“My Name is Jesus. Who is This Jesus You Follow?”

My Arabic name is Jesus. I recently learned that Jesus is the name of a famous prophet. My new friend even said that he believes Jesus is the Savior of the world. I don’t know. I don’t understand why no one has ever told me who Jesus is. I am named after him, but I never realized it was a significant name.

I grew up in a large city in the north central mountains of China. My family was very poor, and I never attended school. Growing up I only learned how to speak the local dialect. As I grew older I taught myself Chinese and later English. I can speak both languages well now. I learned the importance and necessity of hard work as a child because if my parents did not work hard, we did not eat. As a small boy, I helped my parents with their business and ran errands for them. From time to time, I went to the mosque to learn about Islam, but there is much about Islam I do not understand.

During Ramadan, I try to fast everyday and go to all the prayers, but I think it is probably not that big a deal if I miss a prayer time. I know prayer and fasting are important, but I am not sure why. I am just following the traditions of my family and my people, the Hui people.

When I was 18 years old, my parents died, and my brothers and sisters and I were own our own. I am the youngest, but I am a hard worker. I decided to leave my hometown to find work in some of the biggest cities in the country. So far I have lived in three different cities. In one city I learned English, and in another I learned how to be a noodle chef. However, I am still seeking a better life for myself through a better paying job. I don’t consider myself a good person. I am not bad, but when I die I probably will have to go to hell first. I think this is true of most people.

A few weeks ago when I was breaking fast, I met two followers of Jesus. They treated me to dinner, and since I was enjoying the meal and our conversation, I skipped the evening prayer. I decided practicing my English and spending time with my new friends was more important. I asked them about their faith, and they told me they followed Jesus. My eyes lit up, as I had never heard this from someone before. I told them that my name was Jesus. I asked them, “Who is this Jesus you follow?” They shared how they believed Jesus was their Savior and Lord and the only way to know God. I listened with interest, but I am honestly not too concerned about my faith right now. I am more concerned about my immediate needs and finding a new job.

 Prayer Requests

•  Pray that Jesus will not be able to forget what he has learned about the Savior of the world! May he be convicted of his need for Jesus Christ and turn and follow him.

• Ask God to provide more opportunities for this young man Jesus to hear the Gospel.

• May Jesus see that money does not provide joy, happiness or true life. May his eyes be opened to see that he needs to give his life to the Savior of the world.