The sky is the limit in how Christians can creatively connect and open opportunities to share Jesus or to nurture faith. We have unique opportunities in meeting felt needs of newcomers and cultivating genuine relationships. Can't you imagine yourself involved in one of these activities? My posts will flesh out some these activities and ministries.
All Nations Sports Club, Winnipeg
This evangelistic sports club for refugee boys aged 12-17 is run by 2 main leaders and 6 volunteers at a church gym. The leaders work on inviting the right mix of boys and have a weekly 2 hour sports program with a 15-20 minute contextualized 'God talk' at half time. It involves gaining the trust of parents, picking up and dropping off the boys weekly. Our expectations are simple: Respect God, Leaders, Each other, and Property(including the car). Most boys have also gone to Bible camp each summer. We've done this for 3 years and have shared the Good News with many boys. Curriculum for the 'God talk' varies but lately we've utilized the free on-line The Hope Project(click).
Chai Immigrant Centre, Winnipeg
http://www.ccwpg.com/
Christians Helping All Immigrants. Its goal is to meet the needs of immigrants by building relationships as they make Winnipeg their new home. During the crucial and difficult first years of immigration, the CHAI Immigrant Centre is a place where immigrants can find people to connect with as they establish themselves in Manitoba. It is more than a place to meet for “CHAI”- a cup of tea. It is a place where a friendly Manitoban will take the time to develop relationships, answer questions, provide opportunities for conversational English and to have fun. (from website)
ESL, schools, churches, or one-on-one
English as a second language is an absolute necessity to survive in English speaking countries. Whether its volunteering at government run English schools, universities, or church run programs--its a great place to assist newcomers with English conversation, assignments or other settlement help that comes out of that. Friendships are developed quite easily in this setting. Check out what one church does in Winnipeg(click) and scroll down to services they offer.
MoveIn, Toronto
http://movein.to/
MoveIn is about copying Jesus’ example (Phil. 2:5-7) by literally moving in to the neighbourhood. We have discovered that something amazing happens when a group of Christians intentionally moves into a neighbourhood to pray (Acts 1:14) and be. In doing so, they have chosen to become part of the neighbourhood. Rather than visiting or serving and then going away, they will share in their neighbourhood’s joys (Rom. 12:15), and in its troubles (Rom. 8:17); and they will have an opportunity to be right in there as salt (Matt. 5:13) and light (Matt 5:14) - as the hands and feet of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27; Matt. 25:35-40) - with a cup of cold water in one hand (Mark 9:41) and the good news (Isa. 52:7) in the other. (from website)
The Jesus Network (click) has similar goals but also branches out to equip Christians to reach out.
International Pot-lucks, Moncton
One couple does a phenomenal ministry by inviting new immigrants to a church fellowship hall or a neutral place like a community centre and an equal number of Christians. Each brings the dish assigned to them. Its a natural place to connect as people mingle. The leader makes sure that each newcomer is connected to at least one Christian. The goal is for friendships to come out of this.
Meeting at parks or food courts
Some of us have had wonderful divine opportunities when we pray for the Lord to guide us to the Muslim of His choice at parks or food courts or places that people frequent. It does mean taking initiative and starting up a conversation with new immigrants. I've had opportunities to give out New Testaments, Jesus dvd's, gospel music, business cards with an evangelistic website. Some contacts result in follow up visits.
Reading the Bible and Prayer Ministry
Whether it's reading a childrens' Bible story book(for those whose English is weak) or an English Bible supplemented with the Bible in the Muslim's heart language, this is a great way to communicate the truth. We can go 'yada yada' for a long time, stating our own opinions but the Word of God is our authority. See the 'Book' section. Prayer is almost always welcomed by our Muslim friends. Most go through stressful times and they don't have an anchor to hang on it. We pray in 'Jesus name' whom they have respect for. Once we raise our hands the way Muslims do in prayer, they understand what we are doing--otherwise they are left confused...'this is prayer?' What better way is there of communicating God's love and demonstrating that you have a relationship with Him?
Use of Evangelistic Websites and other Resources
Friendship First is the general rule of thumb in gaining the trust and ear of Muslims. A testimony of a Believers from Muslim background can be quite threatening for unexposed Muslims as well as other internet resources listed in 'Websites'. I carry business cards with evangelistic websites to give to Muslims I meet in passing--i.e. a taxi driver or gas station attendant, etc.
