When Steiger missionary Georges asked Sam how he came to believe, Sam didn’t hesitate: “I spent time with you guys.”

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Steiger missionary Georges first met Sam, a 19-year-old university student, at a public philosophy discussion in Beirut. Sam was curious, thoughtful, and full of questions—especially about faith. He started attending the non-religious Bible studies and apologetics meetings, where the team regularly engaged with atheists and skeptics.

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Since Sam lived just five minutes away, Georges would often give him a ride home after the gatherings. Their conversations on those drives went deep, and they talked about God, belief, and the meaning of life. Sam was captivated by the theological discussions and intrigued by the idea that belief in God could actually be rational. But he still wasn’t convinced. He had heard about Christianity, but prayer seemed useless to him.

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Then one night, everything changed.

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Sam showed up to a meeting with a terrible headache. He hadn’t slept in days. Georges asked if he could pray for him, and Sam agreed. That night, Sam went home and was able to rest. It was the first time in a while. That moment sparked something in his heart, and Sam began a spiritual journey, wondering if Jesus might actually be real.

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Sam remained close to the team—showing up at discipleship meetings, reading the Bible, and meeting regularly one-on-one with Georges and others. He eventually began attending church, and God continued to draw him deeper.

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Then, two years ago, Sam came to Georges with a surprising question: “How can I share my faith with my friend?”

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Sam’s faith journey wasn’t marked by one dramatic moment, but by consistent presence, honest conversation, prayer, and a shared life. So Georges encouraged him, “Then do the same with other people.” Invite friends in. Ask questions. Listen well. Offer to pray. Share your story. What impacted Sam wasn’t a program, it was people living out the Gospel in real life.

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And that’s exactly what Sam has been doing. For the past two years, he’s been serving faithfully with the Steiger Beirut team, growing in faith, learning to lead, and walking alongside others on the same kind of journey he walked.

Reflecting on Sam’s journey of faith, Georges said, “Sam’s story could be described as ‘rationality met with power.’ Sam is a living example of Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 1:5: ‘Our Gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.’”

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This is what God is doing across the Middle East. In a culture full of deep questions and spiritual hunger, young people like Sam are not only meeting Jesus, but stepping up to reach others with the same hope and power that changed their lives.