Someday, I’ll Get to See

Burundi

They say that in people who are blind, the brain “rewires” itself, harnessing the collective power of the other senses to compensate for the lack of sight. Abdul, a 16-year-old young man who happens to be blind, may not be able to see. But he can most certainly hear — and God’s been speaking to him.

In the heart of a booming city in East Africa, Abdul has always relied on the help of a guide to navigate the crowds and traffic. One evening not long ago, as he and his guide walked familiar sidewalks, Abdul heard a new sound. Children’s voices floated through the doors and windows of a nearby church, carrying a melody and a message that changed his life.

The song the boys and girls of the local Awana club sang described heaven in a way Abdul had never imagined any place could be:

… A place of no sickness or hunger, where the eyes of the blind will be opened to see God, Jesus and the angels. A place where there’s no pain, only joy, because there, every person, no matter what, is loved by Jesus. 

Struck with wonder, Abdul asked his guide to bring him into the church — he had to find out more about the place the children had been singing about — and his guide refused. Christian songs were not the songs of their culture.

Abdul at his Awana club

But Abdul persisted. He found someone willing to take him to where the club was being held, and when he arrived, Abdul was met with welcoming voices and open arms.

That night, Abdul went home and shared the experience with his mother. He told her about the song that had beckoned him in, about hearing for the first time ever that someday in heaven, “I’ll get to see!” He told her he learned that the Bible says, The Lord … upholds the widow and the fatherless — proof that Jesus loves him, and his mom, too (Psalm 146:9).

Abdul knows that someday he will see

Shortly after, Abdul and his younger brother joined the Awana club. All three, mom and both boys, have been baptized and are living by faith, hope and love in Jesus Christ. And even in the face of rejection and conflict in their family and much of their community — they choose to follow Jesus.

We praise God for speaking to Abdul through a simple song, in a way that resonated so deeply, for the Awana club kids and adults who lovingly brought Abdul into the fold, and for Abdul and his family’s bold faith.  We’d be honored if you would pray with us for their continued faith and strength.