I've just had lunch with a guy who's living the most incredible story. When I began to make polite small talk I had no idea who he was. As he started to share his story and a little of what his life is like I was gobsmacked. It's a familiar story but listening to a 17 year old tell you that this is his life brings a whole new level of understanding and apreciation...
Lets call him Bob. Bob arrived in the 24-7 office this morning ready to volunteer his time making badges to be sold on the 24-7 shop. He's a friend of a friend, happy to help and quietly sat, working through the morning. When we decamped to Lloyds for lunch I took the opportunity to find out more.
As we munched on our handburgers he began to tell of his life in Iran, the family he'd left behind and his hopes to become a British citizen and study architecture at college. As he began to talk about the city he'd come from it became obvious that he really missed it. "England is very different."
I frowned, "When will you go home and visit your family?" he looked at me with a nervous smile, "I can't." he replied. "If I go home bad things will happen."
As he looked around the table at our confused faces he continued, "I cannot go home. I was a Muslim, I am a Muslim no longer."
Understanding began to dawn. "An Armenian friend gave me a Bible, Armenians are allowed to be Christians but not Iranians. I read it and loved it. But I cannot be a Christian in Iran, the Government will not allow it."
Surprise and shock flew round the table. Autumn interrupted, "But your 17, surely you can go home and visit your parents!"
Bob smiled sheepishly "No, I cannot, it is not safe." Then his grin broadened, "But I am going to Church every week now!"
His simple enthusiasm inspite of what he'd had to sacrifice was amazing. As he spoke more of what Iran was like and the rest of his family, still Muslims living in Iran, his expression moved from sadness to relief. It was so challenging to listen to. Would I have had the courage to follow Jesus at 17 if it meant having to flee for my life and leave everything I know? xc