Teddy’s 5,000-Mile Journey to Jesus
A Refugee Finds a Home
Fleeing extreme poverty in Liberia, a young man risked his life to cross the Mediterranean Sea—clinging to a second-hand phone and the digital mentor who introduced him to Christ.
In the dead of night, Teddy joined a small caravan of locals slipping out of Liberia. His family couldn’t afford basic needs to survive, forcing him to risk everything to reach Italy.
The nearly 5,000-mile journey required hitchhiking and walking across three countries. But that was nothing compared to crossing a rocky ocean on a small, overcrowded boat.
Teddy knew he was lucky to be alive.
A Lifeline in His Pocket
Through it all, Teddy fiercely protected a second-hand phone he had bargained for in the streets of Monrovia. That small device was his only link to his family and to Christina—his "American friend" who had been sending him messages of hope from the Bible.
When Italian immigration officers finally returned his few belongings, Teddy smiled for the first time in months. His phone had survived the journey.
“I am so, so sorry for the longer time that I have not replied,” Teddy messaged Christina after weeks of silence. “I have a limited Internet connection.”
Strength Amidst the Chaos
Teddy settled into a refugee camp in Taranto, Italy. He found it incredibly difficult to share space with people from all walks of life, but Christina made it her purpose to fill his inbox with biblical content and a free Bible app.
Her consistent emails became his source of strength amidst the chaos.
“Thanks for your encouragement. Words cannot express how you are helping me spiritually,” Teddy replied. “I will make use of the Scripture you give me.”
Enduring with Jesus
As days turned into months, Teddy waited for the Italian government to approve his asylum paperwork. Fear and insecurity began to brew.
Right when Teddy needed it most, Christina sent a Bible study on Romans 8:38. She also provided information for a local church he could connect with once he got out of the camp.
“Christ is everything to my life,” Teddy reassured her. “I admit I can’t do anything without Jesus. Please keep me in your prayers.”
The Exponential Impact
Teddy's journey didn’t end when he crossed the Mediterranean Sea. But because of your support, the Gospel travels with him wherever he—and his phone—go. You can help unite the body of Christ, ensuring that isolated believers and refugees like Teddy are never left to walk alone.
Will You Provide Hope For Someone Like Teddy Today?
- Become an Online Missionary and walk with seekers from doubt to discipleship.
- Give a gift to help more Gospel ads reach people in their moment of need.