When John’s father kicked him out of their house in North Africa, he joined the infamous European migration crises and made his way to Turkey by patching together a dangerous route—sometimes on foot, sometimes over water, sometimes at the mercy of human smugglers—always very dangerous for a young man, barely 20. 

How does the banished son of a North African become a beloved child of God in Southern Europe? Well, over tea, served under a bridge, of course.

John’s story is the same as millions of other migrants to hit the shores of Europe in the last three years—until it diverges where he met Christ. Today he’s on the north shores of the Mediterranean, living in his pastor’s spare bedroom, serving his church, and patiently navigating the paperwork to become a legal immigrant.

The Back Story

When John’s father kicked him out of their house in North Africa, he joined the infamous European migration crises and made his way to Turkey by patching together a dangerous route—sometimes on foot, sometimes over water, sometimes at the mercy of human smugglers—always very dangerous for a young man, barely 20.

John first settled in Turkey and learned the language. He attained legal residency and a girlfriend. He even picked up English. When his girlfriend broke up with him one year in, he set out—further on and further up into Europe—in search of the good life that he couldn’t have in North Africa and hadn’t yet found in Turkey.

Like all migrants, John waited in the camps. He had to find a way across from Turkey to Greece. But like most migrants who make it to Turkey, he was kept there. The European Union is reluctant to bloat itself further with newcomers.

Like others, John searched for a way to be ferried across the Aegean Sea. He had to consider the financial cost, the reliability of whoever promised him passage, the safety and reliability of the craft. He tried for a whole year to gain passage.

At one point, John attempted passage by clinging to the underbelly of a large truck heading north and west. He was discovered and badly beaten. Those back injuries persist even now, a constant reminder of how far he’s come.

The Lord Establishes Our Steps

A non-practicing Muslim, John was depressed and wondered why Allah would make him wait on his new life. He watched as others on the trail successfully gained passage to Greece, while he grew in despair. He says he kept asking Allah, “Why are you keeping me from going? Why are others making it while my plans keep falling through? Why won’t you let me go?” He even promised Allah that he would follow Islam more carefully if only he could move on to Greece.

Finally, John’s day to cross the sea arrived. He was welcomed on the other side by Christian missionaries who staffed the migration reception on the shore. He made his home in the camps and heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.

But John wasn’t interested in the Christian story. He waved away the missionaries’ efforts at spiritual conversations. He continued in his pursuit of a better life.

Unlike in Turkey, John was able to leave Greece in just five weeks. He felt his fate had been reversed. But the quick timing haunted him. He wondered why Allah required him to languish in Turkey but readily blessed him in Greece. He had a sense that the timing of his journey was divine, but he couldn’t make out why.

Unbeknownst to even himself, John was living out the proverbial truth, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). The timing would lead to a divine encounter under a bridge.

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