In the heart of Ljubljana, Slovenia, a tiny Thai restaurant is tucked along a side street. Aromas of sweet coconut, savory fish sauce, and fresh lemongrass waft through the open double doors. Inside, the bright blue and yellow adjacent walls are cozy. A handful of high-top tables overlook a large window into the kitchen.

Behind the counter stands owner and chef Prakobsin (also known as AJ), beaming and ready to serve.

More than 20 years ago, AJ moved to Slovenia, in search of a steady income for himself and his wife, Rujee, who remained in Thailand. Rujee was finally able to join him after more than two years apart. Together, the young couple began selling goods at a local market, hopeful they could build a bright future in their new home.

But the dream quickly turned into a nightmare when Rujee was told she would be deported due to a misunderstanding surrounding her work permit. She learned she would have to leave the country for five years before being allowed to return.

AJ was crushed. He had been raised in another faith tradition, and he didn’t understand what was happening. But Rujee knew Jesus, and she prayed that he would intervene. She told AJ that everything would happen according to the plan of the one true God.

The couple made arrangements for Rujee to move to Canada, where she would spend the next five years until she could be reunited with her husband. Then, as her departure neared, Rujee received a call. It was the local government office informing her that her Slovenian visa was ready.

AJ and Rujee couldn’t believe it. AJ asked the government official to repeat the message: Rujee could remain in Slovenia and no longer had to fear deportation. The couple was overjoyed, and AJ knew that his wife’s prayers had been heard.

AJ began an earnest pursuit of God. He began reading the Bible but was confused by what he read—he needed help understanding the God of Scripture. So he began praying that God would send someone to guide him.

Years passed. AJ and Rujee decided to try a new business venture and opened a Thai restaurant. The community loved their cooking, so they opened a second location, then a third. Still, AJ prayed for someone to help him navigate Scripture.

One day, a young family walked through the restaurant doors to celebrate their daughter’s birthday. They were Americans, but to AJ’s great surprise, the father began speaking Thai. The man’s name was Ryan, and he and his family had spent a decade in Thailand, serving with the Church of the Nazarene and sharing the love of Jesus.

AJ asked if Ryan could teach him about Jesus too. He could hardly believe it. Here was the answer to his prayer, standing in the center of Slovenia, speaking Thai, and enjoying a bowl of mango sticky rice.

AJ and Rujee began meeting Ryan every week.

“It changed everything,” AJ says. Studying the Bible together brought God’s Word to life.

As AJ’s faith deepened, he began asking questions that led to significant life changes. He came to understand tithing as a blessing rather than a burden.

“Believers do not give 10 percent, [a general practice among Christians, following the Old Testament law], and keep the remaining 90 percent because they have earned it”, AJ said confidently. “The 90 percent is [also] a gift. We receive it.”

AJ, Rujee, and their daughter continue to study Scripture weekly at Ryan’s home, now alongside others as a blossoming, small church plant. AJ plays guitar during worship, and the congregation is praying about how to use its collective offerings to help bring more people to Jesus. AJ continues to trust God’s plan, grateful that he has provided enough for his family to live on— and more to give away.