… click here to read Part 1.
Metro New York is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, and it wasn’t long before Ahmed began to experience the diversity of this vibrant city. The rich tapestry of people, languages, and traditions fascinated him. He attended cultural events, sampled cuisine from around the world, and even tried his hand at various American sports, like basketball and baseball.
Despite the allure of this cosmopolitan city, Ahmed often grappled with feelings of homesickness. He missed the familiar sights, sounds, and flavors of Turkey. However, his determination to create a better life for himself and his family drove him to adapt and embrace his new surroundings.
Securing employment in a new country can be a daunting task for refugees, as they often face language barriers and a lack of recognition for their qualifications. Ahmed faced his fair share of job rejections but refused to give up. He enrolled in vocational training programs to acquire new skills and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
After several months of job hunting and networking, Ahmed secured a position as an electrician assistant at a local non-profit organization. This employment provided him with a stable income and allowed him to give back to the refugee community that had supported him.
Carl, the electrician that Ahmed worked with, was honest and trustworthy. He would always do what he said he would do and never charged more than he should. Ahmed saw opportunities to make extra money, but Carl never allowed it. One day, exasperated, Ahmed asks why he is always so honest in his work. Carl explained that he follows Jesus and seeks to honor him through his work.
Finally, Ahmed’s curiosity was too much. Even though he had been taught that the Bible had been corrupted, he went online to find a Bible in his language. He began reading online and was amazed at the teachings of Jesus. Ahmed thought, “The Quran talks about Jesus. It even says we should obey Jesus, but without the Bible, we can never obey Jesus.”
Throughout his journey in Metro New York, Ahmed never lost connection with his family in Turkey. He always hoped to reunite with his family. After years of bureaucratic hurdles and countless hours of advocacy, he received the news he had longed for—his family had been granted refugee status and would soon be joining him in the United States.
The reunion at the airport was a moment of pure happiness and tears of joy. Ahmed embraced his parents and siblings, and they shared stories of their respective journeys to safety. Together, they faced the challenges of starting anew in Metro New York, but this time as a reunited family.
Conclusion
Ahmed’s journey from Turkey to Metro New York is a testament to the resilience and determination of refugees around the world. His story highlights the challenges faced by those forced to leave their homelands in pursuit of safety and freedom and the opportunities and support that await them in welcoming communities like Metro New York.
As Ahmed and his family continue to build their lives in the United States, their story highlights the importance of Christians living out loud the love of Jesus. However, as the story ends, Ahmed has not professed faith or been baptized. Many seeds have been sowed in Ahmed’s life. Ahmed is now prepared for someone to explain the gospel to him clearly. In Global Cities, God is bringing many unreached peoples together along a journey of gospel witness. There are God-prepared people in our cities like Ahmed. Will you be the one to share the gospel and see God bring in a mighty harvest?