God's Peace Plan

"Now all these things are from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation..." 2 Corinthians 5:18.

Do Something, lyrics by Matthew West

I woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now
Thought, how'd we ever get so far down
How's it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, "God, why don't You do something?"

In an increasingly violent Middle East men, women and children are in complete despair and devastation. Thousands are fleeing their ancient homelands. Even Muslims are rejecting the Al Qaeda, etc. version of Islam where human rights are trampled on, past agreements are disregarded and historical sites are obliterated. How will the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia ever recover?

We know that God humbled himself and lived among us. Jesus demonstrated God's holiness, power, justice, and love for 33 years. And he said "Do likewise..." In answer to his question to God "Why don't you do something?" Matthew West continues, "I did, I made you..." We are his hands and feet. Amazing that God gives us such an important role!

We know that Its man's sin--selfishness, pride and rebellion that has put him on a collision course with one another and with God. His peace plan has you and I in it so that we can proclaim that through Jesus' death and resurrection one can be made right with God and others. We are the 'boots on the ground' to declare and demonstrate this message.

"Nobody wants us" bemoaned a Palestinian family who found refuge in Canada. "Everyone hates us." Another Palestinian woman was overwhelmed when a Christian family met them at the airport and said "Welcome! I felt like I finally belonged." This is what brought her and her family to faith in Jesus.

A creative group of students from my alma matter(Moody Bible Institute) offered 'free prayer' on the streets of Chicago! Praying with Muslims is certainly something we can do. Our words are comforting. Prayer is key since the battle is ultimately in the "heavenly realms", "against evil rulers...mighty powers of darkness..." as Ephesians 6:12 tells us. One thing for sure, what the world needs is peace and we are instructed to pray for peace.

War Memorial, Ottawa

November of this year marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with Belgium, France, Britain and Germany standing together in a spirit of reconciliation. Millions of people died in the brutal war fought from 1914-18. Rather than seeking for revenge, they laid down their arms a long time ago and now live together in peace and harmony. This kind of attitude certainly pleases God.

I have a few believer friends from Muslim background who are often deeply troubled and when we pray in Jesus name, you can feel peace literally settling down into the room. Its like a picture of a contented and soothed baby in the arms of its mother.

Some may ask, "Isn't this dangerous to be involved on such a personal level with Muslims"? Perhaps in some places. Much is at stake if we as a church of Jesus Christ remain unengaged. Now is not the time to retreat and remain idle. I want to be where God is at work.

Dear Lord, please show me what part I have in your peace plan. Amen.

Teamwork

“…the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them...” Acts 13:2&3

Canada geese fly in a 'V formation' when migrating. The lead bird takes the brunt of the headwind. The trailing bird benefits from up to 65% less air resistance because of the wake(air turbulence) of the bird ahead of him. This preserves energy and greatly increases the range of the birds. Each bird takes his turn as leader. Honking encourages each other on. When one of their own is wounded and has to drop out of the flight formation, another will accompany him and stay by his side until the wounded bird recovers or dies. Then the healthy one will fly to rejoin his flock and on to the destination.

Isn’t this a great picture of teamwork? Can we apply this to ‘Missions’? Paul was sent out. Wherever he went, Paul surrounded himself with a team—his ‘V formation’. Tychicus is mentioned several times as the one who takes reports back to churches. At the end of Colossians, Paul lists many such individuals on his team. Of particular interest to me is the story of Acquilla and Priscilla, a husband and wife team. They fled Rome and settled in Corinth where they met Paul. They were an effective team and Paul’s esteemed co-workers. They were ordinary people who loved the Lord deeply and cared for Paul’s well-being.

In recent years, Joy and I have been a ‘husband and wife’ team in ministry. Its wonderful to share this part of our journey together. Our day starts out with an extended prayer time which includes praying for our Muslim contacts and for new believers. When I meet Muslim women at places where I volunteer, I link them up with Joy if they are interested.  Our focus is increasingly on family units and the best way to reach them is for both of us to be involved. When we extend hospitality, we often sit together for the first while and then Joy takes the woman and children to our family room in the basement. I stay upstairs with the guy and can focus on his needs. In the meantime, this gives Joy an opportunity to talk to the woman about their particular interests and to seek for openings to share spiritually.

I’ve written about All Nations Sports Club earlier. My then co-leader and volunteers served as a team from the start to the finish. We started our evening off with prayer and then at half-time, one of us shares a ‘God-talk’. If another team member was sharing, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of the boys while he presented.

My wife and I are privileged to have a great team of prayer and financial partners. Instead of a 'Tychicus', we use e-mail to connect us almost instantly with our prayer partners. We send out SOS prayers or mini-reports of what God is doing in our ministry. These special brothers and sisters are part of our ‘V formation’. We could say, they do the 'honking'--keep going, keep going!

An African proverb says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Lord God, we are awed that you have chosen us to be part of your ministry team on earth. Amen.

     

Born to Fight?

"...we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies...but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world...mighty powers in this dark world...evil spirits in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6.

Jamal from North Africa told us his story. You could tell he is a fighter. Just for fun his friends would wrestle on the beaches back home. He smiled with satisfaction as he described the fights he had won. No wonder Jamal is bored here! I have another friend like him from Palestine. He too is a survivor and drives taxi now. He defends his turf here in Canada. Several times when his fare didn't pay up, he took matters into his own hands. One time a brawl broke out with a drunken passenger. He pushed him into a snowbank, took the money from the guy's wallet, and called the police! These young men grew up in rough and tough situations. They're young and looking for excitement and an adrenalin rush.

In Pakistan we lived next to some of the fiercest fighters in the world--the Pashtun people. Guns are shot into the air when a son is born. They need the strength of men to survive. They've had to defend their turf numerous times. Alexander the Great, when confronted with Pashtun fighters observed that "My mother gave birth to only one Alexander but all the Pashtuns are Alexanders"!! They fought off super powers of the day including Britain and Russia. From Pakistan I remember buses passing through our village overloaded with 'Mujahedeen' fighters shouting slogans from on top of the bus "Down with the Kafirs(Russians), Allah Akhbar". Yet, beautifully woven into their culture is a deep sense of loyalty to their own but also a commitment to protect non-Pashtun friends like us in their midst. Great qualities.

My roots are the 'Mennonite' community. They prefer to be viewed as activists for 'peace' rather than simply 'pacifists'. They're often present where there is poverty or physical need. In a more quiet way, they encourage negotiation and seeking peaceful solutions. They would have been comfortable with Jesus in the garden after Peter pulled out his sword and slashed off a soldier's ear. Jesus said, "Put your sword away". See also "Should We Fight?"(Joy Loewen)

There are many causes worth fighting for. Our kids and grand-kids are living in a culture where Christian values and faith are assaulted. Joy and I are committed to fighting in prayer for them. Our grand-kids come face to face with issues we never dreamed of. The 'world' is trying to squeeze them into a mold and embrace values that ultimately are destructive for their spiritual well-being and for society.

We are also 'standing in the gap' for Muslims. They are the victims of a great deception and intense community pressure. Mohamed fought hard for monotheism and brought in a new world order by force. In the West the vast majority of the Muslims are peaceful but they need a Savior from sin. In their worldview God's judgement is based on scales. They hope that their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds. Sadly, most will die without peace from knowing that they are made right with God through Jesus. This is worth fighting for on their behalf.

Heavenly Father, thank-you for the privilege of partnering with you--battling for and spreading your Good News. Amen. 

Men with Men

"Men with men, women with women" is the standard announcement to form small groups at a prayer meeting we sometimes attend. Albeit archaic, it is a practical request. A mixed group of unrelated males and females may limit the openness of sharing prayer requests.

Most Muslims are brought up in a honor/shame based worldview. The women carry most of the responsibility in making sure that the family is not dishonored by inappropriate relationships between males and females. In conservative Muslim circles men and women don't even maintain eye contact. So, gender segregation is the norm in ministry to Muslims. This is what we wrote in 'Your Muslim Friend': "Due to cultural values it is wisest for Christian women to befriend Muslim women and Christian men to befriend Muslim men. Some of these cautions become less important as we become grandparents or our hair turns grey." See also: http://joyloewen.blogspot.ca/2015/09/segregation.html

Christian women have access to the 'inner house'. Men are normally limited to the living room or sitting room, especially overseas. The women are ushered into the 'women's area' almost right away but men will only be invited in if they are 'part of the family'. As my friendship deepens with a conservative Muslim man, he may say something like "You are welcome to come to my house anytime, even when I'm not home." It means he trusts me.

Muslim men have high regard for their moms and grandmothers. Recently I asked an English class who had influenced them most? Without hesitating, the men responded, "My mother." One of my acquaintances even wrote a poem about his mom. We asked "Did you ever write a poem about your wife?" He chuckled and said, "NO!" Frequently my wife returns home from a visit to a family and mentions her conversations with her friend's husband. She is considered at a 'safe age' to relate even to men. They confide in her much quicker than to me. My wife sometimes paves the way for me to have deeper and ongoing conversations with the man. Contrary to our western culture, as an older man I'm still viewed relevant by much younger Muslim men. Go figure...

Over the years, I've figured out many avenues of connecting with Muslim men. Besides English help, my friends enjoy going out for coffee so we can get to know each other. Others have enjoyed being invited to my home or family events like weddings. Some of my friends have appreciated help with assembling furniture or learning new skills like painting or auto-mechanics. Many of my younger friends love playing soccer or basketball. Recently I took a Muslim friend fishing. Occasionally I meet Muslim men who want to visit church out of curiosity or even to nurture a spiritual quest. As a starter, I've invited individual Muslim friends to a Christmas Eve service.

Several Muslim men God has directed me to lately show a spiritual capacity. One was deeply touched by the concept of God's love as he read from 1 John 3. The other has explored the background to the Bible and is attracted to the teachings of Jesus. The last time we met he said, "I love Jesus very much."

Lord Jesus, it is a privilege to connect with my Muslim friend. Help me to know how to share spiritually with him. Amen.

Stuck

"Onesimus hasn't been much use to you in the past, but now he is useful to both of us." Philemon 1:11

When we were living out in the country the first year after our return from Pakistan, I traveled daily back and forth to work in Winnipeg, an hour from our home. I had the back-roads figured out to save the maximum amount of time. One day I went to work, not realizing how much it had rained and I got royally stuck on a dirt road. I tried and tried but just dug myself deeper into the mud. Ugh. Now what to do? Middle of nowhere!! I walked to the nearest gravel road and hitchhiked into the city! By the evening the road had dried enough for me to drive home!

I'm thinking of my Muslim contacts. There are many success stories. The ones with education often advance rapidly with English acquisition and its not long before they're working full time or more. 

Then there are some who are stuck for one reason or another. Some endured a lot of trauma where they came from and are in shell shock and can't cope so well with normal life. Others who are mid-age have a hard time landing a steady and well paying job. Others have handicaps--injuries or illnesses. I'm thinking of my 20 something year old friend whose kidneys shut down and it messed up his eyesight where now he is visually challenged. 

Typical pattern of those who are stuck--fixated on statellite tv..."never leave their homeland", reverse their sleeping habits, and have a very narrow circle of friends. Mo is a young man who came here as a young teen. His home situation did not nurture him to study and he didn't want to. So he squeaked by in high school and graduated. Mo plays a lot of video games late into the night. He really doesn't display any motivation to work or study. He is stuck. An older gentleman who tried to learn English but got discouraged, gave up and got depressed. I dropped in recently and he was nervous about what I was there for.

A Somali man when I asked what he would do this summer replied--"I have to fast." Unable to function normally. There are quite a few who are soooo afraid of offending God if they don't do their religious duties that it can become all consuming. Many of my Muslim friends are stuck and when I bring up spiritual topics, quickly veer away from any discussion. 

We can't really do much for some of these people. There are many good government programs to help them. As for me, I continue to pray for these friends, visit periodically and share about what God has been teaching me.

Onesimus, the runaway slave came to faith in Christ while Paul was imprisoned. Onesimus' heart was transformed. Paul sends him back to his owner Philemon who also was a believer. Paul makes an appeal to receive Onesimus back for "now he is useful to both of us." I have faith that some of my friends will respond to the truth and become 'useful' for God. 

Dear Heavenly Father, help friends of mine who are stuck--some who are discouraged or depressed and others whose zeal to keep all the tenets of Islam have isolated them from becoming engaged in society and work. Amen. 

Immigrant Issues

"...I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne before the Lamb..." Revelations 7:9

Paul is our guest writer today. He had several decades of overseas ministry experience in a Muslim majority country. Now he writes from the homeland of how to make an impact on newcomers. These kinds of ministry opportunities would apply to other western nations where Muslims are settling. So, listen in on what Paul has to say. 

"According to the 2011 Canadian census there are approximately 1,100,000 Muslims in Canada.  If you live in an urban area of Canada, chances are that you have a Muslim neighbor, work colleague, client, or till operator at your local convenience store.  Maybe you have a desire to reach out to these people with the love of Christ, but do not know quite how to go about it.

 

72% of Muslims in Canada are immigrants (born somewhere other than Canada).  When these immigrants arrive in Canada they are faced with several difficulties.

•        They lack Canadian work experience.
•        They lack credentials for skilled and professional jobs.
•          26% of immigrants do not have enough English language skills to function in Canadian society.

70,000 immigrants enroll in English language classes within the first 6 months of arriving in Canada.

 

What are the implications of these facts for God’s people in Canada?  The Church in Canada needs to see these immigrant “difficulties” as opportunities.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you or your church were the first to offer English classes or instruction on finding jobs to these people!  As you mull over these possibilities you might think that you really are not qualified to help.  There are several ways to feel more comfortable about getting involved.  One is to join an existing program, such as a church English as a Second Language (ESL) program and learn from a mentor.  Another way is to enroll in a training program of which there are many.

I would like to highlight just one.  Vanguard Taylor Language Institute (VTLI) is a 15 college credit program that is offered at Vanguard College and Taylor Seminary in Edmonton.  The credits can either go towards a degree in intercultural studies in either Taylor Seminary or Vanguard College, or it can just be a stand-alone certificate in teaching English accredited with TESL Canada.  The advantage of this program is that it can be finished in just one month - offered during the month of May with four one-week modules back to back with a practicum to follow (http://www.vanguardcollege.com/programs-courses/swd/tesol/ ).  Being TESL Canada approved it will open doors for many teaching opportunities both in Canada and overseas.

Many immigrants have come to Canada at great sacrifice.  They have little resources, are facing an alien culture and language, perplexed by a new school system for their children, not knowing what to do in a medical crisis, etc.  We have the opportunity to be a friend to them as they cope with all the issues of uprooting from the familiar and living amongst the unfamiliar."

Dear Lord, give us willing hearts to help newcomers coming to our nations for refuge or a fresh start in life. Show us the way. Our cry is that the nations would hear about you and that all would seek to become 'permanent residents of heaven'. Amen.  

Mom in their Hearts

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you." Isaiah 49:15

Half a dozen Saudi students came to my Conversation Group. It was the week before Mother's Day. So, the question came up "How will you honor your mother?" One of the men piped up and said "Every day is Mother's Day for us!" "So what do you miss about your mom?" I asked. They expressed various things like delicious meals and other practical things moms typically do for their kids. One of them said "I love to spend time with my mom in the kitchen as she cooks. I'm going to buy her a diamond ring when I return home."

Joy writes about typical sentiments Muslim men have about their moms on her last week's blog post titled "Giving Cards for Mother's Day"  

“Abdul brought out a tattered notebook and started reading some flowery poems he had composed about his mother.  I didn’t hear any poems about his wife; just his mother whom he obviously felt close to. There was no embarrassment as he read his poems to us in his language. I wondered if his beautiful wife hearing the poems wished he would compose some endearing poem about her.

Eastern mothers are unbelievably sacrificial in their love for their children; especially their sons. I've heard many glowing remarks about mothers from Muslim men and women. Islam and the culture esteem motherhood…Mother’s Day is an excellent time to speak into their lives and also to share how God’s heart is like a mother’s, full of unconditional love and tenderness. Verses like Isaiah 49:15 reveal that truth. Such sharing often sounds unfamiliar but attractive to them. It is a time, also, when Muslims and Christians experience a common bond. We each have had a mother and many of us have become mothers. Even if someone has not married or is unable to have children we can be like a mother in a nurturing sense with someone else.”

With our independent lifestyles, western men can learn from the commitment between a Muslim young man and his mother. We can affirm this quality in our Muslim friend's life. I have a Canadian friend who excelled in how he cared for his ageing mother right until the day she passed away. 

Muslim men can benefit from our demonstration of what a loving Christian marriage looks like. While away from the home we show fidelity that comes with love, respect and commitment to our wife. When in the home, we can demonstrate sharing the load of taking care of the house and the family. We are in it together. Probably what speaks loudest is when I serve my wife when we extend hospitality to a Muslim family. That's the least I can do with my limited cooking skills!!

Theodore Roosevelt is reported to have said "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care."

Dear Heavenly Father, we marvel at your unconditional love for us. Please allow us to demonstrate our love and commitment to those closest to us and also extend it to others that you have put us together with. Amen. 

Transformation

"...anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

We delivered a bulb to a believer couple. It looked like a turnip. The box indicated the bulb would yield gorgeous colorful flowers! For the believer it's a picture of 'new life in Christ' and growth.

In Islam, there is no sense of growing, only greater compliance to the rules of Islam. In Christ...connected to the Holy Spirit there will be growth in "...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22.

Remember Kamal from a previous post? While he responded to an invitation to follow Christ quite quickly, there was a problem...he wasn't convinced that God exists! Where do you start? I spent time with Kamal and we worked through some 'proofs' for God's existence--the amazing design of the universe, logically there has to be a designer, existence of moral laws, changed lives of believers, etc.

He is now reading the Bible. I gave him a quick tour. I showed him where to find the 'Tauret'(Torah), 'Zabour'/'Mazameer'(Pslams), and the 'Injil'(NT), names familiar to all Muslims. I suggested he start reading from the first book of the OT and with John in the NT. For comfort and encouragement to turn to the Psalms. I set the example by sharing something the Holy Spirit is teaching me from my daily reading of God's word. I want him to recognize His voice and direction as he reads.

Old Testament stories lay a foundation of the attributes of God for Kamal. He can see how sin entered the world and spread its evil effects on the whole world. Kamal already understands that there is salvation only in Jesus. He is encouraged by the pictures (click) of salvation through the whole Bible starting with Noah's ark. Lots of good stuff!

Kamal starts off praying in baby steps. He is learning a new kind of praying. "The main purpose of prayer is not to make life easier, not to gain magical powers, but to know God." writes Philip Yancy. I should add...and not to gain merit with God. My testimony of answered prayer bolsters his faith. I want to demonstrate faith-filled praying, not just 'safe' prayers.

I remember clearly one of the men who taught me God's truths was a passionate follower of Jesus. I forget what all he taught me but will never forget his love for the Lord and his desire to make Christ known. It went to my heart. Our western evangelical methods of discipleship are usually strong in truth--its about the head. This may or may not travel down to the heart.

Discipleship of busy believer guys is sometimes like 'mini-refueling stops'. While not ideal, I've often met in Coffee Shops for a brief reading and prayer with believers. Kamal is super busy. So, I have snatches of time to befriend, study, and pray. It gives Kamal a chance to also share what he has learned so far. Beyond this, I'm cognizant of believers needing to take time to meet with brothers and sisters--to fellowship and find support in their new 'family'.

Dear Lord, help me to be passionate for you so that Kamal will be encouraged to walk close to you. Amen.

Discipleship Begins

"...go and make disciples of the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you..." Matthew 28:19 & 20.

Kamal settled in my city. He was drawn in by love extended by Muslim background believers from his country. Soon he responded to an invitation to follow Jesus. He went to church with these believers but these guys were working when Kamal was free. I realized that he was not getting any teaching in areas he struggled with so took this as God's assignment until his spiritual needs were met elsewhere. He accepted me as his 'older brother'. I didn't want him to 'fall through the cracks'.

The word 'disciple' isn't in our everyday vocabulary. On the other side of the world it's commonly used. In a woodworking shop or garage in Pakistan there were 2 categories: teacher and disciple. Often the teacher sits in a chair surrounded by 3 or 4 'disciples' working on woodworking projects or repairing a car. We use words like mentor and apprentice to communicate the same concepts.

 We've all heard the story of the drunkard father going off to the bar in a snowstorm. Unbeknownst to him, his young son saw his boot prints in the snow and followed them all the way to the bar. This father was a horrible example. "Like father, like son" is great when the father leads an exemplary life but disastrous when there are habits or sins that are detrimental. My father lived wisely--had good farming practices, was a careful bookkeeper, and was esteemed in the neighborhood. My brothers who carried on farming followed his good example.

The teacher can only take the disciple as far as he has gone--to the skill level he has developed. In Pakistan there were many skilled tradespeople but the shop I took my Toyota Corolla to for an engine overhaul wasn't so good. Sure, they replaced the rings on the pistons and cleaned things up but on the very first trip up the mountain, the engine developed a scary knock. So, I nurtured it back home and took the engine apart myself. The 'teacher' hadn't bothered to get the crankshaft ground and then replace the worn out connecting rod bearings--the only proper way of doing this.

Remember the saying "values are caught and not taught"? When I was mentoring my replacement at Bach Christian Hospital in Pakistan, I saw how quickly he caught any negative attitude I had towards other people. In hindsight I regret not being more gracious in difficult situations. In the spiritual sense all of the above lessons apply--we can only take a new believer as far as we have gone in spiritual maturity.

Years ago my wife and I participated in a conference titled 'Basic Youth Conflicts'. The speaker showed how the past mistakes and sins can cast a shadow on the present. He emphasized God's forgiveness when we confess our sins and that God gives assurance of salvation. Each of us received a pin with the letters "PBPWMGINFWMY"(Please Be Patient With Me, God is Not Finished With Me Yet). How true...God is still working on me! I want to extend the same grace towards others.

Dear Jesus, help me to grow in my relationship with you and others. Amen.

Paper vs Phone

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, or correction, and for training in righteousness..." 2 Timothy 3:16.

It's amazing the effect the Bible has on a Muslim reader or listener. My friend burst into sobs the moment he started reading 1 John 3 about the Father's love...clearly from a deep longing for this kind of love. It reminded me of this previous truth again. Sadly, others are very afraid of hearing or reading anything from the Bible. Praise God, others are curious and welcome reading. We've seen with our own eyes that some seriously want a Bible after reading a passage like Matthew 5(The Beatitudes). I was reading from the New Testament regularly with an Ismaili Muslim and he was absorbing it. When his community who had sponsored them to Canada found out, they kept him busy in their 'Ibadat Khanah'(place of worship). So, we discontinued reading. Furthermore, his wife really just wanted to be a secular woman with a little bit of religion.

When I meet Muslim friends at coffee shops or the Food Court, I usually carry a small case with a Bible, some literature, and Jesus dvd's. When there is an opportunity, I read some appropriate verses. But when I visit them in their homes, it's awkward since I don't carry a purse. So, I sometimes stuff a New Testament in my pocket. And I've frequently read verses off the phone. Which is better?

I can think back numerous times when I've visited a home with Joy. She normally carries a Bible in her purse. Women who know her well, expect that at some point she will bring out her Bible. Reading from a book has a significantly greater impact than off the phone. Since Muslims revere the Qur'an so much, they somehow revere the Bible too. So when a verse is read from 'the book', they listen and accept that as truth.

Reading the same verse off the phone doesn't carry the same weight. Talking about the Bible but not reading from it can sometimes trip negative reactions and intense discussions or arguments. There is much to be said for making the Bible our main source--and to read from a paper copy. I've discovered that there are 3 situations when most Muslim friends will not interrupt or challenge something--while the Bible is being read, a testimony of how God has answered prayer or changed our lives, or in praying for them in person.

When it comes to discipleship, the Bible is very important. Islam allows situational ethics that need to be corrected. For example, lying or pretending is encouraged if it defends Islam or smooths relationships. Honor is very important in Muslim countries and to be shamed is avoided at all costs. These are clearly not New Testament values. It's never OK to compromise.

Through the Bible we get to know Jesus. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to transform our minds and hearts. We get tremendous comfort from reading it. I want to communicate to both Muslims and Christians that the Bible is important to me. And one way of showing that is to refer to it often.

Dear God, thank-you for your powerful life-changing Word. Help me to communicate its message to a world in crises. Amen.

Investing in Relationships

"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property..." Matthew 25:14.

I had a meeting with our financial advisor recently. He has given me good and godly advice for many years regarding some money we've set aside for our retirement. One of principles in investing is 'think long-term'.

From the parable of the 'talents', we see that the master entrusted a sizable amount of money to each of his servants according to their ability to use on his behalf.

Put into modern terms, each of his employees was empowered to invest wisely what the boss gave them.

The main application we can take from this is that each person has been entrusted with unique abilities by God. Some more and some less. None of the gifts he has given are insignificant. They are all important in the kingdom of God. At the end of age, we will meet our 'master', not for judgement and condemnation but for rewards. The best news we can hear is "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

If we can translate this to 'ministry', we like to think of 'long term investment' too. We hope and pray that the 'seed thoughts' we have sown in each Muslim contact's mind would sprout and grow into faith in Jesus. There are obviously different seasons in ministry--starting from the initial befriending and then coming alongside them and caring for them for many years. We have invested not only time in relating but time in praying and tracking with some of our Muslim friends for years and some decades. For those who show no spiritual appetite, we may take a hiatus but check in with them from time to time. We can do this quite naturally when our Muslim friend has experienced a loss or something special.

The Berlin Wall was erected in the dead of night on August 13, 1961 to keep disenchanted East Berliners from leaving. On November 9, 1989, as the Cold War began to thaw across Eastern Europe, the spokesman for the East Berlin's Communist Party announced a change in his city's relations with the West. Starting at midnight that day, he said, citizens of the GDR(German Democratic Republic) were free to cross the country's borders.

The Berlin Wall didn't just come down in one day. There were many years of pressure on the communist government--on both sides of the border. Finally one day, an opening in the wall was allowed and people rushed across. Soon the dreaded wall was demolished. Many took pieces of the Berlin Wall as mementos or to profit from by selling a 'piece of the wall'.

We see that the 'Muslim World' is crumbling and becoming fragmented. With the power of God and the prayer and perseverance of God's people, many Muslims are listening to the Good News. This is a call to all of you reaching out to Muslims--do not grow weary in well-doing, keep on investing, and 'putting pressure on the wall of resistance' with God's help. There will be a harvest...a great harvest at the end of the age. It has already begun. Praise God.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.

A Search

Eastern Christians celebrate 'Epiphany' ten days after Christmas Day. They remember the arrival of the 'Wise Men' from the East in search of a new king.

Some time prior to this the shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem were terrified by the appearance of an angel surrounded by light one night. He assured them "Don't be afraid...The Savior...has been born today...you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12. With these clues they immediately went to search for him. They figured it out quickly and met this miracle child. "The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen..." vs. 20

The actual Epiphany event may have been close to 2 years later. "...About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1b&2

Probably these were Kurdish Astrologers or Astronomers who came along the trade routes of the day through the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. They'd been gazing at this star. Their calculations finally brought them to Jerusalem. King Herod viewed this baby as a threat to his dynasty. He found out from the religious scholars where the Messiah was supposed to be born. With that information the 'Wise Men' set out for Bethlehem and not a GPS but the star directed them to the exact house where Jesus, Joseph, and Mary were staying. They worshipped Jesus and gave him gifts. They were directed in a dream to take a different route home and warned not to report back to Herod.

A variety of Muslims are discovering the real Jesus today. What clues do they go by? Some are assisted in their search by Christian programs or internet sites. Others receive clues from the Qur'an. It confirms what the prophet Isaiah wrote about 1400 or more years before the Qur'an was written. A virgin would give birth to Jesus, the Messiah. Perceptive Muslims observe, "This was no ordinary prophet."

In recent months an educated young man living in a Muslim country was on such a search. He stumbled across the Apostles Creed (click) on the internet and began to understand who Jesus is. His search led him to a 'Muslim friendly' website in Canada that helped him to discover the truth in the Bible. We connected with him and were able to direct him from a distance. God confirmed his search by several dreams. In fact, he wrote us that one of his dreams was identical to a dream described in 'I Dared to Call Him Father' (click). It was a victorious day when he wrote "I am a follower of Jesus." and again when he wrote "I was baptized today. I am starting a new life."

We read in 'Daily Bread' a few weeks ago that people respond in different ways to the coming of Jesus--some reject the message. Some ignore the message as many in our Western cultures do and others welcome Jesus.

"For those who make room for Jesus in their hearts, God makes room for them in heaven." (Daily Bread)

Lord God, reward all those on a search for truth to find you. Amen.