Have you heard the expression “Boots on the Ground?” Well our Live Dead Missionaries are the boots on the Silk Road. Here we’d like to take a moment and allow one of them to share a snapshot of their life with you. Some names and details have been changed, but this is a true story from this colorful, vibrant, and sometimes surprising region.

Most countries along the Silk Road have a history of migratory peoples, moving around from place to place with the seasons. You can still see this shared cultural consciousness come through even today especially among young college students. Many of my college friends will pick up and move at a moments notice at the promise of a job. This is true for my friend, Ali, who I met in my class last fall. He is from a little known country in Central Asia and one day he just moved away for work. 

Six months later, Ali resurfaced in my town hoping to find a job so he can continue university. We went out to brunch with some friends from class. During the meal, the topic of beliefs came up and I, along with a Muslim background believer, were able to share about Jesus and all he has done in our lives. Ali listened intently. During the Christmas season, he had asked me to share all my advent verses in his heart language because he was curious about the Christmas story.

The other believer and I spent the afternoon talking with him about what we believe, helped him download the You-version Bible app on his phone, and offered for him to join us each week when we read the Good News together. We got to read a chapter and pray with him as he was curious about what it is exactly that Christians do to worship God.

I was so excited to see my believing friend boldly sharing her testimony, as before she kept recommending I not share my beliefs too much.

Would you pray with me for Ali? He is hungry for truth and love. Pray that he comes to university here in the mountains and this tiny taste of truth leaves him desperate for more.