Everyday Work, Eternal Impact
Bryan and Sophie’s journey to North Africa started with a passion for least-reached people groups and a desire to use their careers to serve Jesus. With SIM USA, Christians can use their jobs and skills to serve in countries where traditional ministry is restricted or illegal. This is how Bryan and Sophie faithfully serve in a least-reached nation.
Bryan works at a medical clinic, and Sophie teaches at a university. By providing healthcare and education, Bryan and Sophie are meeting tangible needs in the community while also living as Christian witnesses among people who may never otherwise hear the gospel.
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:47
While Bryan and Sophie’s jobs meet visible needs, much of their service happens through conversations and friendships. Over time, God uses these everyday interactions to open doors for deeper spiritual conversations.
“In terms of reaching out and having spiritual discussions with people…it’s often with my coworkers,” Sophie said. “It’s building relationships with people.”
These personal connections naturally extend into opportunities to disciple believers in the community and have gospel conversations with friends who don’t know Jesus.
How Ordinary Encounters Open Doors for the Gospel: Saeed’s Story
Bryan and Sophie always enjoyed talking to Saeed, a plumber who had worked at their home several times before. During a recent repair visit, Saeed realized he needed to leave to buy a part, and Bryan decided to go with him.
Bryan and Saeed drove to the store together, and as they talked, the Muslim call to prayer echoed across the city.
“I asked him about it, and we started talking about spiritual stuff,” Bryan said. “I got to share the good news with him. As we pulled up to our house, he wanted to stay in the car talking for a bit.”
While many people in the area are hesitant or unwilling to hear the gospel, Saeed was different—he listened with curiosity and an open heart.
“That was a good conversation…that was a really good conversation,” Saeed said as they went into the house.
That afternoon, Bryan spoke with Saeed further about the gospel. Unlike many others who had dismissed the message, Saeed listened with genuine interest as Bryan shared about Jesus. Before leaving, Saeed told Bryan he believed.
“A lot of other people push back. But he was listening and receiving it,” Bryan said. “We’ve known this plumber for years and never had a spiritual conversation with him until then. God used a normal relationship for the good news to be shared.”
God often works through ordinary relationships. Even in a city where many resist the gospel, He opens hearts in unexpected ways, using everyday encounters to draw people to Himself.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6
Equipping Christians in North Africa to Live Out God’s Heart for the Nations
The church in this North African country is small but alive with faith, consisting of local believers and expatriates from around the world. Bryan and Sophie play an active role in encouraging and supporting this growing community.
They are deeply committed to teaching their church about God’s heart for the world, helping others see His love for all nations and His desire that every people group come to know Him.
“There are expat believers who are not intentional about being here. We see it as part of our job to educate them, encourage them, and mobilize them to share their testimonies and contribute to this Kingdom advancing work,” Sophie said.
Bryan and Sophie recently met Kevin and Lily, an expat Christian couple who did not come to the country with the intention of serving in a ministry role. The two couples became friends, encouraging each other and attending church together.
They discussed the Christian persecution in their country and the fear that prevents many believers from openly sharing their faith. Bryan and Sophie also taught Kevin and Lily about God’s heart for the world.
Over time, the Holy Spirit reshaped how Kevin and Lily understood their place in God’s global mission.
“After we studied that, we are no longer afraid. We know this is part of God’s plan and God’s heart for the world,” they later shared.
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Psalm 96:3
“Before this, I never prayed for Muslims. But now, after studying this, I pray for them. I’m hoping for them to know the Lord,” Lily added.
Kevin and Lily’s experience highlights the quiet yet transformative work God is doing through simple friendships in North Africa. Believers are gaining courage, growing in prayer, and learning to love those who have not yet encountered Jesus.
Walking with the Persecuted Church in North Africa
Yet following Jesus in North Africa is not without cost. Alongside stories of growth and courage are moments marked by fear, pressure, and real danger. Journeying with Christians through these challenges has become an essential part of Bryan and Sophie’s life and ministry.
Mariam is a local believer who took language learning classes with Bryan and Sophie. They read the Bible with her often and watched as she grew in her faith.
“When we first met her, she talked about getting baptized. But she went back on it. She was too scared,” Sophie said.
During this time, widespread persecution made many Christians, including Mariam, fearful of being baptized or openly expressing their faith. Some believers were imprisoned, while others wrestled with shame or uncertainty about standing with them.
“You always hear stories of persecution where the church grew, and people stand firm and grow in their faith, but it wasn’t like that. It was discouraging. It made people become more afraid and less bold,” Sophie explained.
Despite the disheartening circumstances, Bryan and Sophie continued discipling Mariam and reading the Bible with her. They tried to help her see that the believers in prison did not make a mistake and were not people to be ashamed of.
“This is part of God’s sovereign plan, and they are heroes,” Bryan and Sophie told her. “They’re not people to be ashamed of because they were caught; they’re heroes of the faith.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
Eventually, Mariam understood that she could honor God and embrace her faith in Him, even with the threat of persecution. She was baptized, publicly professing her belief in Jesus.
God continued working in Mariam’s heart, inspiring her to generously give to the Christians in prison and boldly acknowledge her faith with local unbelievers.
“That was a big change. She was excited to talk about standing up for her faith, not scared,” Sophie said. “It was a big step of growth in her faith to get to that point. And she really believes that those brothers and sisters in prison are heroes.”
How Christians Can Serve in Restricted Countries Through SIM USA
Whether through discipling expat Christians, encouraging the local church, or sharing the gospel in everyday relationships, God is at work in remarkable and unexpected ways in North Africa.
Christians from diverse backgrounds and experiences can step into similar opportunities, using their careers and skills to serve in countries where traditional ministry is not possible.
Like Bryan and Sophie, believers can meet real needs, nurture local Christians, and be faithful witnesses in contexts where the gospel is often not known. Every conversation and intentional relationship becomes a doorway for God’s kingdom to advance.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15
Are you interested in using your skills to serve in a least-reached country through your career? Connect with a SIM mission coach here.
Details have been changed for the privacy and safety of our workers, ministry partners, and those we serve.
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Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a Content Creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.