Our Brother Hassan

There are moments in our Christian walks when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that every sacrifice is worth it. Today was such a day. Hassan was baptized into Christ.

I don’t think any of us will forget the day we met Hassan. He came to our house looking for work, and as we have shared with many of you, there was an earnestness and humility in his demeanor that cause us to find work for him. When he came, a six foot six inch 19 year old from the DRC, he poured himself into his work. He shared also his life as a refugee in Kampala, and we shared about the hope that we have in Christ.

Hassan felt like a part of the family from the beginning – celebrating his 20th birthday with the fellowship that Sunday evening, and beginning Bible study right away. The brothers struggled to share the gospel in a patchwork of broken English, French and Swahili. Sometimes the deep truths of scripture seemed impossible to communicate with no one strong language in common. But, little by little, understanding was gained and the Holy Spirit worked.

Having watched Hassan seek the Lord earnestly, struggle to understand, strive after courage, choose to follow, comprehend the sacrifice of Christ and grow heavy under the weight of sin, there is no greater joy than to see his face resolute in repentance and to watch him be washed clean in the waters of baptism. Praise to our King!

Three of Hassan’s 12 siblings were able to join us for the baptism and following celebration lunch. His younger sister, Angel, has already began to study the scriptures, and his twin brother Hussein, expressed his desire to begin studying the Scriptures daily as Hassan has done. They all replied with an emphatic “yes” when asked if they had seen Hassan change over the last few weeks. I am reminded of Cornelius, Lydia and the Phillipian Jailer who came to the Lord bringing entire households with them. May the Spirit and the word continue to work powerfully and effectively in the hearts of men.

2 thoughts on “Our Brother Hassan”