Natalie has been sharing with Jacob and his wife Tewba for more than a year, and had felt God working in their lives, before seeing them turn away due to family pressure and fear.

“I cried when Jacob and Tewba turned away so definitely," Natalie said, “but months later Jacob began to sense God drawing him again.”

"After more prayer and much more sharing, Jacob has given himself to Jesus and declared his new faith by being immersed in a beautiful spot by the river.”

During Natalie’s discipleship of the couple, both Jacob and Tewba experienced significant dreams, and showed a strong desire to know more. But Tewba is fearful of the reaction she may receive from her family, and is not willing to accept the truth of the gospel.

Consternation, confusion and fear

“Seeing many lovely things about Jesus and being touched by him, she still cannot accept the truth about who he is, and is very afraid,” Natalie said. "She managed to drag herself along to the baptism, but cried just before the actual event. Imagine the consternation, confusion and fear as she watches her husband give himself to Jesus.”

The day after his baptism, Jacob left to work in a neighbouring country, and will be away from his family for six months, a situation which Natalie said is not ideal for this new believer.

Jacob asks prayer for his wife

“We asked Jacob what he wanted prayer for, and it was that others in his family come to know Jesus, but first and foremost for his wife to believe,” she says. “Pray for protection and that God will be working in Tewba in his absence.”

By Dion Bremner, WEC Australia

an article from January/February 2008 issue of Into All the World  www.wec.com.au