Morocco (MNN) — In the mountains of Morocco, children recently received warm clothing from an FMI-supported ministry leader. But the real gift wasn’t something they could wear — it was the first glimmer of a story they had never heard.
FMI’s Patrick Anthony says the leader has made several trips into various Muslim-majority communities still recovering from a devastating earthquake two years ago. On one recent visit, he distributed clothing to children in a remote village.
“They said they were doing this in the spirit of Christmas, that it’s because of really Christmas that they were giving these gifts to the kids,” Anthony says. “It was fascinating because the kids didn’t know what Christmas is.”
Children in Morocco. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Nieblas/Unsplash)
The local families in these villages are Muslim “by ritual.” However, they are unfamiliar with Islamic teachings, much less the Christian message of the Gospel.
The ministry leader told them, “God commands us to love all people. It doesn’t matter where we come from. He wants all to receive salvation.”
When the FMI partner shared the Christmas message of Jesus with kids and their families, they asked him to come back.
Anthony says, “They want to know more about this Jesus. The children asked him, ‘Well, who is this Messiah? Is he Santa Claus?’
“He explained a little bit. But he also has to be careful, especially on his first visit, because there are spies for security forces and things. That’s common in Morocco.”
Even so, interest is growing — and so is opportunity. Trust is forming. Conversations are beginning. The FMI ministry leader hopes to return soon, continuing both aid distribution and deeper discussions about who Jesus is.
An alleyway in Morocco. (Photo courtesy of Mathieu Gauzy/Unsplash)
Anthony urges prayer “for the villagers, people who have never really heard about Jesus. They know nothing about Christmas. Pray for their eyes and ears to be open to the Gospel.”
You can also bless FMI’s ministry with tangible support. “Morocco is one of our partner countries,” Anthony adds. “So funds can be given for Morocco to cover tangible resources, and we can help those ministry leaders purchase some of those relief needs.”
Pray for boldness, protection, and wisdom as ministry leaders reenter these communities. Ask God to use simple Christmas gifts to spark eternal transformation.
Header photo: Mountains in Morocco. (Photo courtesy of Imane/Unsplash)
