Jesus, the Refugee

"...an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Matthew 2:13.

I bought this Christmas ornament from a popular card store. We looked closely and realized that there is no baby in the manger! What use is a manger scene without Jesus? Reminds me of the current culture where the focus has shifted from celebrating Christmas to Holiday Season. The message of the manger is endangered.

''There’s much we don’t know about Joseph and Mary. We assume Mary was quite young. Somehow we think Joseph was a bit older, for he was a carpenter. In a land of few trees and unlimited rocks, where houses were built of stone, that may indicate he was more of a stonemason than a woodcrafter. But still, there’s so much we don’t know. For example, how did the couple feel when they left Nazareth for Bethlehem? Did they cast a parting glance at their little hometown on the hillside?

Here’s what we do know. Joseph and Mary were devoted to caring for their baby. Jesus came first. They searched for the best spot for His birth, dedicated Him to God in infancy, and undertook a rigorous trip to Egypt when He was endangered. The most important thing about Joseph and Mary was their devotion to Christ." (Turning Point)

Traditional Muslims who come here also try to keep Christ out of the season. We were at a party recently where there was no reference to Christmas or the holiday. In fact, even the Christmas trees in the four corners of the banquet room were unplugged.

This year we noticed fewer Christmas carols sung in the malls and less decorations. Was this intentional or a budget issue? Without a spirit of giving...without the core message of 'Jesus', this 'holiday season' may not survive as we know it. God's gift to earth has provided inspiration to give at this time of year--with a year end tax receipt taboot for those who need it. Let's not forget, the original Saint Nicholas's generosity in the 4th century was preceded by God's generosity.

We were with a Muslim family this past week who arrived in our city as refugees a year ago. We shared the story of Christmas--first by asking what they knew of the story. We filled in the details and the message of Christmas and that Jesus was a refugee in Egypt. Kamal said "Why don't Christians talk about God in this country?" Amazing. He was waiting for Christians to tell him the message and meaning of Christmas!! All we could say, for many people life is going great and they probably don't need God very much. Kamal observed that this phenomena was happening everywhere among Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

We won't let this happen 'on our watch' and want to continue proclaiming the wonder of Jesus. We're not alone--a large teaching hospital in our city founded by the Catholics put up a full size manger scene front center of their entrance. Praise God for reminders!

Lord Jesus, I want to share you with the waiting world. Help my brothers and sisters to do likewise in their circles of influence. Amen.

Unwrapping Christmas

"A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel, which means "God is with us." Matthew 1:23.

When our grandkids receive Christmas presents, they get right on with things. While the wrapping sets the mood, it's what's on the inside that matters to them. They're delighted with new toys, clothes, and even trinkets. 

During a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service our speaker focused on Immanual, God is with us. He tied the prophecies of 700 years before the birth of Christ to their fulfillment we were celebrating. After the service our Muslim guest, a university student asked "So, if you say that Immanuel means 'God with us' that means Jesus is God?" Wow. She got it. Looking through the lens of this perceptive student, I was reminded of natural opportunities at Christmastime of sharing the Good News more than any other time of the year. While the ambience is important, the heart of the Christmas message is Jesus.

We took our new friends to 'Festival of Lights', a drive around loop that's become popular in some cities. When we got back to our house, we talked about Christmas lights decorating many houses and trees. Why do you think lights are so important? We pointed out that Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World." John 8:12. You see, here was a natural opportunity to share about spiritual darkness and Jesus bringing light and life to situations.

Any other ways we can unwrap Christmas for our Muslim friends? It's probably best to do so in our home or at least in a quiet place. They will have ideas from observations about the meaning of Christmas. It can be delightful to talk about it. Invariably we have to put Santa in perspective. We've had to show some of our friends that Santa is not in the biblical account of the birth of Christ. And no, Jesus didn't wear a Santa outfit! For more ideas, click on the links highlighted in the rest of this post.

Joy posted "Redeeming the Christmas Stocking" on her blog in which she illustrates how to use a tradition to unwrap the meaning of Christmas. We know there are other legends like the Candy Cane or traditions that can be used this way. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to explain the rich message of a Christmas carol heard in the mall or media.

We've asked a lead question like "Would you like to hear the Christmas story from the Bible?" as a segue to a spiritual conversation. Most of our friends have actually never read or heard the authentic message from the Injil(NT) related to Christmas. We've found it especially effective to have them read it in their heart language. Giving the Jesus dvd or a link for people's smartphones or tablets can be a tool to clarify the reason for the season. I've often watched the section about the birth of Christ from the Jesus dvd with the boys from All Nations Sports Club and then discussed it. Enjoy unwrapping the message of Christmas with your friends!

Dear God, help me to unwrap the Christmas message so that my Muslim friends will understand the truth about Jesus. Amen.

This 'Bethlehem' clip gives the story a modern spin. Enjoy!

Christian Funerals

"...we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.

After I finished reading this verse during the graveside/committal service for my aunt, a trumpeter played TAPS as a farewell. I think it is an honorable way of saying good-bye to a loved one.

Recently people who came to show respect and sympathy to the family whose son/brother was tragically drowned while on vacation in Mexico received a much different message. The message basically was that his soul was on a journey and one didn't know when he would arrive at the final destination. In the Bahai faith there is no message of hope of ever meeting again. How tragic...

The subject of death and dying is eery for most people. Especially for Muslims. They have much reason to grieve. Not only do they lose a loved one physically but the Qur'an gives no assurance of the soul's destination. Their belief is that everyone will spend at least some time in hell(Qur'an 19:71). Only Muslim martyrs can expect to enter paradise directly. Similar to Catholicism, Muslims are told that they can reduce the time suffering in hell if they do good deeds in their lifetime and pray for Muslim souls after their departure. As one of our Muslim friends said, "Don't think we are doing all these things for this life...on the contrary, its for the next life." On Thursday nights, especially Shias have a vigil at the grave of loved ones and pray for the time in hell to be reduced. Muslims do other good deeds like serving a big meal for the neighborhood to get God's favor. Also, there is a hadith(2nd to the Qur'an) that says if a person suffered a lot in their lifetime it reduces punishment. Still, the uncertainty leaves most Muslims insecure and afraid of death.

I was at the bedside of a dying Muslim man, an acquaintance. The room was packed with mourners. Rahmat recognized me but was not lucid enough to understand much of what was being said. I shared the Gospel message with him one more time--probably more for the ones gathered in the room. Then I prayed for him. It may have been too late for him. He had just returned from the Haj and likely was banking on merit from completing this requirement. At any rate, I was not allowed to come to the grave. Only Muslims are allowed that close.

We just said our earthly good-bye to my brother. On his last day on earth he weakly uttered 'Amen' after one of the family members prayed for him--his last word. He gave assent to the hope declared and for his heavenly Father's will to be done. Later in the day my wife prayed as he closed his eyes that he'd see the lights of heaven and hear the music of heaven. And now he is with Jesus--totally healed from his cancer.

Hallelujah! We do have much reason to be thankful for, don't we? What a privilege to proclaim this Good News--if we place our trust in Jesus, he'll safely bring us home to heaven at the end of our life.


Dear Lord, thank-you for the hope we have in Jesus...for the sure salvation. Help my Muslim friends to be drawn to Jesus' simple and clear invitation. Amen.

Good Came Out of Tragedy

“…I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:17.

Our friend and colleague Nadeem was born in Beirut, Lebanon to a loving Christian family. He gave permission to share his story. When Nadeem was 11 years old, he accompanied his mother to a wedding celebration where there was a lot of hoopla including firing a shotgun into the air! When everything was over his mother urged him to go home with her but he insisted on staying on with friends. A young man sitting across from Nadeem in the open courtyard picked up the idle double barrelled shotgun assuming it wasn't loaded. Immediately when he pulled the trigger an unspent bullet fired and sprayed the crowd across from him and hit Nadeem in both eyes. In spite of doctors’ best efforts, they couldn't save his eyesight.

In an instant, Nadeem's world went dark. How could he go on living? With time he learned to read and write Braille. He starting reading the Bible and understood God’s wonderful plan for him...that God wasn’t finished with him yet.  Nadeem made a decision to follow Christ. That was the start of a new life for him.

Nadeem worked hard in his studies and beat the odds against him—finished high school, graduated from Bible College and then with a Master’s degree in World History. God gave him a brilliant mind to retain things that most of us forget shortly after hearing or reading it. He also has a heightened ability to identify people by their voices and a general sense of what is going on around him.

Loss and tragedy did not keep Nadeem back from ministry. Soon he started sharing his story and proclaiming the Gospel message that changed his life. He volunteered to pastor a church in the Middle East and served there for more than a decade. Back in Canada, along with his supportive wife who has the gift of hospitality, Nadeem continues in a unique ministry in person or on the phone to those who are searching for meaning in life.

Some years back we were both relating to a group of Kurdish Muslims. A young couple asked Nadeem to marry them and also to give a ‘good word'. He has shared a 'good word' many places including his testimony to the boys of All Nations Sports Club. The boys, mostly from the Middle East were awestruck by the transformation in his life. He has a fatherly way of ministering.

Not long ago a Palestinian Muslim woman had several dreams about the Cross. Her Christian friend found Nadeem by 'Googling' Arabic Church, Winnipeg and asked him for an Arabic Bible! A variety of believers from Christian background and Muslim background attend Nadeem's weekly Arabic fellowship. They are encouraged by the humble testimony of a seasoned believer.

May this be an encouragement. God has shaped each of us for a reason. He can even bring good out of tragedy. Hallelujah!

Dear Jesus, Thank-you for our Brother Nadeem and his wife. They are a blessing to many people—even to Muslims. To God be the glory. Amen.

Wise Words

"...say only what helps, each word a gift." Ephesians 4:29b

Rodeo Season has passed. Brave men ride bucking broncos that charge out of the gate. The experienced hang on for dear life but the novice is tossed off very quickly. And then it's over.

We don't want this to be the fate of our relationships with Muslims, do we? I want to cultivate them long term. But how does one avoid a relationship to be derailed?

A no brainer is not to say something that insults their religion or prophet. There may come a time when it's appropriate to bring up shortcomings in Islam to a friend who is moving towards Christ but certainly not at the beginning of a budding friendship. The old adage "It's easier to attract bees with honey than vinegar" applies here.

Because honor is sooo important in the East, humor needs to be used sparingly. Jokes often cast a bad light on something or someone. And anything like 'one up-man-ship' can easily be misunderstood. To tease by telling an 'untruth' and then turn around and say 'just kidding' is a no-no. It can cause distrust or the listener feeling stupid that he fell for it.

Taboo subjects at the Centre where I volunteer include religion, politics, and sexual orientation. Recently during the first summer conversation class I had each student write something special about themselves, put it into a bag, and then when all the papers were collected they drew one paper. The task was to find the person who wrote the statement. I discovered later that one student from Africa wrote "I love Jesus." Can't you picture the student who pulled his paper going around asking "Do you love Jesus?"

One lesson I've learned is to be careful about talking about a Muslim friend with another Muslim. You'll get further if there is trust that conversations won't be shared with other Muslims. I became inactive on Facebook because of this. I had ESL contacts from a closed Muslim country who wanted to befriend me on Facebook. I didn't want to risk losing an opportunity with individuals who would see who all my friends are.

Using a proverb in their language properly can have the opposite effect. I planned to buy something from a Pakistani Muslim from his kiosk in a mall. When he refused to take my money I reminded him of an Urdu proverb "the heart is not at rest when one receives something for free". So, I flatly refused to take the item I had asked for. Finally, he begrudgingly took some money. He was trying to honor me.

I watched a seasoned missionary to Somalis relate to them by telling stories. They were sitting on the edge of their chairs spellbound. I am learning to cultivate story telling. Highly desirable are stories that teach something. For example, one story that works is "the day I cheated in school" and the punishment I received. It really gets my friends' attention and is a good opportunity to talk about sin--my sin.

Get them curious--what do you do? If we play it safe, we may never have an opportunity to be viewed as a spiritual person who will pray or study the Bible.

Lord, help me to use wise and inviting words when I'm with my Muslim friend. Amen.

Language of Love

"How is it we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites: those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the part of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs - we hear them speaking in our own languages the magnificent acts of God." Acts 2:8-11. My grandmother was born in the late 1800's. She spoke German. She seldom travelled beyond a 50 mile radius of her home. This was my dear grandmother's world. Just before embarking for Pakistan we showed her some pictures of our adopted land. She asked, "Do they speak German there?" We replied, "No, they speak Urdu." Fuoad Masri from the Crescent Project (click) explains a similar Islamic dilemma.  "Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an that you might understand." - Quran 12:2 "Islam claims that the Arabic language is the holy language since it is the language of God. The Quran was revealed in Arabic, then God must speak in Arabic and favors the Arab culture and people... This creates a dilemma: If God created all humans, why will he only speak one language? If the Quran was sent in Arabic, then the message is to those who speak that language, and not anyone else? If the message is in Arabic, then why impose it on other people groups such as the Greeks, Turks, Persians and Africans? How can a message in a language that they do not understand be forced on them?... In Acts chapter 2, the Day of Pentecost signifies that God loves all people and communicates in all languages. All languages are Holy when recited in the power of Christ and for his glory. I am so compelled by the book of Acts to learn to love all people, languages and cultures." Fuoad adds: "Please join us in praying...for Muslims everywhere to learn the true language of heaven, the language of love from Jesus the Messiah." Shortly after I read the above, we went to a conference where the speaker emphasized this exact theme. He said, "In the Bible God asks us only to love the church, our neighbor, and our enemy!" How true. And who is left? Pretty big assignment. But how is this fleshed out? In general terms it means we care for Muslims as human beings. They go through the same emotions and life events Christians do. They have happy moments and sad moments. And we can be there for both of them. Often this leads to natural openings to celebrate, pray for our Muslim friend or even to read appropriate verses. Henry Nouwen speaks of 'being living reminders'. When there is an opportunity we share nuggets of truth with our Muslim friends. But we also send text messages while we travel if this falls on a holiday. We pray for our friends and often tell them we've done so. This is definitely an expression of love. Sometimes we meet our friends in the mall--'living reminder'. Lord give us the grace and readiness to show and speak your 'language of love'--and to show this in many ways that you direct us to...words, hugs, messages, gifts. Amen.

Mr. Fix-it

"As we pray to our God and Father...we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope..." 1 Thessalonians 1:3.

One of our kids' favorite books was 'Mr. Fix-it'--who could mend anything, even hearts! On its cover was a picture of a red cracked heart with a bandage holding it together. My friend Eldon is a skilled handyman and goes beyond fixing things to influencing hearts.

Eldon is an MK. He thrived in his life in boarding school in India and loves speaking Bengali. Years ago we organized a 'game night' in our church basement to which we invited quite a few Bangladeshis. One of them went upstairs to say his Muslim prayers near the cross on the wall. He was quite a sight. Our prayer was that he would recognize the cross not only as a Christian symbol but the only means of grace.

After some games, Eldon picked up his guitar and sang gospel songs in Bengali. They LOVED it. Reminds me of Joy's father in Yemen trying to reach the Somalis with the gospel. He opened up the living window and started singing the gospel in songs! Apparently many Somalis were crouched under the window sill. Delivering the message through music can be quite effective.

Subsequently Eldon and his wife spent a decade in Bangladesh where Eldon ran a training school that focused on both practical skills and spiritual lessons. They needed to return to Canada but wondered how they could continue ministering to Bangladeshis. Fortunately, another family who had paved the way shared their list of contacts. They added to that list by going to cultural events in their city. As Eldon says, its easy to do so when you know the language. It wasn't long before Eldon used his handyman skills with community members and was up to his elbows with solving car problems. He gets to do something he enjoys and others benefit from his skills. God has blessed these efforts in building genuine relationships and trust.

The summer finds them on picnics with their adopted people group or making home visits especially for celebrations like Eid. They have hosted numerous Easter and Christmas celebrations. Bangladeshis love group events. While they may be hesitant to meet with Eldon and his wife all by themselves, they don't mind being included in a 'turkey dinner' with a group. Eldon and Ruth have a team of volunteers who assist them in putting on such events. Donors send extra funds to cover costs of the dinner. Sometimes they show the Jesus film and have had productive talks afterwards and answered the standard Muslim objections to the Christian faith.

Like most newcomers to Canada, many Bengalis are super busy with several jobs. Most are secular people. They are Muslim but don't follow the tenets of Islam 'religiously'. But they have felt needs and here's where Eldon and his wife come in. Visits to doctor or government offices are part of their incarnational witness.

Eldon and Ruth participate in a monthly prayer meeting and pass on the vision by mentoring others. Eldon says that really anyone can do what they are doing even without knowing the language. Love is a universal language.

Lord Jesus, thank-you for Eldon and Ruth's servant hearts. Please remove all barriers for Bangladeshis to come to faith in Christ. Amen.

Sports Club

Motto: “Remember your creator in the days of your youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1

"I'M RIDING SHOTGUN" screamed the guys as they raced for my car and wrestled for the front seat on the way to an evening of sports. Eventually things settle down as I hear the 'click' of seatbelts. Its the beginning of an exciting evening!

All Nations Sports Club was birthed after several refugee teen boys we were acquainted with joined gangs. My colleague and I recognized that their younger brothers were just a step away from trouble. The problem is greater for single moms who lose control of teenage sons.

   

So we approached a church about using their gym for an evangelistic sports club for newcomer boys aged 12-17. We outlined the goals and activities. We’d have 2 hours of sports with a ‘God-talk’ half-time. Our leaders were to be role models and we were hoping the boys would go to Christian camps in the summer. The church agreed to adopt the club as a ministry so that we could come under their insurance policy and use their facilities.

We started off with 4 boys whose widow mom is a Believer from Muslim Background. Soon friends from Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Nepal, and Afghanistan, etc. begged “Can we come too?” Each boy had to have permission from his parent. The demand quickly grew and we had to be selective which group of 10 boys we would take. Eventually our club grew to 3 groups.

Early on we identified 4 simple rules(4 R’s): Respect God, Leaders, Each Other, and Property(including rules for riding in our cars). We carefully explained our expectations. It was challenging at first. We also remind the boys and their parents a day ahead of sports club.

One time a boy was mad with another boy and as he entered the church doors exploded with the ‘f’ word. Since we had explained there would be no swearing in the club, he got a ride home and given a week to think about what he had done. It paid off! 

Before dividing into teams, we start the evening off with a short prayer. Christian ‘peer’ leaders assist and give testimonies and pray when asked. The boys respect them. At half-time we have a 15 minute ‘God-talk’. Since we are dealing with many Muslim boys, we start off with Arabic and English names for Old and New Testament characters they know. Generally, we address the topic “Who is God?” using OT characters in the fall season. In the spring session, we shift to “Who is Jesus?” with emphasis on the NT. Resources we utilize include Bible for Children for the younger boys and The Hope Project for the teens. Last year one of our specials was a Christian hip hop artist. They l-o-v-e hip hop!

   

The icing on the cake came as we were sending the boys to Bible Camp. We overheard, “Are you going to the Jesus camp?” Some are softening to the gospel message. We believe God is at work beneath the surface and some day we will see more visible fruit. PTL!

If this whets your appetite to start a sports club of your own and would

like to hear more, please contact me.

Heavenly Father, thank-you for allowing us to minister to these boys at risk through sports. Amen.

Taxi Rides

“…there will be more joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Luke 15:10.

Trips by taxi can be quite interesting! Most of the drivers who are newcomers to our land respond to a friendly passenger and may share happy news or even a felt need during a short ride to my destination.

“Our water buffalo had a female calf!”, exclaimed the taxi driver from India. “We’ll be able to ship more milk to the Nescafe Chocolate Milk factory." He just got the news from his family. Because of my Pakistan days, I could relate to that since I saw with my own eyes how important a water buffalo cow was to a family's income. On another trip, the Punjabi driver was so impressed that I could talk some Hindi, he called his taxi driver friend in Vancouver and had me talk to the man.

In Adelaide, Australia we were on a taxi and I asked the Hindu driver if he knew how to get to heaven. “No, I don’t.” He was even unsure what heaven was all about. Perhaps he was thinking we'd ask him to take us there!! We were able to explain to him that you can’t use a GPS for that trip but because Jesus prepared the way we can join him in heaven simply by following him.

Our Muslim background believer friend, a taxi driver, picked up a newly arrived Uzbek couple at midnight and dropped them off at a hotel for free since they had no Canadian cash or credit card. Then he gave them our telephone number. So, they contacted us and we had many good opportunities to share Jesus.

One morning we took a taxi from our hotel to a church we were speaking at in Edmonton. The Somali taxi driver was quite distraught that there was another murder of a Somali young man over the week-end. Joy said, “I know someone who knows who killed the man.” “You do!?” asked the driver. Joy was able to share about Jesus who knows about all these things. He forgot where he was going and we had to redirect him to the right road! At the end of our trip, we gave him a ‘Jesus’ dvd. He thanked us profusely.

On another morning when I felt really lousy and quite discouraged, I took a taxi to see the doctor. All I could think of was “Jesus loves me, this I know…” so I started singing the chorus in the back seat. After about the 3^rd time around, the taxi driver started singing along! I gave him a New Testament to find out more about Jesus.

And there have been many other incidents when we've been able to show our care for the taxi driver by enquiring about his family and well-being. Taxi drivers respond very well to a few words of greeting in their language. For a Muslim, “asalam a lekum' or for a Hindu “Namaste”. Sometimes the question will be “Are you a Muslim?” and that opens up an opportunity to explain who I am.

Dear heavenly Father. We know that you care for these taxi drivers. Help me to be alert and hear what you want me to say to each one. Amen

Launching a Ministry Centre

 My friend Paul and his wife resettled in Canada after many years of ministry in a Muslim majority country. Even though his geographical location changed, Paul's concern for Muslims traveled with him. He prayed and explored what ministry he could pour his passion into. God opened the door to utilize Millbourne Community Life Centre 3 days a week. They teach 4 levels of English. 110 students are registered with an average attendance of about 40 students.

Students come from approximately 20 nations with about half from Latin American countries and the other half from the Middle East, Pakistan, India, China, Nepal, Korea, Philippines and Djibouti.  About a third of the students are Muslim.

They were hoping for more Muslims, but the ministry is in its inception and they are strategizing how to attract more South Asians.  They are also figuring out how to develop more relationships with Muslim men, as the student base is almost entirely female.

Paul writes: “Attached are some stories about our students." 

“In my home country I went to seminary and was a trained Catholic cleric, part of the Franciscan order.  I began to work with my people helping them understand their rights in an attempt to bring justice to my community.  One day I came home to find that it had been attacked by people who did not like what I was doing.  My wife was seriously injured and my young daughter murdered. My wife and I fled to Spain. Now I am here.   I ceased to believe in God and his goodness.”

“I came from Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, spent time in Djibouti, and ended up in Montreal.  I was in Montreal a few years and now I am here.  I speak five languages.  There was too much fighting and corruption in my country.  I am from Muslim background but don’t practice Islam here.   Here there is peace, security, and justice.”

“I came to discuss several problems with you.   My first problem is that I need to pass the CELPIP test for residency status in Canada.  I have failed the listening part of the test 2 times.  Every time I take the test I pay $300.  I need help with listening comprehension.  My second problem is that I would like to buy a house because the mortgage payments would be cheaper than paying rent.  What do I need to do to buy a house?  The third issue is that my high school-aged son has no community, no friends.  He is very lonely and wants to go back to our home country.  What can I do to help him?  And finally, I am from a Calvinistic (reformed) background and my wife is Catholic.  We have a new pastor in our church who is very political.  We would like to go to your church.  We have noticed that people are very friendly here.  What are the prerequisites for going to your church?”

These are a few stories from our students. Each one has a special journey and their journey has led them to us.  Pray that God would give us wisdom as we guide them into His story.  “Pray that we will proclaim the message as clearly as we should” (Col 4:4).”

Thank-you Paul for sharing these amazing stories of God at work even though you've just begun! 

Show up, Speak up, and be Ready

"Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not..." 2 Timothy 4:2

Art and Eleanore  make themselves available to Internationals at several college/universities in their retirement years. I'll let Art explain what happened as they were going about an urgent errand. 

"Emergencies are never planned--they just appear. But our response to the emergency is a measure of our commitment and faith, recognizing that these emergencies are no surprise to God, in fact they are often divine appointments.

My wife was having a medical emergency which necessitated a late evening visit to the hospital.  After the initial treatment we were required to get some medication.  We located a drugstore that remained open after midnight. There were two young men from a limited access country waiting to have a prescription filled.  I asked them what language they were speaking and they said Arabic. I greeted them in Arabic and  asked them if they had a Bible. They said they did, but probably they meant the Qur'an. I went to the car and got a bilingual copy of More than a Carpenter and another book.  We discussed the meaning of the title, that Jesus, although his earthly father was a carpenter, He himself was more than a carpenter.  He claimed to be the Son of God.  When one of the fellows said “I don’t believe that” I replied “You don’t have to but it is true”. My wife gave each one of her cards that has her painting on the front and personal testimony on the back with our contact email. They had to leave, but as they were leaving, they joyfully said goodbye and thanked us for the books and cards.

Why the medical emergency?  Why that particular drugstore at midnight? Why the encounter with those two muslim men?  Those are questions that I can't answer- our responsibility was to show up, speak up and be ready.

One year the Christian university had 95 students from an Arab country.  The challenge for us was finding a way of connecting with them.  A few words of Arabic greeting broke the ice and opened the initial dialogue. Since they were all taking ESL it made total sense to have a bilingual New Testament and also other bilingual books to give to them.  That year we gave out close to 100 Arabic New Testaments and other books. All those students were given an opportunity to explore truth.  One student was very close to becoming a believer, but in the last 'in depth' conversation he expressed his concern about the consequences of that decision. Another student has rejected Islam and accepted reason and is not willing to submit to Christ.

So our ministry continues.  Each time we go on campus we ask God for divine appointments. Our responsibility is to Show up, boldly Speak up and be Ready with materials to give them.  The rest is up to God, who works in their lives by the Holy Spirit to convict, bring to repentance and regeneration."

Dear Jesus, thank you for leading Art and Eleanore to just the right place at the right time to meet the Arabic speakers. I pray that you would continue to speak to these contacts that now have your word and heard a testimony. Amen 

Book Table Ministry

"...it is because we know this solemn fear of the Lord that we work so hard to persuade others..." 2 Corinthians 5:11

God prepared Alex for the special ministry of running 2 Christian book tables in the Greater Toronto Area in places frequented by Muslims. For these locations, no permission is needed--just wheels to make the table movable. He sometimes has a competing table of Muslim literature near him. Its takes a gutsy person not easily flustered to discuss biblical truth with zealous Muslims. At times he turns into a polemic preacher. He was born in Azerbaijan and came to Canada as an atheist. Alex came to faith in Christ and subsequently started participating in Interfaith Dialogues. I’ll let him tell the rest of the story:

“I am the founder of “Road to Christ Ministry to Muslims”. For 8 years two of my friends, my mom(!), and I have been coming to Downtown Toronto for ministry. We set up a table of Christian literature and share the Good News with Torontians and guests to the city. More recently we opened a 2^nd location in the suburbs. Literature that we usually have on our table includes Bibles, “How Do I Get to Heaven” by P. McQuade, “How Good is Good Enough?” by Andy Stanley, the ‘Jesus’ dvd, and my book and booklet “Qur’an-Bible Comparison” and “Mohamed was Right”.

Usually we talk to about 40 people during 4 hours on the street. We stand behind our small literature table with a sign that reads “Free Christian Literature”. I simply wait for people to approach our table. The response has been very positive. I have dozens of productive conversations every day we are set up! This non-aggressive approach helps me as a shy person to reach many strangers with boldness and confidence. This particular ministry works well with strangers who feel secure enough to share their lives, problems, sins, and hopes. Muslims also approach our table and like to discuss religious matters.

For many years I struggled when I shared Jesus with them since nothing seemed to work with strong Muslims. That all changed 3 years ago. After some study, I started to preach Jesus from the Old Testament(Torah). The Qur’an and the Hadith show that Allah in the 7^th century was confident in the Torah. First I prove that the Qur'anic version of events is often incomplete and contradicts what we find in the Bible. Then I go further and show the errors and heresies in the Islamic faith before I start preaching Christ. I show them a booklet about the Dead Seas Scrolls to prove that the Bible we have today has not changed. I confidently open my Torah to Genesis 3 and 4 and end in Isaiah 53, proving ‘original sin’ and the Remedy is the Crucifixion of the Son of God.

  

Now I give seminars and training courses that teach effective ways of witnessing to Muslims.”

This is a great strategy to share the Good News of Jesus among pedestrians--especially Muslims! If a person takes something home, he/she may read it several times. A book table may well be the beginning of a journey towards Jesus. 

Dear Lord, bless Alex and his team as they faithfully set up their book tables and boldly share even in the midst of opposition. Amen

The 'Jesus' Camp

"Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled." Luke 14:23

"I wish that camp wasn't over. I liked it sooooo much!" "It was the best week in my life!" Its delightful picking up Muslim kids and youth after a week of Bible camp with such positive feedback.

'Sarah' went to her first Bible camp. When she arrived, she insisted that she was exempt from going to Chapel. The director called me. I had an opportunity to explain the camp's policy to her mom...that there would be no pressure to participate other than being there. She was ok with that. 'Sarah' and the others from non-Christian background came back psyched. A Somali boy said, "I'll wear this t-shirt(Gimli Bible Camp) for a week!!"

"...to Reach the Unreached with the salvation message of Jesus Christ, and to Teach the Reached about God's desire for their lives." reads the Mission Statement of one of the camps we send the kids to. That's why a local foundation sends over 1200 kids from low income families to a free week of Bible camp each summer.

Of the 'least reached' kids and youth are newcomers from Muslim, Yiziddi, Sikh or Hindu backgrounds. There really aren't any connecting points between suburban churches and these kids. It literally takes the application of the above verse "GO...to subsidized housing complexes and invite the kids to Bible camps". With this in mind I offer to work on applications and subsidy forms for 'newcomer' boys and girls and provide transportation to and from the pick-up point to the camp bus.

I was collecting camp applications when an Afghan father said "I decided not to send my son to camp this year. I'll teach him how to pray at home." The Lord gave me the answer "That's exactly what they will learn at camp--how to pray!" He thought for a moment and said "I trust you Ed, I'll send Asif to camp." Another Muslim boy who went to camp was instructed by his father "When they talk about Jesus, just plug your ears!" When the bus returned at the end of the week, one of the counsellors said "He didn't do a good job of plugging his ears. He had many good questions."

It helps if staff understand other cultures and how to relate to them. On the logistics side food can become an issue. Many of the Muslim campers mention on their applications that they are 'allergic' to pork! Hindu kids on the other hand may be totally vegetarian. If the week of camp happens to be during Ramadan, some of the Muslim kids want staff to put food aside for them to eat after sunset. And then there are Muslim prayer times requirements.

For the camps we are sending the boys to many of the counselors and staff say, "We've been waiting for these kids all summer!" It's not been without challenges when the kids get homesick or make demands as a group. Sometimes the camp has had to bring a few kids back when issues could not be resolved. But overall the experience has been positive. Watch their enthusiasm in the video clip!

Heavenly Father, you love these children. May they treasure the Good News in their hearts and be drawn to you. Amen.

GROW!

“A farmer went out to plant some seed…” Matthew 13:3

Farm boy inside me enjoys planting flowers and vegetables and seeing them grow. In this parable Jesus compares responsiveness with soil types. The farmer in this story liberally tosses seed everywhere. So what happens spiritually in real time when I scatter the ‘Jesus’ seed(the Gospel)?

My Somali friend Abdi wanted help with selecting materials at the library to learn English. But I first wanted to find out how well he reads and also if he has a spiritual appetite. So I had him read a photocopy of the first chapter from ‘The Young Reader’s Bible’. His reading went well but he objected to Adam being made from the ‘dust’ of the earth. He said, “…it smells like this” as he rubbed his arms together—“like sand”. Ok... “I don’t want religion friendship. I want without religion. I have Qur’an. That is all I need.” Doesn't this sound like seed scattered on a hard pathway…where the birds quickly snatched it up? My Somali friend’s heart is not ready to receive the ‘Jesus’ seed.

   

Farhad asked to be baptized…ASAP! After studying the book of John together for about 3 months, he seemed to understand the Bible's core message of salvation. After consultation with our pastor about baptism, we felt that something didn't feel right. It wasn't long before Farhad lost interest in anything spiritual and contact with us. He seemed to want a new identity, not faith. We've seen others who gladly accepted Christ while fleeing oppression in a Muslim country. For some who settle in the West  and get connected to their Muslim community, it becomes clear. They’d rather have community than Christ. There you have it…seeds that fell on shallow ground, quickly started growing but soon withered.

The third category of the soil of the heart could happen to anyone. Other things start crowding out growth in the Christian’s life. Busyness of life and pursuit of material things trumps regular Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with God’s people. Striving to remain in good standing with the Muslim community, silences the believer. The issue becomes "how can I survive in this new land without my community?" If there ever is time for Bible study and prayer, the conversation has to go back to the basics. Paul had this problem with the Corinthians, “I had to feed you with milk, and not with solid food…”

The last category is wonderful...so life giving. I had coffee with Ibrahim recently. He has zeal for the Lord and trusts God with everything. His 'new life' is beginning to impact personal life and family. He longs to see others come to Jesus. His life is fruitful. He is a godly influence. Praise God for this soil type--the receptive kind where there is a harvest. Its a long journey. This comes at a high cost for the believer but its worth it all!

Here are my 4 tomato plants. I prepared the soil, selected healthy plants and take good care of them. I'm waiting to bite into a juicy tomato!! In the spiritual realm, I want to do my part in planting the 'Jesus' seed and nurturing it. Lord willing there will be a harvest.

Lord Jesus, Help me to be a disciple who grows in you so that I can teach others. Amen. 

Compassion versus Proclamation?

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16

When I first met Hanaa(Ethiopia) in her ESL school, she was wearing a bold 'Jesus' t-shirt. Hanaa relates well to Muslims around her. She isn't aware of what's 'politically correct'. She wants everyone to know that she loves Jesus! It's a delight to have new immigrant believers like Hanaa in my conversation groups. In Hanaa's cultural background, 'God' is on people's lips all the time.

On the other hand, we are a private culture. Western Christians often keep faith to themselves. Very few model including 'Jesus' in conversations even with Christians. And praying is done behind closed doors--seldom part of a 'Christian social gathering'.

Recent participants in an adult Sunday School class were fully engaged as Joy walked them through her fabulous Our Journey (click) presentation. She talked about how Christians hear(ears) news about Muslims and then see(eyes) them in the grocery store...etc. but ended with doing(hands) something for a Muslim friend. Joy asked, "What's missing?" The audience was stumped. They came for cultural tips to prepare for the imminent arrival of the Syrian refugee family they sponsored. It didn't dawn on them there was an unused body part that God wanted to use--'the Mouth'.

Should Christians share Jesus with Muslims?? What about the alleged quote from Francis of Assisi "Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words”? Some would say, "Isn't this a wise approach? After all, we don't want to offend Muslims..."

"How many times have we heard that message? That we share the Gospel by the way we live and only tell people the Gospel "when it's necessary?" Ray Comfort said "this statement is comparable to saying "feed the hungry--if necessary, use food." (Worldview Times)

How did we get here? Churches provide fewer public opportunities of sharing lessons God has taught us...answers to prayer or of opportunities showing/sharing God's love. We don't practice talking about 'Jesus' even in church. Judging from responses we get from our bi-weekly prayer updates, Christian brothers and sisters long for more 'God talk'. They are ready for more passion.

A Christian myth developed that 'being a witness' means sharing the whole '9 yards' like the '4 Spiritual Laws' every time. Many believers say, "I can't do that!" Unbelievers distance themselves. I grew up on the farm. There is a lot more to getting a crop into the bin than harvesting. Likewise with effective witness. Usually this involves befriending someone, praying for them, nurturing common interests, and just being transparent about who we are. Let's create some 'intrigue' in our witnessing by using stories so the listener wants to hear more...on our next visit. Jesus did that.

Large churches put on evangelistic events like showing a Christian movie. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their non-Christian friends. Unless there is teaching otherwise, these can dis-empower Christians with the thought of "leave it to the professionals".

I love signs of spring...the first robin, the first flower, or pussy willows. I also love seeing signs of spiritual interest in my Muslim friend. Isn't it exciting to partner with God in showing kindness and in proclamation?

Lord Jesus, give me the conviction, desire, courage, and opportunity to creatively share you with Muslims I meet. Amen.

Lost

Breathe

Michael W Smith

This is the air I breathe...

Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread...

Your very word spoken to me.

And I I'm desperate for you

And I I'm lost without you

It was a muggy summer evening. We were driving through an isolated stretch in the middle of Saskatchewan when we heard a community announcement on the radio about a lost puppy. The owner was desperate. And recently I spotted this sign at several major intersections about a lost dog. Well, I do hope they found their pets. People get very attached to their dogs. People also lose their way...they haven't found the loving Heavenly Father who is waiting for them. We all have a need to belong.

Many Muslims emigrate to the West to get away from repressive or corrupt governments. Such was the case with Asif. Although he had a good position in a company, he was being harassed by authorities for his lifestyle. Asif was severely punished for the alcohol that was found in his home. After he lost hope that anything would improve, he took his family and escaped across the desert to a neighboring country. It was there that he tasted greater freedom to ask questions about God. People like these aren't interested in challenging Christianity. They're simply done with religion and wander around looking for truth. After arriving in Canada, Asif tried fitting into a church but that didn't work out. His search for God seemed to wither and die. He is now left empty.

Farzana is formulating her own religion. She says, "I'm a no-name brand' when it comes to religion. She was tired of religious leaders telling her what she was not allowed to do. She'd be in trouble back home with her views. There are many just like her in the West who don't want conservative Islamic practices imposed on them. We've seen a growing number of atheists as a result of atrocities in the Muslim world or because of unfulfilled dreams during Arab Spring. The Iranian Revolution triggered an increased focus on conservative Islam but also a growing disillusionment. On the surface it looks like all is going well for Farzana. She seems like a stellar person. Recently we had an opportunity to give her an overview of God's message to the world...to her. She needs Jesus to find a true spiritual home.

Ayaan, a Somali writer, views herself a transformer of Islam. She sets 5 impossible conditions for reform in Islam in her latest book Heretic. Disillusioned activists and reformers like her may have political answers but nothing for the needs of the soul.

Jesus didn't dwell on the social ills of his day as much as on the underlying spiritual needs of people. "He came to find the lost people and save them."(Luke 19:10) and "...to give them a rich and satisfying life." If we get bogged down with discussing peripheral issues, we will probably miss an opportunity to share like Jesus did. So let's keep on loving Muslims and sharing Jesus. These friends are not lost to God. Praise God, there has been a rapid increase of Muslim background believers in churches.

Dear Jesus, thank you for  bringing hope and meaning to the world. I long to share this with the 'lost' people in my world. Amen

Got Compassion?

"But God said to Jonah, “You have been concerned about this vine...But Nineveh has more than one hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left... Should I not be concerned about that great city?” Jonah 4:10&11.

Jonah received the message from God to warn Nineveh (across from modern day Mosul, Iraq) of impending judgement. They were Israel’s worst enemies and terrorists of the day. Jonah ran away and set sail in the opposite direction.  In the midst of  a vicious storm each sailor desperately started calling on his own god. Jonah said, “It’s my fault, throw me overboard.” Mercifully God sent a whale to swallow Jonah whole! Inside the belly, he made things right with God. After 3 days and 3 nights the whale puked him back on shore. Now Jonah was ready to deliver the message--“In forty days Nineveh will be destroyed.” But the king did a 180, Nineveh repented and turned from their wicked ways. God had compassion on them and gave them a 2^nd chance. Jonah was furious at God. “I knew it. You would relent and not destroy them.” Zero compassion. He sulked. God lectured him “You are concerned about the vine…but not about these people?”

I often receive emails listing evil things Muslims have done. The ones that go around the world and are accepted as gospel truth. Its like, “Ed, don’t you get it?” Unfortunately they create fear and dislike of Muslims and result in reluctance to befriend them. These messages do nothing to encourage compassion and love.

Nasser and his mother and siblings had to flee to a nearby country where corruption was common. Eventually they landed in Canada when he was a teenager. He had no male role model showing him what was right or wrong. After high school, he got his learner’s license but failed the road test several times. In frigid winter weather his family depended on him to take them shopping and to appointments. I recently reconnected with Nasser. He nervously begged me to accompany him to court because he got caught for driving with only a learner's license and for speeding. He knew he was in deeeeep trouble. I picked him up and waited for his turn. The magistrate peered at him and explained these were very serious offences.  Nasser lamely explained that he hadn't gotten around to retaking the test but planned to do so asap. The magistrate was quiet for a moment and then graciously reduced his substantial fines to half and offered him to pay in monthly payments. Nasser was so relieved. The magistrate showed him mercy that he didn't deserve. I was able to come alongside this young man and help in a small way. Doesn't your heart go out to him? 

Many refugees who come here have been in survival mode for a long time. Many fled war or corrupt regimes and injustices of every kind. They come not used to rules. Some, like Nasser, need gentle reminders of what is right and wrong. I'm not a policeman or an investigator but a representative of Jesus. I want Nasser to know Jesus and experience his compassion.

Melt my heart, O God

Make it ever true

Melt my heart, O God

May I be like you.

Amen.