Joseph - Called to Protect

"...Joseph, to whom she(Mary) was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly." Matthew 1:19.

We don't know a lot about this Joseph. He was a carpenter from Nazareth--a small town 80 miles north of Bethlehem. He was a 'behind the scenes' type of guy. In the midst of very dramatic events surrounding the birth of Jesus, he is often forgotten. It is kind of like the custodian or the people in charge of facilities where big functions are held--when all goes well, these folks aren't noticed or appreciated. But if something falls apart there is a wild scramble for their help.

Joseph was an honorable man. He was engaged to Mary when he received the devastating news that she was pregnant. If he ditched her and made it public, she could have been stoned to death for adultery. So, he was planning to quietly break the engagement. Joseph had 3 dreams surrounding the birth of Jesus--when Mary became pregnant, after the visit of the Astrologers before the flight to Egypt, and in Egypt when the coast was clear for Joseph, Mary and Jesus to return to Nazareth. Immediately after he got the 'ok' from God in a dream to marry Mary, he did so.

Over 2000 years ago everyone in the Roman world was notified to return to the place of their birth for a census. It was compulsory and needed to be done asap. So Joseph had to appear before a government official in Bethlehem. In spite of Mary being in the later stage of her pregnancy, they travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, likely with a caravan of other travellers for safety and companionship. The route they took may have taken as long as 8 or more days. This was truly a scary journey for the young and pregnant Mary.

Men, put yourselves into Joseph's shoes. His knowledge of pregnancy and midwifery was probably pretty minimal. We don't know the details of the delivery of Jesus other than the birth happened in a place where people don't normally sleep--perhaps a temporary stable for animals of guests attached to a famer's house. The shepherds in the nearby hillside got the news directly from the angels during the night and promptly went to visit Jesus.

Joseph had a very important role in God's plan of redemption. So much so the genealogy in Matthew and Luke includes Joseph as the stepfather and guardian of Jesus--. We see a lot of emphasis these days on 'plan to protect' the vulnerable sector. God had a plan to protect Mary and Jesus. The stakes were high. The evil one was out to get rid of Jesus, the Messiah, right from his conception and birth. Joseph took cues from the angel after the Astrologers visited Jesus to "...flee to Egypt" because King Herod went on a rampage to eliminate any challenge to his reign.


During the covid-19 season, the beginning of the end is in sight with vaccines. In the meantime I want to do my part to protect myself and others from this virus by following health guidelines. We pray that it won't be long before we can focus on face to face meetings with our Muslim friends. We have Good News to deliver that's even greater than the 'warp speed' vaccines!

Dear God, I want to be a Joseph to whomever you have called me in your 'plan to protect' and 'plan to proclaim' your message to the world. Amen.

Reflectors

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with every-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18.

In the preceding verses we see Moses' face shining with God's goodness and character after his encounter on Mount Sinai. It was so intense the people couldn't take it. This leads to this amazing verse and the following chapter where we read about being jars of clay where God's glory shines through.

So this is our job description...potentially all Christians' ministry--to reflect the Lord's glory. Some of our brothers and sisters are equipped and led to an intense polemic or apologetic ministry. Most others thrive in a more irenic approach. Which is better? The Apostle Paul has both. He defends the faith so effectively that he is beaten up, imprisoned, stoned and shut up. He was often like the prophet Jeremiah who delivered God's messages verbatim and people couldn't stand it. And yet Paul too had limitations and weaknesses. Paul recognizes that he is that clay pot he describes where the light of Jesus shines through his own humanness--like cracks in the pot. 

For the most part we are one or the other. We are social creatures and thus we strive to be at peace with people. We are comfortable with representing our Lord quietly yet intentionally. Some are more blunt in their communication than others and they pay for it. For starters, we're certainly not out to win a popularity contest by representing the Good News.

So, we are pretty much in the middle of a pandemic with effective vaccines on the horizon. But for now most of the time the wise thing to do is to follow health officials directives. Meaning we spend more time ministering virtually than face to face. When it's about relationships, that isn't so hard to do. But for Christians used to the polemical approach, this probably won't work so well. For the most part Muslims like to know that we care for them...for their physical and mental well being. So, it still gives me many opportunities to hear out the concerns of my Muslim and believer friends and either pray with them virtually or assure them of my prayer.

I've put some of the neatly crafted outreach tools on the back burner as I find myself strengthening my relationships with individual Muslims. This is not so bad because they still get a reading of me--a Jesus follower. For example, before the pandemic turned more severe I met face to face with a few Arab friends who are asylum seekers. They had been burnt with religion and when asked whether they are Muslims they replied--"our parents said we were". So that gave me insight into my approach to them. Now I seek to reflect God's glory to them.

At any rate, the most effective witness(or reflection) is when our faith is fleshed out in life's experiences. These reflect God's glory when we speak of the time we were in need, prayed and received an answer to prayer. Or just simply speaking of experiencing the Holy Spirit's presence. These are irrefutable proofs that following Jesus is very fulfilling. 

Dear God. I want to be a good reflector of you. Transform me to more like you as I meet with you through your word, worship and prayer. Amen.   

Let's Go

"Let's go at once to take the land...We can certainly conquer it!" Joshua in Numbers 13:30

The Jews had finally come to the end of their wilderness wanderings. The original adults had all passed away and now a young crowd was waiting for instructions from their new leader Joshua. When Moses was still alive, he and Joshua sent a group of 12 scouts to explore Canaan to assess what kind of land and people they were going to. Only 2 of the twelve were optimistic and encouraged moving forward to enter the land God had directed them to. Those who were scared spitless rebelled and said we don't want to expose our children to the hostile environment. The Lord's blessing was on the remaining people who crossed over the Jordan behind the Ark of the Covenant and Joshua, their fearless leader.

So, we've been isolating from people for 7 months now. We are no longer in lock-down but rather under 'orange alert'--meaning we are required to wear masks for inside public spaces except when eating and drinking and are encouraged to continue social distancing. Churches have been forced to follow the government's strict guidelines for assembling. No more walk-ins for those who are seeking. The pandemic's effect rages on--hitting the most vulnerable but also sidelining those infected. Many people including Muslims are scared of contracting covid. Others don't really care and go about life as before. So what to do? God has called us to minister to a least reached people group in the West--the Muslims.

So the lesson for us is not to stay in the parking lot but to follow Joshua's instructions "Let's go..."The first thing we have to do is be creative. Pray for open doors in whatever form they come--virtual or in person. Back in April we started to connect with many of our past Muslim contacts via Zoom or WhatApp. A friend from Egypt down in Southern USA was awed that he had been thinking of me the day before I emailed. Even though they are a conservative Muslim family--the response has been very welcoming and even prayer in Jesus name has been appreciated. Likewise many of our contacts elsewhere have been warm and touched. What can they turn to?

Believers feel isolated. Some are weary of the church or fellowship groups going virtual. They need face to face fellowship. So, we have increased visits in our home as the weather closes in on us. Before we'd meet in the driveway or yard. For some, it has worked fairly well to meet in a quiet corner of a food court. Most of what we do is connected to relationships we've cultivated over the years but there are also new contacts--divine appointments. I'm still following up the contacts made more than a month ago during Eid day when a group of Sudanese Muslims were strolling in the English Gardens. I greeted them from a safe distance and sensed the 'felt needs' they had regarding English. 

One of the divine appointments happened in a popular place to hang out in our city. A very prominent man who explored the roots of his sect of Islam indicated he was on a new trajectory. He saw there were huge problems with how the sect started. Now he claims allegiance to Christianity. I'm waiting for an opportunity to meet with him to explore where he is at on his journey and perhaps offer 'I Dared to Call Him Father' by Bilquis Sheikh.

Lord, I want to move forward like Joshua to contact the 'parish' of Muslim friends and believers you have called me to. I know you are able and can do more than I could ever imagine as demonstrated by our Muslim seeker friend who left his sect of Islam. Praise your name!

  

Mistaken for Jesus!

"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves." 2 Corinthians 4:7

The following story is from 'More to be Desired Than Gold' by the late Christy Wilson.

"Peter Zwemer, Samuel's brother and a wonderful man of God, came to Muscat, Oman as a missionary and established an orphanage for African boys. While Peter was in Muscat, the British Navy captured a slave ship in that port, since the British outlawed slavery. The ship had left Africa and was on its way to Saudi Arabia to sell the slaves, thirty-five little black boys who had already been branded. After capturing the ship, the British didn't know what to do with these thirty-five boys.

So Peter Zwemer made the British an offer. "I'll take care of them," he said. He took the thirty-five little black boys, housed them, provided them with beds, food, and clothing. He even started a school for them. He taught them the Bible in addition to English and other subjects.

While still a young man, Peter Zwemer took sick and died and was buried in Muscat. Years later Samuel Zwemer returned to Muscat. Preaching in Arabic, he told the people about Jesus Christ. “Oh, but we know him,” someone interrupted.

“Oh no, you've got me wrong,” Dr. Zwemer said. “This is someone who lived many, many years ago.” He went on to tell them how Jesus Christ loved little children, how he had done many good things for people and had even given His life for them.

“We know him!” another shouted.

“No, you don’t,” Dr. Zwemer insisted. “He lived a long time ago, before you were born.” And he continued talking about Jesus.

The people raised their hands once again. “But we do know him!” And they proceeded to describe Peter Zwemer! Like Jesus, Peter had loved children. Like Jesus, he had had compassion for people and had done so many good things for them. And like Jesus, he had given his life for them.

What a wonderful thing. To be mistaken for Jesus!"

Like Peter Zemer's, our lives are always on display and Muslims take notice of our love for God and for them.

Very early on in ministry, I was given the advice never to get angry when dealing with Muslims. If I did get angry, my ministry could be over. Very wise advise. I've made mistakes and know from experience its hard to backtrack, get a hearing, and communicate with grace.

  

"...I realized that nonbelievers weren't attracted to evangelists, they were attracted to God. People who are true seekers are seeking for God. They may not know it, and might not express it in those words, but when they see God in His beauty being lived out in the lives of His people, they are attracted to Him. In order for Jesus to truly shine through a life, the hard exterior has to be broken and removed." from 'The Messenger, The Message, The Community' by Roland Mueller.

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to walk wisely so that your light in my heart may get through to people who need you. May they see more of Jesus in me. Amen. 

Unplugged

And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while." For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. Mark 6:31.

Very quickly Jesus was in high demand, mostly by desperate people who needed healing. The crush of the crowd and demands put on Jesus and the disciples wore them down. So, in essence Jesus said 'let's go, take some downtime, and retreat'. Mind you, these were often times when Jesus would debrief with them and teach them new lessons. Usually it didn't take long before people would discover them and the process would start all over again.

In the book 'Jubilee--a season of spiritual renewal' author Mel Lawrenz shares the following story:

"One day a woodsman challenged a fellow woodsman to an all-day wood-chopping contest. The first man labored heavily, stopping only for a brief lunch, whereas the other man took a leisurely lunch and several breaks throughout the day. The first man was shocked and annoyed at the end of the day to find that the other man had chopped more wood than he had. “I don’t get it,” he said. “Every time I checked, you were taking a rest, yet you chopped more wood than I did.”

“What you didn't notice,” said the winning woodsman, “is that every time I sat down to rest, I was sharpening my axe."

It’s the middle of the summer and it's a good time to take a break from busy activities to recharge our batteries…to take our minds off the cares of life. We have many desperate people who look to us to assist them with settling in the West--in need of language skills, a job, and desire to get more of their families sponsored. With others we labor hard to gain trust and share spiritually or we face opposition to the truth. All of these wear us down. My wife and I build several retreat times or even a 'staycation' into our schedules during the year.

We were visiting a couple from West Africa. While we had a good chat with the husband, the wife was constantly(and I mean constantly) on her phone checking messages and the latest accessories for her wardrobe. Use of our gadgets can easily become addictive. On one of our holidays we met a man who said he came "unplugged". That is another level of leaving behind digital 'tyrants' that consume us. We can easily be caught up with answering just one more text or email before we lay our heads on our pillows. Even ministry can be addictive. God doesn't call us to be on duty 24/7.

If we follow Jesus' example of taking a break, the people who need us will still be around when we return to normal life again! We will be able to minister with new enthusiasm, energy, and wisdom. Taking a break will help to keep us 'sharp' like the woodsman. From my experience whether it's a conference, prayer retreat, extra time reading or writing, or enjoying God's creation each contributes to the 'Sabbath rest' that helps me to be refreshed and renewed. 

Lord Jesus, thank-you for giving us the pattern of ministry and times of renewal. As I'm away from my 'parish' help me to be fully renewed. Amen

Fishing

I enjoy fishing!

I watched a fishing show where the guy interviewed caught 73 fish in a one-day derby. He shared his secret. When he catches a fish, he uses a dropper to draw some of the fish's last meal from it's throat. If the specimen has flies, then he puts lures near the surface. If minnows, a little deeper. Really hard core.

In Matthew 4:19, Jesus calls out to Peter and Andrew--"Come on, I want you to start fishing for people". They spent the majority of the next 3 years with Jesus. What did Jesus mean? A good example is in John 4:23 where Jesus in his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well says that God is searching for "true worshipers..."(from the heart).

Before Peter was ready, there had to be some sifting. You'll recall that Peter denied he even knew Jesus on the eve of the crucifixion. But mere days after Peter's restoration and re-commitment to Jesus, he was empowered by the Holy Spirit , boldly preached and invited the crowd to follow the risen Messiah, Jesus. 3000 people were added to the church. Quite a catch! 

Do we trick people into accepting Christ by offering them bait like getting something for free or fear tactics? No, we are offering them a real spiritual lunch. Jesus said "I am the bread of life...I have the living water." As we pray, God may put us in the path of a seeker like the woman at the well. I remember a few years ago when I sat across from Mo. He found no hope in Islam and no power to forgive his enemies. He was on a search and was open to the Good News. Recently I had the most encouraging phone chat with him--he is one of these whom God is looking for. He is following Jesus now!    

Some Christians love to study evangelism and Islam. Perhaps they feel inadequate to actually talk to a Muslim. Reminds me of an article I read in the 80's titled “A Plea for Fishing". Week after week, month after month, and year after year, these who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their interest in fishing, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is always to be the primary task of fishermen…but one thing they didn't do. They didn't fish.

God has called us into action--not to become experts but to be witnesses. Like the book of Acts. The goal in being witnesses is that others be reconciled with God. One can easily be swept into our Christian subculture and have little contact with the outside world.

We have a sense of urgency as the number of Muslims around us is growing. Today with the realities of Covid-19, Muslim can't congregate or move around as freely as before. So, how does one make new contacts now? We have been praying like never before for divine appointments. He has delivered and put people in our paths and then we take it from there. In "fishing for people" there is no substitute for our friendship, our testimony, the Word of God, and prayer.

O Lord, teach me how to fish. I want to be a fisher of 'men'...your way. Amen.

Discovery Tools

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his son..." Hebrews 1:1&2a

I love tools. When it comes to 'tools' for evangelism and discipleship, the western church has a variety to choose from.

Discovery Bible Studies(click) How much better can it get than actually studying the Bible? The format can be used by anyone who can read. The focus is on finding a "person of peace"--someone who has some spiritual interest, is hospitable and willing to invite his friends in for a Bible study. New study cells can grow out of this group.

The suggested template is to divide a piece of paper into 3 columns. The first column focuses on a particular portion of scripture and 'what does it say', the 2nd on retelling the story in your own words and 'what does it mean' and the third, the application and 'what will I do about it'.

A similar approach with an audio track for many passages and study questions can be found in the Discover the Bible series(click). An expanded version is https://discoverapp.org/

Al Massira(click) is a well-done course that consists of 12 Video lessons. It's filmed in the Middle East, often at the original biblical sites and takes the viewer chronologically through the Bible. The script and the acting were mostly done by Mbb's. The soap opera style with humor resonate well with Arab people. The suggested plan is for a group to have dinner followed by a video that runs for about 45 minutes.

The material goes into great detail. My friends say that it works best for people who are relatively educated, are interested in faith in Jesus or have started to follow Jesus. The audio track in Arabic with subtitles in other languages may limit its acceptance and effectiveness with non-Arab Muslims. 

"A few of us have used it in small groups - some educated Iranians. But most others have used it with individuals - Iraqis, Lebanese and Somalis....", says my friend in Australia.

The Alpha Program(click) has been around for a while but may be a possibility for westernized Muslims or the ones done with Islam. A friend like this part of an on-line group study recently prayed 'the sinner's prayer' after one of the early lessons. PTL. Similar possibilities exist for going through the Jesus film(click) together.

My suggestions:
1. Most people who come to faith have had a Christian befriending them first. Build genuine friendships with Muslims first before pursuing a Bible study.
2. You may want to shorten the plan for an Al Massira lesson as my Aussie friend has done.
3. From my experience with 'Discovery Bible studies' with a group of Muslim couples, its better to study one-on-one. Individuals will be more open than in a group.
4. For experienced Bible teachers not content with 'everyone's answer is ok' in Discovery Bible studies, I suggest a more in-depth follow-up series listed on the website or using your own.

As good as these are, we must remember that our primary focus is on Muslims, not the Method. While God has set apart dear brothers and sisters to develop these materials, ultimately we are to focus on the heart of the Muslim.

Evangelism and Discipleship has been reclaimed for the lay person! Enjoy your study with Muslim friends!

Thank-you Lord for these resources. Holy Spirit, illumine and speak to those who study your word. Amen.

Ministering from Isolation

"...I pray to God that both you(King Agrippa) and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains." Acts 26:29.

While waiting for a trial in Caesar's court, Paul was confined to house arrest but bound to a soldier 24/7. He had freedom to receive guests. It was definitely a unique stage of his life and ministry. Paul may be in chains but the gospel runs free.

Precious gifts to the church for all ages were penned in imprisonment. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon were written while incarcerated. He addressed specific needs of the first century church. He appealed to Philemon to receive Onesimus back as if he'd receive Paul. His ministry was amazingly effective in lockdown!

So, how do we respond to this new challenge--the limitations caused by this pandemic? First I need to come to grips with the new normal.

1. When I've done all I can to protect myself(and others) physically, I rest in God's care?

2. Do I put my trust in my nest-egg or do I trust God?

3. When is enough of watching news and getting pulled down into feeling despair?

Many have asked, "Is ministry still going on?" Oh yes, in fact in some ways it has been enhanced. Our ministry has basically been with individuals and family units. We've tracked with many of them for years. Contact with our friends has been made eaiser since most of our Muslim friends are isolating at home. They have time on their hands. Many are also afraid, what does this mean and what is the future? It is a tender time.

We thank God for the gift of media right now. We've made numerous Zoom and WhatsApp calls to our friends. It has been neat to connect with people who have moved away. We've been warmly received! Some have confided in us their fears and worries. We are able to speak into their needs right now and pray for quite a few of them over Zoom or WhatsApp. It's a first for our Muslims to experience something like this. They are good sports and hold their hands up as if we are there in person.

We ask many of them if they have any needs. Some ask us the same thing since we are older than they are and they want to care for us too. A mom with 6 kids whose husband is stranded overseas and will be for some time asked if we knew of anyone who has a freezer for sale. It's not advisable to buy a freezer and pick it up from a stranger's home. So we felt the Lord was directing us to order a freezer on-line and have it delivered to their door. Our prayer partners have been generous in sending in extra funds for things like this. It was a long wait but they were soooo grateful once it arrived. Now the mom can stock up on some extra foods and make fewer trips to the grocery store. It spoke of our care for them.

Dear Lord, we see a very shaken world around us. Thank-you for the peace you bring to those who receive our prayers in Jesus name. Speak to our Muslim friends during this Ramadan that there is a bigger virus than Corona called sin that gets inside our minds and hearts. Give them a desire for the cure through Jesus alone. Amen.

 

Ramadan Compassion

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like a sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36

Many of our Muslim friends have been informing us "Our month of fasting starts this week." The rhythm of the Islamic year is very important to them. One of my friends in the ESL class I help out in was trying to explain about the month of fasting when the teacher asked, "Why do you fast?" "It's  the month when we fast because of our sins. You know...the small sins. Not the big sins like murder or anything." It will be a different Ramadan this year because of the effects of Covid-19. Shopping at 'halal' meat store is more subdued with social distancing. There won't be any pot-lucks at the mosque or evening prayer times. And there won't be the solidarity we've seen in other years.

Whether we minister abroad or in the homeland, godly attitudes will be challenged by the apparent disconnect between religious duties and real life. Right now with encouragement to stay at home while collecting government benefits, fasting will be considerably easier with being able to take it easy during the day. On the other hand there will be fewer Iftar parties of breaking the fast together with friends. But to a committed Muslim it's about obeying what he believes God has commanded them to do. This is one of the five pillars(practices) of Islam that is their only hope of gaining entrance to heaven and receiving blessing from God. Muslims are not encouraged to think about 'why'. In Islam, God is the master, adherents are his servants. They can only hope by following Ramadan rules, the 'religious scales' will be tipped in their favor.

If we become sarcastic and disgusted, we will lose ground with Muslims. While I may see blindness or hypocrisy, I can't allow this thought to dominate. Much of the bridge building we've done could be wiped out if we make hurtful remarks. Many of my Muslim friends are sincere about fasting. Nominal Muslims enjoy the festivities of breaking the fast too. Muslims are somehow locked into this legalistic system imposed on them or what they have chosen. If they want to be part of their community's social life, they have to go along with fasting.

This year my I shared the '30 Days of Prayer For the Muslim World' booklets with churches and many individuals. An attitude of prayer is important to maintain compassion for Muslims. We want to pray in faith that God will stir the hearts of Muslims to see that only through Jesus can one be reconciled with God.

During this month, we mostly wait for Muslims who are consumed with Ramadan to return to normal life again! Their schedules are often totally thrown off by a late evening meal and an early morning start. Some Muslims isolate from non-Muslims. Now it's doubly so with physical distancing guidelines creating another barrier.

Anyone who follows Jesus is totally excluded from these social events and if in Muslim majority countries severely persecuted. Can you imagine how a new believer feels? I like to call my Muslim background believer friends to assure them we are thinking of them and praying for them. If possible, we also visit them to give them a sense of their new 'Ummah'(Christian community).

Lord Jesus, help me to connect with my Muslim friends behind closed doors during Ramadan this year. Renew my compassion and love for Muslims. Amen.

April 24th is the first day of Ramadan 2020. See Praying for the Muslim world (click) for a daily prayer guide.

Removing Obstacles

John the Baptist's(Yaya) mission: I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Clear the way for the Lord's coming!' John 1:23

Isn't this our assignment too? So what are some obstacles in the way of following Christ for a Muslim?

The Watch!

Reaching out to Muslims is best done through a relationship. This isn't always convenient. My wife and I met a Muslim man whom we had been introduced to shopping for shelving. I offered to help him put it together. He was delighted and invited us to their house for dinner. So we arrived at 7 p.m. as planned. It wasn't till 11:30 that we actually ate dinner and had dessert at 1 a.m.!! Often an obstacle for a Muslim man is busyness with no time to connect. To effectively reach out does require a commitment of time on our part.

The Community

What keeps most of my Muslim friends in Islam is their own community. It is their identity, social contact, and at times their bank. It feels like home--speaking their heart language, sharing poets and culture and for men talking about politics and smoking shisha(bubble pipe). We underestimate the grip of 'sisterhood' and 'brotherhood'. I spent a lot of time with a friend from the Middle East. Someone gave him an Arabic copy of Josh McDowell's book 'More Than a Carpenter'--which speaks of Jesus being God in the flesh. He really didn't have any objections to the book. But he had trouble getting established. In his disappointment he began practicing Islam--going to the Mosque for Jummah prayers and keeping Ramadan. Practicing Islam seriously separates Muslims from non-Muslims. We combat that by always taking the initiative to connect with our Muslim friends to remain in the picture.

The Beliefs

I often encourage Christians wanting to connect with Muslims to read at least part of the Qur'an. The first chapter is repeated 17 times a day in the 5 obligatory prayer times. Since one of the sources of Islam is the Torah--we do have many things in common. The 6 basic beliefs resonate with biblical themes--God is one, holy books, day of judgement, prophets and predestination.

A Muslim is conditioned to accept Islam as the final and best religion. Typical objections: Christians worship 3 gods(God the Father, the Son and Mary), the Bible has been altered, Jesus didn't die on the cross and rise from the dead and that He is not the Saviour. It's best to answer the objections as briefly as possible. And it's best if further discussion waits until he/she actually reads at least the Gospels. Sometimes these are brought up as a smoke screen--they really aren't serious.

You and I ARE inadequate to do this on our own--to convince any Muslim to follow Christ. This IS a spiritual battle. But if we want to minister spiritually, we will need the Lord, the Holy Spirit to draw them to Himself.

It's all about two paths--are we made right with God through our own good deeds(law--the scales) or through the perfect sacrifice of 'Jesus, the lamb of God'(grace)? 

Dear God, I thank you that we can tap into your power when we cry out to you on behalf of our dear Muslim friends for obstacles that keep them away from our gateway to God through Jesus. Amen.

Two Kinds of Peace

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27.

Amir came to Canada as an immigrant. Someone invited him to the Chai Centre, a Christian outreach to Newcomers where he soon became close friends with several Mbb's from his country. They shared their own journey to Jesus. Amir started attending their church and felt very comfortable with his newfound friends. He had been lonely and was experiencing hurt from the past and anxiety about his future. He liked the fact that he could go up to the front after the service to be prayed for by a group of very kind believers. He had a sense of belonging. The services are in English and a lot of the content went over his head. What didn't go away was doubts about the existence of God. He had left Islam and came here as a secular person. Since others were getting baptized the Pastor suggested he join them. He assured him that he'd get peace once he did that. Amir thought that if this is what you have to do to belong and get peace, he'd do so.

Just recently he invited us out for a Persian meal. In retrospect, the questions we had about his conversion experience were confirmed--he didn't really have a testimony of meeting Jesus. While there he explained why he wasn't going to church anymore. Amir said he has more peace as an atheist than he had following Jesus. He was really strong about his lack of beliefs. So, we let him talk. At one point he mentioned that in his country there are two kinds of armies--the real army and then the secret army.

The 2 army idea was a segue to go further. There can be a sense of peace in the world but Jesus makes it clear that he came to give us a gift--not the peace the world gives but only he can give. When life goes well and a person is on a roll, there is a euphoria that lasts for a season. But often by mid-age people tire of this and wonder what life is all about. Amir isn't there yet. He works a lot of overtime, bought a car and has some extra money. Amir is delighted that his wedding is being planned. He hopes that some of his family will join him here as well.

Satan also seems to work overtime to cause doubt and fear to overcome secular people who contemplate faith in Jesus. They have grown accustomed to living life without God. Sadly, they are unaware that even breath is a gift from God they receive every day.

Following Christ usually results in the believer being rejected and harassed by his community. It's inconsistent how Muslim families put up with a person being an atheist but go ballistic if he follows Jesus. In spite of that, Mbb's have a deep peace in their hearts.

Lord, you know Amir's heart. He tasted your goodness and love demonstrated by your people yet doesn't understand what changed these believers' hearts. Please give him a longing to find the only peace that doesn't fade away. Amen.

Pass It On!

“From one man he created all nations…His purpose in all of this was that the nations should seek after God and perhaps feel their way towards him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:26-27.

God shaped my colleague Harold to teach others to be faithful in sharing the Good News.

"In 1982 my wife and I said good-bye to comfortable teaching and nursing careers in Ontario to return to Africa. Over the next 12 years we were privileged to teach in two seminaries and mentor young men and women in mission – especially reaching out to Muslims.

Recently a friend phoned from Oklahoma; “I just returned from Africa where I spoke in a missionary conference to over 80 national workers. Their goal is to plant a church in every Muslim town and village in the north of the nation. One evangelist came up to me and asked, “Do you know any Canadian missionaries? A missionary from Canada taught me in seminary about how to engage Muslims with the love of Jesus. He even took us to Muslim villages on weekends to practice what we learned in class. I am putting into practice what he taught me and Muslims are coming to Christ!” “What is that missionary’s name?” I enquired. “Harold…”

I relate this story to emphasize the importance of passing the baton through training others. We can be used by God to launch whole Christ-ward movements, if we are faithful and are willing to release control to His Spirit, allowing the Word to come alive.

Today we continue to facilitate Disciple Making Movements training conferences across Canada as well as leading “Sharing Your Faith With Muslims” seminars in churches and small group settings. What we learned and put into practice in Africa many years ago, we are applying here in Canada. God has brought the nations to us!

Some Principles of Baton-Passing:

1. Disciple believers to grow in love and obedience to the commands of Christ.

2. Teach believers to not only witness as a lifestyle, but to speak boldly.

3. Be an Example – Be a practitioner yourself!

4. Trust the Holy Spirit to be the teacher as the Scriptures are opened to seekers after Truth.

On one of our journeys with students into a Muslim stronghold, we stopped by the kraal of the paramount chief of the area to ask for permission to show the Jesus film in the town market. When we arrived, we were informed that Chief Kalunda was too ill to meet us. I asked if we could pray for her. She agreed and two of my students and myself were ushered in to see her. We called on the Father to heal her in the name of Jesus.

On the return journey the next day, as we neared the kraal, I noticed a woman standing along the dusty road, waving us down. It was Chief Kalunda. She had been watching for us to let us know that Isa had healed her. She said, “From the moment you prayed, my body began to receive strength.” That was the beginning of a great move of God among these Muslim people that continues to this day. He is still in the saving business."

Yes, Lord Jesus, we rejoice that you are drawing men and women to become true seekers after God. Amen.

Wanted: Missions Coach

"...I urge you...to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit..." Paul in Romans 15:30&31a.

Before starting our blogs, my wife and I discovered that many Christians on their own have started to reach out to Muslims in their neighborhoods, schools, or at work. This is truly amazing! There are mechanisms in place to encourage workers on assignment with a Mission agency and are financially supported by their church. But who will be a 'missions coach' to 'lay-Christians' with vision of reaching Muslims 'at home'? This will take a paradigm shift.

So where do these volunteers do their work/ministry. They may be volunteers at a university or a college ESL setting--like a conversation group. It's often a spin-off from work. Although I'm a supported missionary I've volunteered for many years at places where I've aided newcomers in conversation skills, filling out paperwork, homework or writing a resume. Some visionary young Christian moms are pro-active in relating to transplanted women. It works best if the 'lay Christian' offers to visit in the newcomer's home first. They are honored by this gesture and often say "this is just like back home".

All of this goes largely unnoticed in churches since missionaries are adopted only when there is money involved. Most churches have a 'missions committee' that coaches supported workers--mostly ministering overseas. But I haven't seen any church that has a 'go-to' person to cheer on 'lay-Christians' reaching out evangelistically.

What type of coach/encourager do these workers need? Someone to share with about their vision or activities of reaching out. Most of this is a hidden ministry. Ideally such a coach encourages these 'lay ministers' to share highlights and needs. With permission they can be shared with others in a church.   

We recently transitioned off of receiving a regular salary and started living off of pensions and investments. Our agency has a category for us--we are now 'associate missionaries'. The expectations are less but we still have some of the benefits of being connected to our group.

Many churches and agencies have been slow to respond to the missionfield at our doorstep. But we've found an effective solution--the development of a prayer network. Most of our prayer partners have tracked with us for many years. They are a treasure! Key to a dynamic network is to provide regular information for pray-ers to take to the Lord. Although a story of someone moving toward Jesus or following him is a tremendous encouragement to them, most of our prayer partners are thrilled that God is at work, however that looks. 

Where does one start with such a network? Often the people closest to us. Ministering in the West, we feel comfortable using email for updates. It is wise to refer to a person with an initial only and use photos sparingly--always with permission to show to 'our friends'. You may want to start with a bi-weekly update if you are meeting someone or involved in a program regularly.

Dear Lord, Thank-you for faithful Pastors who also coach parishioners and cheer them on in outreach. Please raise up prayer partners for those who find themselves alone or unsupported in their ministries. Amen.