the city, I didn’t know any mechanics personally. 

So, as I made my way to the industrial area of the city where I could find a mechanic, I prayed softly under my breath, hoping for a little guidance. “Oh Lord, direct me to a mechanic who will fix my car’s problem and won’t charge me too much,” I whispered, my words blending with the hum of the city. 

As I pulled into a workshop, a mechanic greeted me with a friendly nod. I explained my car troubles to him, and after a brief look under the hood, he pointed across the street to another garage. “You should talk to them over there,” he said, “they can help you.” 

I thanked him and crossed the street, where another mechanic greeted me with a warm smile. I told him what was wrong with my car, and after listening patiently, he said, “We can do it, brother,” nodding confidently.  

We agreed on a fair price, and just as we were about to finalize everything, the call to prayer echoed through the air, filling the streets with its familiar rhythm. 

“We have to go to the mosque to pray,” the mechanic said, his voice calm but urgent. “When we get back, we’ll start working on your car.” 

I nodded. “Okay, I’ll wait here.” 

Before they left, they glanced at me with curiosity. “Aren’t you coming to the mosque with us?” one of them asked, a playful smile on his face. 

I paused, unsure of how to respond. “No, I’ll wait for you here,” I said. 

The mechanic raised an eyebrow, half-jokingly. “Aren’t you a Muslim?” 

I hesitated, then answered honestly, “I’m not a Muslim like you.” 

Their expressions shifted, the playful tone giving way to genuine curiosity. “What is your belief, brother?” 

I took a deep breath and answered calmly, “I’m a Christian.” 

The reaction was immediate. They were stunned. “Really?” one of them asked, disbelief in his voice. 

“Yes,” I said, my voice steady. “I am indeed a Christian.” 

They were curious now, more so than before. “What did you find in Christianity that made you become a Christian?” one of them asked, his eyes searching mine for an answer. 

I thought for a moment before speaking. “Good actions and goodness are present in every belief. Every faith condemns evil, and Islam is the same way. But there are a few things in the Bible that are not found in other religions.” 

The mechanics leaned in, intrigued. “What are they?” they asked, eager for more. 

I smiled, ready to share. “The Bible teaches that God is love and He loves all people, it’s not explained in any other religious doctrine like it is in the Bible.” I explained.  

Their curiosity increased, and one of them chuckled softly. “We are late for prayer, but you can continue telling us when we get back.” 

They left for the mosque, and I sat in the quiet workshop, reflecting on the unexpected conversation.  

When they returned, the conversation resumed for another half hour. 

By the end of our discussion, they were genuinely pleased and seemed to have gained a deeper understanding of my beliefs. 

I left the workshop that day, my car fixed and my heart full. I couldn’t help but feel that God had guided me to those mechanics for a reason. In that moment I told myself the next time I am in the area, I would like to bring them a Bible so they can read it for themselves.  

I prayed silently as I drove away, asking the Lord to open their hearts to His Word, that they might one day understand the depth of His love.