On a recent visit to several Middle Eastern countries, I had an opportunity to see first-hand how effective our Cru national staff (or Front Line staff) are in reaching out to those in their countries.

For example, one afternoon our Cru director in one country, “Samuel” took us to meet a local business owner he had befriended named “Aazim.” (I have changed their names for security reasons.) This man had shown some spiritual interest. He had even attended an “Easter Celebration” our ministry hosted and Samuel wanted to take us (“his American friends”) to meet Aazim as an excuse for following up on the Easter event.

After introductions, I asked Aazim to show us his dry cleaning facility (one of his businesses) and he proceeded to tell us all about the various machines, chemicals and work-stations. His eyes lit up as he told us of the challenges of getting a wedding dress totally clean and bright white. He said the only cleaning fluid that worked was very expensive, rare and imported.

As we moved to a larger more private room, several family members suddenly appeared with soft drinks and pretzels. Samuel leaned over to me and whispered that he’d like me to turn the conversation toward Christ. I said a quick (silent) prayer and asked Aazim, “What did you think of the Easter Celebration you attended and the message Samuel gave?” He said that it was interesting and that he thought everyone would want to have peace in their heart like Samuel had talked about. Samuel asked Aazim what he thought was keeping most people from having peace and he replied “People are so selfish and violent.” Samuel then asked him how he thought people could remove the selfishness but Aazim didn’t really have an answer.

At that point, Samuel said, “Mike, why don’t you tell Aazim how you found real peace in your heart.” I shared how I had come to know Christ as a 20-year-old college student and the difference that had made in my life.

Aazim seemed interested and Samuel went on to explain the gospel in Arabic, and the need for Jesus and for His shed blood. He said, “Just as there is really only one very expensive and rare cleaning liquid that can wash away all dirt and make things totally white, there is only one way that our hearts can be washed from the sin that stains us, that is through the very costly and rare blood of Christ shed on the cross for us.”

It was like Aazim totally connected with that illustration and finally understood the message of salvation! After some additional discussion, Samuel asked Aazim if he would like to have his heart cleansed by the blood of Christ and go to Heaven to which he said, “Yes.” Samuel then asked if he would like us to pray with him, and he nodded. There in the back room of his business, we gathered around this Middle Eastern business man and prayed with him to have his sins washed by Christ’s blood. We looked up to see tears in his eyes as Aazim was powerfully moved. Of course, Samuel is continuing to follow-up with Aazim.

Because our front-line staff like Samuel are insiders in their community and fluent in Arabic, they are able to minister effectively for Christ in ways that I would never be able to do as an American. This experience was a good example of the power of partnership.