This well-used Somali door was imported from Mogadishu! It now decorates a restaurant in Toronto! The door is padlocked. The only way to get in is to use the right key.
When we were in Pakistan, we ministered out of a hospital. Our staff was superb in showing the love of Jesus. We used it as a springboard to minister spiritually to people who came to the hospital and also followed up some of the patients and families scattered throughout the catchment area.
When I transitioned to full time in ministry in Canada, I searched for ways of connecting with Muslim men. It was easy overseas where we were part of an institution. So the door symbolizes what I had to do as a man. How do I start or get in? I had to find the key to minister to Muslim men and youth. One of those keys was to minister through programs. For several decades our government has funded programs to help settle newcomers. So, rather than reinventing the wheel, I started to volunteer at different places where I would have access to Muslims. Several of these are English conversation groups.
A number of years ago we helped settle refugees through Catholic Social Services. We were linked up to a newly arrived Afghan family of 6. The settlement counselor filled out an assessment for them of where they were needing help. There was a long list of options that included help with shopping, English practice, homework help, etc. The dad checked each item on the list--not possible for 1 volunteer!! It all got sorted out.
Immigrants who come here obviously have to become proficient in English for their jobs and life here. Many things we take for granted are a challenge for those who are new. Reasonably good English is needed for reading notices from the caretaker, papers from the kids' school, paying bills, obtaining a driver's licence, and passing the citizenship test just to name a few. I'm thankful many Christians are involved in showing the love of God in practical ways.
Mohammad came here with ambitions to pass an exam to certify to service industrial equipment. Then he wants to sponsor other family members. So, he is learning English and trying to study for the technical exam. In the meantime he came to faith in Christ! While he treasures his new found faith, he still has to try to move ahead professionally. Its a privilege to help him with conversational English practice. He is very appreciative.
My wife and I spend time praying for each opportunity to serve newcomers by meeting felt needs. We want them to succeed. But there is more...we are intentional. We pray that I'll connect with the Muslims God wants us to follow up at the end of a term.
Felt needs change as times goes on. Once the basic needs are met, the relationship with a newcomer may change. Life often gets busier and busier for them. The new felt needs are unique for each person--perhaps prayer for an ageing parent or encouragement in raising teenagers.
Thank-you Lord for the avenue of meeting felt-needs as a natural connecting point in ministering to Muslim immigrants. Amen.
