A Soldier’s Surrender: From Violence to Discipleship
Names, locations, and images have been changed to protect the identity of individuals in sensitive regions.
Once feared for his violence, Ahmed’s life was marked by hidden shame and spiritual confusion—until an encounter with Jesus in a dream changed everything. Today, he is training to plant churches and disciple others with the same hope that transformed him.
A Life Ruled by Violence and Shame
Ahmed had built a reputation for brutality. As a soldier in the Iraqi army, he lived a life shaped by aggression, authority, and fear. But his external toughness masked a darker reality. Married with two children, Ahmed was also entangled in a web of adultery, deceit, and spiritual turmoil.
In a moment of religious reflection, he began studying the Qur’an more seriously, seeking to become a better man. But the deeper he read, the more inconsistencies troubled him—especially in verses about Christians and Jesus. Some passages called Christians “People of the Book” and urged kindness; others labeled them disbelievers. Even more confusing were the opposing claims about Christ: was He crucified or not? Was He truly significant—or just a prophet?
When he brought these questions to a local sheikh, the answers left him more disillusioned than before.
“The deeper I searched, the more the contradictions haunted me. The answers I was given only made the doubts grow stronger.”
A Cry for Help—and a Dream of Rescue
While deployed on a mission against Al-Qaeda, Ahmed and his unit were surrounded. Death seemed inevitable. But it was during this moment of fear that Ahmed had a vivid dream—so real he awoke still feeling its impact.
In the dream, he was overcome with panic, thinking of his children. He saw himself seated on the ground, head between his knees, crying out instinctively, “Jesus, save me!” Then the sky turned blood red and opened up. Jesus appeared, surrounded by angels, and descended toward him. He touched Ahmed—a sensation softer than silk, colder than ice—and said, “Do not be afraid.”
Ahmed awoke still feeling that divine touch. In his heart, he knew: Jesus is God.
Seeking the Truth Amid Danger
The dream ignited a hunger. Ahmed began visiting churches, eager to learn more. But this was during a time of intense persecution in Iraq. In 2010, terrorists attacked Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad during Sunday Mass, killing more than 50 worshipers and wounding dozens more. Fear gripped the Christian community. Believers went underground, and Ahmed struggled to find anyone willing to speak openly with him.
He cried out again, this time in prayer: “Lord, send someone to help me.”
That very day, his phone rang. A believer on the other end was willing to meet him, listen, and walk alongside him. It marked the beginning of his new life in Christ.
“That day marked the beginning of my new life. I finally met someone who would walk with me in Christ.”
From Disciple to Disciple-Maker
Today, Ahmed lives in another Muslim-majority country in the Middle East. His life has been radically transformed—not only by what he believes, but by how he lives.
This past week, he joined one of Compel International’s church planting trainings. Surrounded by others with a heart for multiplying disciples, Ahmed took his next step of obedience. He came not only to learn, but because he believes God is calling him to plant churches and disciple others—just as he was discipled.
“My vision is to help others encounter the Jesus who saved me, and walk with them, just as someone walked with me.”