“Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the LORD had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians” (Ex 18:9). *** About six months ago, Saman, his wife Parisa, and their two young children (all Iranians who had just moved to Hamburg) contacted Zion Lutheran Church, where I work. Saman had been baptized several years before, whereas Parisa and the two children were still Muslim. Nevertheless, *both* parents were eager to have their children baptized. Scripture teaches that people of all ages should be baptized, including children (Mt 19:14, Ac 2:38-39, Ac 16:13-15, etc.). A few weeks into our baptismal classes, Parisa said she wanted to be baptized as well. I had the great privilege of baptizing the children in early March. Parisa took another month of classes and was received into the family of our triune God on Easter Sunday. Throughout our classes, Saman shared that ever since becoming a Christian, he has wanted to be a pastor. Fast forward: Last week, Saman was accepted into the pastoral formation program of Riga Luther Academy, the online Lutheran seminary at which I teach. Next month he will join seminarians and deaconess students from over a dozen countries across Eurasia and Africa as they begin their studies. This past Sunday, Saman assisted me in the Persian-language Divine Service. Excited about this opportunity, he told his whole family about it, including his Muslim parents. *** Moses had shared with his father-in-law how the Lord was working in the lives of the Israelites and Jethro rejoiced with him, even though the old man did not believe in the Lord. Saman’s Dad, who does not believe in Him either, reacted similarly when Saman shared his joy: “You were raised Muslim but have chosen this path for yourself and I am proud of you. Congratulations!” Even today, the Lord continues to work in families as He wills, gathering people into His fold one person at a time. (Picture/story with Saman’s permission).
The Tiews in Germany 