Go Beyond

Today’s Global Glimpses post is a departure from featuring Kingsland members and where they have served God and His purposes around the world. Over the years I have learned to appreciate the unsung and quiet heroes who make what I do a lot easier — local believers who know the lay of the land and help to escort me and my teams. On Paul’s second missionary journey, his life was threatened at Thessalonica and then at Berea. So, the folks at Berea arranged for Paul to be escorted to Athens. Acts 17:15 records, “Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.” The phrase “those who guided him” is easily overlooked in this passage. Yet, without the assistance of “those who guided him” Paul might not have escaped those who were trying to harm him. When in Kolkata I depend on Don, my ex-pat friend, to coordinate logistics for my teams and to guide us around town. And, Don depends heavily on his assistant Shafique, an Indian man who has become a dear friend to me.

Who | Shafique, age 52.

My Occupation | I am the assistant logistics coordinator for short-term teams that visit Kolkata.

My Background | I have been a driver in Kolkata for 35 years. I spent 18 of those years driving a taxi. This experience has helped me to know where every road and market and shop is located in Kolkata.

My Faith | I was raised as a Muslim but became a follower of Jesus four years ago.

My Best Blessing | I am thankful for the peace that is mine as a follower of Jesus. This is a peace that I did not have before I came to faith in Jesus. Don, my boss, has helped me to grow in my faith. God has used him to make the biggest impact in my life because he has helped me to become a stronger disciple of Jesus Christ.

Where I Worship | Every Tuesday I lead a house church for Muslims who are interested in knowing more about Jesus and for Muslims who have come to faith in Jesus Christ. I enjoy sharing the story of Jesus with others.

A Word from Shafique’s Boss | The thing I appreciate and admire most about Shafique is that he is always ready to serve. As a driver he often has to remain with our vehicle. He uses those waiting periods to talk to cab drivers about Jesus. He knows so many cab drivers in Kolkata and has a heart for reaching these men with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is more than my assistant. He is a dear friend and brother in Christ.