One Conversation at a Time
When I first joined Reading Circle, I didn’t know what to expect—what my reading partner would be like, where he would be from, or what he might believe. But I quickly discovered how this program brings together children and families from all over the world. From there, it becomes deeply personal, as mentors and mentees not only work on reading and learning English but also build friendships and share the hope of the Gospel.
My mentee, Ahmad*, came to the United States with his family from Afghanistan. He grew up speaking Farsi and practicing Islam, but here he has quickly learned English and become a talented reader. Ahmad is outgoing and honest, always eager to talk about his family, friends, and the things he enjoys, like soccer and music. He is also open about what he and his family believe regarding Jesus, Christianity, and Islam, which has made our conversations especially meaningful.
Each week, we read from the Jesus Storybook Bible and discuss the story together. Ahmad often knows the “Christian answers,” but he speaks honestly that he does not truly believe them. I respect his openness and deeply value his willingness to read Scripture and even memorize verses with me. Rather than giving me the answers he thinks I might want, Ahmad shares what he truly believes. These honest moments have led us into meaningful conversations—about Jesus in the Quran, who Allah is to him compared to the God of the Bible, and what faith looks like in each of our lives.
Because I have done some personal reading about Islam, I try to use that knowledge to meet Ahmad where he is in his faith journey. He knows that I do not see him as opposed to me because I am a Christian and he is a Muslim. Instead, I want him to know he can always speak freely and honestly. Reading together gives us common ground to compare what we each believe, and to explore those beliefs with respect and curiosity.
I often return to 1 Corinthians 3:7: “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” I know I cannot change Ahmad’s heart, but I can be faithful to plant seeds of the Gospel. Even if following Christ would come at great cost for him in relation to his family and loved ones, I pray that the truth we discuss each week will remain in his heart and that one day the Lord will bring growth.
Reading Circle has given me the gift of not only helping Ahmad with reading but also walking alongside him as he wrestles with questions of faith. My prayer is that he will always look back fondly on our time together—reading stories, memorizing Scripture, and sharing honest conversations—and that God will use those moments in his life for His glory.
This is why North Texas Giving Day matters. When you give, you’re not just providing a tutoring session—you’re helping create sacred spaces where refugee students like Ahmad can learn, grow, and hear the hope of the Gospel. Every $32 gift supports one week of tutoring, and thanks to a generous matching grant, your gift will go twice as far. Will you join us in planting seeds of hope in the lives of refugee students this Giving Day?
Written by: Mac Morrison
Edited by: Emily Thompson
*Student’s name has been changed to protect privacy.