I appreciate Brian's strategic contribution. He highlights significant changes in their ministry approach as they shifted from an overseas ministry context to homeland ministry. I know Brian is a great Christian role model for the Kurdish guys in his life. PTL!
"My first long-term interaction with Muslims was as a development worker in Mindanao, Philippines. These were poor farmers and folk Muslims. They used charms and incantations to protect themselves from evil powers and guns to protect themselves from their human enemies. Since some were barely finding food for each day, it wasn't hard to discern their needs. My colleague and I got training in both sloping agricultural land technology and in health, in order to introduce new ideas that could dramatically improve their lives. Those that were willing to try new farming methods were generally also willing to study the Bible with us. After a lot of sweat and tears, we did establish a church of Muslim background believers.
When the Lord directed my family and
I back to North America and put on our hearts the Kurdish people, we had an
entirely different challenge before us. The
culture of the Maranaos of Mindanao was fear based. The Kurdish culture is shame and honor
based. None of our Kurdish friends in
Canada wonder how they’re going to feed their family tomorrow. The Canadian social system lifts everyone
above absolute poverty. The provincial
health program, food banks, welfare, and disability programs are already in
place. Initially, it seemed the Kurdish
refugees and immigrants here didn't have practical needs. How would we show them the love of
Christ? Gradually, as we learned their
culture and their language and we became a part of their community, we did
discover real and felt needs. Here are
some of their needs that are likely common to many immigrant communities.
First of all, they have both marital
problems and struggles raising their children in this “foreign” culture. It’s neither quick nor easy for the Kurds to
accept our help in this very personal area, but we are beginning to have
opportunities. Secondly, even those who
speak English fairly well have difficulty reading the myriad of forms and
papers coming from government, kids’ schools, banks etc. We’re often asked, “What’s this?” or “What do
I do with this?” Thirdly, navigating the
health system here is a challenge, and we have oft-times walked with or sat
with our friends through it. Fourthly, from
time to time, a friend gets a parking or a traffic ticket. What to do?
This doesn't happen “back home”. They
need someone to explain and advise them.
Other felt needs the Kurds have sought our help with—a place to hold
their parties(our church sometimes fills this need) and help in sponsoring
their relatives to come to Canada.
Let me be clear, however. I'm not “earning” the right to share my faith with my friends. Jesus has clearly given us that authority already(Matt. 8:28) and the Holy Spirit has given us his power(Acts 1:8). I try to talk about my faith from my earliest significant interactions with my Kurdish friends. Rather, I am simply showing the love of Christ, loving my(Kurdish) neighbor."
Let me be clear, however. I'm not “earning” the right to share my faith with my friends. Jesus has clearly given us that authority already(Matt. 8:28) and the Holy Spirit has given us his power(Acts 1:8). I try to talk about my faith from my earliest significant interactions with my Kurdish friends. Rather, I am simply showing the love of Christ, loving my(Kurdish) neighbor."
Thank-you Father for sending Brian and Carol Ann back to their homeland for a unique ministry to Muslim immigrants. Bless their efforts with their Kurdish neighbors. Amen.
