“There’s only one way, and that way is clear.”
The only way to God is through a relationship with Jesus, His Son.
That was a radical message for Fatima to hear, but through the work of Leading the Way Ministries, she began to understand what it meant.
Fatima lived in a predominately Muslim country where Christianity was treated with suspicion and contempt. She found herself curious about the Christian God, but wasn’t sure where to go or how to find out more.
When her family found out that she’d been researching churches, they ordered her to stay inside the house to keep her from contacting any missionaries in the area.
She finally escaped from her confinement and fled to a friend’s house for sanctuary. And that’s where she encountered a television broadcast by Leading the Way.
“The story of Leading the Way is a story about God and His faithfulness,” says Dr. Michael Youssef, the ministry’s founder. “It’s a story about His search for people who are willing to trust and obey.”
God had been searching for Fatima, and He knew exactly how to bring her to Him — through a global ministry that would make Biblical teaching available at just the right time.
Leading the Way first began as a small radio ministry in Atlanta in 1988, but quickly grew into a worldwide effort that currently impacts thousands of people.
Dr. Youssef believes the organization “is uniquely equipped to reach a global audience by using today’s technology to connect individuals with sound Biblical teaching.” The ministry’s influence extends across six continents.
How does one ministry reach so far?
It’s learned how to leverage technology for the purpose of sharing the Gospel.
Satellite television, radio, solar-powered broadcasting technologies – if it’s been invented, chances are Leading the Way is trying to use it to distribute Biblical teachings and literature.
In addition to broadcasting the Gospel, Leading the Way also works to connect its listeners (and viewers) to “field ministry teams” to further “discipleship and personal evangelism.”
The organization recognizes that technology alone is not enough—and that personal relationships are necessary for Christian growth and development.
“This holistic outreach is designed to not only effectively reach the lost, but also to equip and strengthen the church to stand strong and advance the Gospel in today’s world,” the ministry writes.
Like Fatima, many of the lost people reached by Leading the Way reside in countries that are closed off to the Gospel and the Word of God, but the organization’s unique use of technology is often able to circumvent local bans on the Bible, sermons, and religious literature.
When Fatima saw Leading the Way’s television broadcast, she immediately called the ministry. A staff member connected her with resources that explained the Gospel in terms she could understand.
Not long afterward, Fatima gave her life to Christ. “I really felt the presence of the Lord inside of me,” she said.
Leading the Way also connected Fatima with a local church and found a mentor to disciple her. Additionally, the ministry frequently checked in with Fatima by phone, sending Bible verses over text when she felt discouraged in her new life.
“I thank the ministry for helping me,” Fatima shared, overjoyed with the support network she had found. “They will be the reason a lot of people come to Christ.”
Fatima’s testimony is an amazing example of what God can do through current technology!
Leading the Way plans to continue building its platform to reach even more people around the world. The ministry has a lofty vision of seeing one million souls saved in Christ’s name by the year 2025.
“The goal is ambitious. The need is great,” writes Dr. Youssef, describing “Vision 2025”. “But now is the time to be all-in for Christ. I am committed to leveraging all that I have to see the lost come to the saving knowledge of Jesus.”
To reach this goal, Leading the Way intends to expand its presence in the media both in the United States and abroad. Vision 2025 is particularly focused on reaching Muslims in America and the Middle East.
Many souls like Fatima are curious about Christianity but are unable to get the information and the relationships they need because of government restrictions. But leading the Way is uniquely able to reach individuals in these restricted areas.
Through this ministry, God is providing “hope that is revolutionizing lives.”
To join the Vision 2025 Movement, visit Leading the Way’s website.