A Middle Eastern man who hated Christianity and struggled with alcoholism embraced the religion he once despised after he miraculously survived being run over by a train.

Mr. Julannan and his wife hated it when anyone tried to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. In fact, when missionaries attempted to hand him Bible tracts, Mr. Julannan grabbed them and set on them on fire, according to a report from Bibles for Mideast, an underground Christian ministry that distributes Bibles and conducts evangelism in Asia, South Africa and the Middle East.

He also struggled with alcoholism, and when drunk, he’d become violent both at home and with his neighbors. Often, he could be found on the side of the ride in a drunken stupor.

Travelling home from his contracting job one evening, Mr. Julannan passed an open-air gospel convention ground. Angered by the sight, he spat in the direction of those gathered there, and continued on his way.

“Jesus is the instant help for your troubles!” he suddenly heard the convention speaker announce. “He is always before you, watching over you, and healing your sicknesses.” He stopped dead in his tracks as the voice continued.

“But you are crucifying Him by your sins,” the man warned. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. So confess, confess your sins before the Lord!”

Those words stuck with Mr. Julannan, and that night, he couldn’t sleep. He felt as if something terrible was heading his way, and in his anguish cried out, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,” was all he could say. “JESUS! Save me Jesus!”

The next day, while on his way to work, Mr. Julannan crossed the train tracks. As he made his way across the tracks, a speeding train barrelled down on him, knocking him flat between the railway tracks. Onlookers screamed as they watched the disaster unfold.

However, as soon as the train passed, Mr. Julannan stood up – completely unharmed. He shared with the astonished bystanders how, when the train ran over him, he cried out to the Lord Jesus.

Immediately, he sensed someone hugging him tightly, protecting him from the weight of the train.

“I know my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ saved me from what should have been a horrible tragedy!” he said.

Mr. Julannan embraced Christianity and overcame his alcohol addiction. Today, along with his wife, he partners with Bibles for Mideast to help distribute both bibles and gospel tracts.

Bibles for Mideast continues its underground ministry of distributing Bibles in “highly restricted areas,” some of which are very hostile to Christianity. These include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.