Courage to share Jesus

(Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Dubai is a city of tall skyscrapers, shining lights, and busy roads. People from many nations live there. You can hear lots of different languages in the shopping malls and on the metro. Some families have lived there for generations, and many others have moved for work.

Ten-year-old Layla lived in a tall apartment building. Her father worked long hours, and her mother cared for Layla and her baby brother. Layla went to school with children from many cultures. Her class was like a mini-world.

Layla’s family came from another country. They loved Jesus, and they followed Him with courage.

But in Dubai, Layla’s parents taught her to be wise too.

“Love everyone,” her mother said, “and be careful. Pray for God’s timing.”

One of Layla’s favourite people was Auntie Imen. Auntie Imen was an expat worker who helped many families. She was warm, cheerful, and always ready to serve.

One afternoon, Layla’s mother invited Auntie Imen for tea. While the kettle boiled, Layla listened from the doorway as the grown-ups talked.

Auntie Imen shared about a woman at work who had been asking questions.

“She watches my life,” Auntie Imen said. “She sees how Jesus changes me. She asks why I forgive, why I don’t gossip, why I keep hope.”
Layla leaned closer.

“And what do you say?” Layla’s mother asked.

Auntie Imen smiled. “I tell her about Jesus — gently. I tell her He forgave me. I tell her He gives me peace. I tell her I belong to Him.”

Layla’s heart beat faster. It sounded brave.

That night, Layla asked her mother, “Is it scary to talk about Jesus?”

Her mother thought for a moment. “Sometimes. But love is stronger than worry. And Jesus helps us.”

The next day at school, Layla noticed a girl named Noor sitting alone in the playground. Noor had moved from another country too, and she didn’t know anyone yet. Some children avoided her because she was “new.”

Layla remembered Auntie Imen’s words: People watch your life.

So Layla walked over to Noor and said, “Do you want to play?”

Noor looked surprised. Then she nodded.

They played a simple game, and Noor smiled for the first time.

Later, Noor asked, “Why did you come to me?”

Layla hesitated, then answered honestly, “Because Jesus loves people who feel alone.”

Noor blinked. “Jesus?”

Layla nodded. “He’s my Saviour. He helps me be kind.”

Noor didn’t argue. She just listened.

That evening, Layla told Auntie Imen what happened. Auntie Imen grinned and said, “That’s it! Brave doesn’t always mean big speeches. Sometimes brave is one kind choice.”

Over the following weeks, Layla kept praying for Noor. She invited her to sit together at lunch. She included her in games. She shared little things — not pushing, just loving.

And Noor began asking more questions.

“Can you tell me a story about Jesus?” Noor asked one day.

Layla smiled. “Yes.”

She told Noor about Jesus welcoming children. She told her about the shepherd who looks for the lost sheep. She told her about forgiveness.

Layla didn’t feel like a grown-up preacher. She just felt like a girl shining light.

And she understood something important:

God can use children to share Jesus — with courage and kindness.