Sighing, he put down his phone. Another call with a direct threat. This was the fourth in two days. It fueled his restlessness, uncertainty and fear. He wanted to leave. It seemed like no one was listening. COA responded laconically and his friends were no help to him either. He was terrified. When he went outside he would look over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being followed. And all because he started believing in another God, in Jesus.

Zaid is a young man from Syria. Since Zaïd went with Gave Foundation's gift camp, he has become curious about Christianity and wants to know more about Jesus. He has jumped in so much that he has come to the realization that Jesus is really the only way. But since he wants to know more about Jesus, he regularly receives calls from unknown numbers, where unknown men threaten him with death. It frightens, depresses and unsettles him. Especially since Zaid knows all too well that in his culture these kinds of threats are not fake, this is real life. 

Zaïd has good contact with GOchurch volunteers. From time to time, he appends one of them when he is scared, out of it or just wants to get rid of his worries. This morning things are so bad, he really doesn't know what to do. While crying, he texts an app saying that he can't take it anymore and really needs to leave where he is now. The GOchurch volunteer knows immediately that this is serious. Within the GOchurch volunteer group an appeal is made and the same day Zaid can go to a family where a room is still available. There he was lovingly received that evening.

For three days, Zaid stays with the hospitable family. They eat together, have beautiful conversations and read from the Bible. While playing with the children and alone in his room, he comes to rest. 

Meanwhile, GOchurch was able to convince COA of the untenable situation and after three days a transfer was arranged elsewhere in the country. Where Zaïd will be taken by one of the GOchurch volunteers. Glad to have him in a safe, new place. 

A few weeks later, the volunteer who brought him away visits again. Just to see how our brother is doing. And there she sees what a wonderful work God is doing in his life. Zaid looked well and relaxed. He told her that he soon came into contact with Dutch Christians and went to church with them. And even that he is taking Bible studies and will soon be baptized. He sees life again, thanks to everything we have done together for him. He is very grateful for that. 

Sometimes what we do seems very small. An elevator from place a to b. Providing an empty bedroom for a few days. Or praying for a brother in need. But this story teaches us that our work, however small, may be a link in the wonderful work God is doing in lives. God works lives changing!

Zaid is a fictitious name, to protect his identity.