A new woman in Christ

As the plane over Turkey shook violently with mechanical problems, Jen* sat paralyzed with fear. Would this be her last day on earth? What would happen to her soul?

Within hours, the plane made it safely to the ground and the passengers went on their way, but Jen left a different woman. As she returned to her family, many questions tormented her mind —especially questions about eternity and the brevity of life.

A distant relative shared with her about someone named Jesus Christ and that she could have a personal relationship with him. He could save her from her sins.

All Jen knew as a nominal Muslim woman were the traditions of the Koran, Allah, and Mohammed; and, before this plane ride, she had no imminent reason to ponder these things. She was a wealthy seller of fine perfumes and jewelry — happily married with two children. But after a near-death experience, she was ready for more. Her heart was searching for truth and significance in the world.

Jen told her husband, Oscar*, these things, and he told her he would never allow her to become a Christian. Once, she tried to give him a Bible and he ripped it to pieces and threw it away. But, Jen persisted. Three times she attempted to attend the church in her town and each time she was unable to enter. The fourth time, she found some Christian Russian women and followed them inside. There, Jen repented and became a believer.

*Not their real names

Additional Posts

By Michelle Atwell December 23, 2025
When God First Widened My World: Remembering Urbana 1996 I still remember the winter air. It was December 1996, and I was a junior at Oakland University in Rochester Michigan, serving as a small group leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship—the ministry that had profoundly shaped my faith since my freshman year. I was growing spiritually, serving faithfully in my local church, and stepping into leadership on campus. Attending Urbana felt like the natural next step. Urbana only happened every three years, and I knew that once I graduated, I might miss the chance altogether. My church believed in that moment enough to cover the cost. They entrusted me—and my campus minister—with a van full of college students, driving from Detroit to Champaign-Urbana during the quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s. I had heard the stories: thousands of students, passionate worship, a clear call to live fully for Jesus. What I encountered exceeded every expectation. A Campus Taken Over by the Kingdom Buses poured in from every direction, unloading students onto a snow- covered campus. Dorm rooms filled. Cafeterias buzzed. The entire university seemed overtaken—not by noise or spectacle, but by a quiet, collective hunger for God. For the first time in my life, I met students from places far beyond Michigan— Harvard, Loyola, Wheaton. My world was expanding in real time. I don’t remember every speaker or session. What I do remember is the unmistakable clarity of the invitation. God was bigger than I had ever imagined. Not just personal. Not just local. He was King of the nations. And there were people—millions of them—who had never heard His name. The question was simple, but it felt weighty: Would I commit my life, in whatever way God asked, to the Great Commission? Explore God’s leading toward the nations with a SEND missions coach.
By Diaspora North America November 4, 2025
Opening Your Homes This Thanksgiving 
By Diaspora North America October 7, 2025
Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 
Show More