I had been at my position for ninety-two days. Ninety-two days of holding the line, waiting, and wondering if any of us would make it out alive. I’m an infantryman from the Donetsk direction. Our unit was defending a school building shaped like the Ukrainian letter “П.” It was supposed to be a strong position—but soon we were completely surrounded.

They used to come to me with fear in their eyes. They called me N’kayi—the one who speaks with spirits. I held the charms, the chants, the power. Or so it seemed. Mothers brought sick children to my doorstep. Men asked me to curse their enemies. I wore fear like a crown. But no one ever asked how I slept at night.

When I first heard about the Bible studies happening in our area, I was curious. I had heard people whisper that the Makuwa—the white missionaries—were teaching about a God who forgives sins and gives eternal life. I had spent my whole life fearing spirits, offering sacrifices, and doing what our traditions demanded. But inside, I always felt empty and afraid. So one day, I decided to go.

We live in a very remote place, and for many years our lives felt marked by limitation. I, Juan Carlos, cannot walk and depend on a wheelchair. My wife Martha can walk, but because she is visually impaired, she cannot see the path ahead. Each day, we faced our challenges together: I would guide the way, and she would push my chair. It was our simple rhythm of survival.

When Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he said, “I thank my God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” His words reveal something more than appreciation for financial support. They express deep affection for a church that had joined him in heart and mission–a true partnership in the gospel.

I was born into a Muslim family, and as a teenager, I was required to follow all the rules of Islam. At first, I wanted to obey those rules because I wanted to be like my parents. But after years of trying to do everything that was expected of me, I realized I had no real relationship with God.