I was on my way to meet tentmakers from North Africa on Malta, for their encouragement and for me to learn about their lives, work and ministry in a very hard place. There was a layover in London of some hours which had me wandering around to kill time.

Suddenly there was an urgent message that I should go to Tunisia as soon as possible. I looked up, and there was an airline I had never heard of promoting flights to Tunisia. There was no lineup at the desk, asked how much a flight would be. In about 10 minutes I had secured a very inexpensive flight from Malta to Tunisia the following week.

A week later, after a short 70-minute flight, I landed at Tunis airport. To my surprise there seemed to be no customs at an almost deserted airport. While walking around wondering why I was even there, the quietness seemed eerie. From behind a pillar a man in black appeared and walked directly toward me. I had time to think that this would not end well. He stared at me, asked me if I was Ari Rocklin from Canada? I said that I was he. On hearing that the big man smiled and said, I have been looking forward to meeting you! My name is Ahmed, I will take you to your hotel.

Once in the car he informed me he was from Libya (the country next door) and was in charge of foreigners living there. Ah, you must know all the teachers I have helped find jobs and move to Libya? Yes, yes, of course I do, said Ahmed. You are well known to us for your work.

As he helped me check in and then find my room which he paid for, Ahmed told me he would be picking me up for dinner in the evening. This was not an invitation; it was already settled.

At dinner in a posh Tunisian restaurant, we got to know each other, sharing about our families and enjoying the meal. I could tell Ahmed was struggling with wanting to talk about something more serious.

He then talked about the more than 100 teachers I had helped into Libya over the years and how he appreciated them coming to his country to teach English. I asked them if they were good people. Yes, yes they are very good people answered Ahmed. Then what is the problem, I sense you have brought me here for a reason?

This powerful man, with sweat pouring from his forehead blurted out: Some of your teachers are making my life very difficult! They visit too many local people and their neighbors then call the local police and the local police then contact my office, do you see the problem?

I immediately apologized and said I am partly to blame as obviously I had not trained them sufficiently in what is acceptable while they work in Libya.

Ahmed relaxed and continued; this one couple visited 132 homes in six months! (I recalled hearing from this couple on their return home that they had visited some 100 homes.)

132 homes in six months I blurted out! That is too many! Of course, people will be suspicious, this is not good. Again, I apologize for the problems this has caused you. Please Ahmed, tell me how many homes a foreigner working in Libya can visit without this becoming a problem for you, and I will make sure future teachers will abide by your rule.

Much to my surprise, he said: No more than 100! I tried not to show my delight and countered: I will make sure they do not visit more than 99 homes!

As the coffee was being served Ahmed seemed pleased at how well our conversation had gone and that we had come to an agreement.

May I pray for you, I asked? Yes, of course, said Ahmed.

Dear Jesus, thank you for my friend, Ahmed and family, bless them and keep them safe. Amin.

As we said our goodbyes I said: From this day on, I will pray that you will get to know Jesus as I know him.

Ahmed’s final words said through tears were, thank you thank you thank you.

The full version of this exciting story will be in the upcoming book: The journey of a tentmaker mobilizer.

By Ari Rocklin