Call me Barnabas—a nickname that means “Son of Encouragement,” because that is what I long to be as I serve Jesus in the Middle East.

One afternoon, I challenged myself to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading as I made my way around the city. I visited the old, ancient church, then made my way to the park, walking all the way to the end, turning around, and then, a gentle instruction to turn left. I saw a guy sitting there alone, on the bench, reading a book.

As I approached him to say “Hi” (in the local language), I prayed, “Jesus, I want to share you today. I don’t want to talk about the weather or sports.” 

Hearing the English in my voice—we began a beautiful conversation. The book in his hands was in French, and upon asking, he explained it was about the differences between the Quran and the Bible. Jesus had so clearly sent me to him. 

I shared my story about meeting Jesus in a vision. He shared his dream. In this dream, he had his eyes closed, but he could see a figure approaching. He opened his eyes in the dream and “knew” it was Jesus. “Jesus spoke to me and said, ‘I love you, and I want you to follow me.’ He was so beautiful, kind, and good. Looking down at his empty coffee cup and said, “I’ve never felt ‘full’ in my life; I’ve felt like this empty coffee cup,” with tears glistening in his eyes. 

We’ve met several times to speak of Jesus, fulfilling the words of scripture: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”—Colossians 3:15-16 NIV. 

God did something that day, for him and for me. His heart feels the peace that only comes from Jesus. And I realized, I know why I’m here: this one guy, these people, these encounters, loving, serving, and becoming Barnabas.