October 6, 2008
Berlin, Germany

A paralysed teenager came to Christ

Dear Friends,

Ali, 16, was born paralyzed. He must use a wheelchair to get about. Because of different problems he and his mother emigrated from Iran to Germany and applied for asylum, which after a long time was not accepted, and so they are living in an uncertain situation.

Beginning about two years ago, Ali and his mother started to attend our worship services. One day Ali told me that he had a dream and wanted to tell others about it. He had seen himself in a big garden, and many other people were there. He saw me there, and a light was shining on him and could walk by himself, without the wheelchair.

Sadegh baptized a 16-year-old boy, Ali, after walking him through a 3-month Bible course. Ali has now changed his name to Shahab. Shahab's mother is now taking classes and preparing for baptism.

After this dream he found himself much more interested in the church, and began to hope that he would get his health there. His mother was always pushing him in his wheelchair to church. She was very happy when she saw that Ali was feeling more peaceful and happy.

Ali asked me to be baptized, and after a three-month Bible course, on July 27, 2008 , he was baptized and took part in the Lord’s Supper. Now he says that he has more peace in his heart and more hope for the future.

Because it is hard for his mother to get him to church with his wheelchair, using the city bus system and subway, we asked some of our youth to help her with this labor. Now, every Sunday they bring Ali to church. Ali has changed his name to Shahab; he is going to school, and is in the eighth grade. He is doing very well and is a good student.

His mother, Mrs. Fariba, is very happy and she is now attending my baptism classes and is waiting for the day of her baptism, which will be the third Sunday of Advent. Please keep praying for Shahab and his mother Fariba, that they may soon get a good answer to their asylum request and escape this uncertain situation.

Rev. Sadegh Sepehri

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 156.