Isolate or Engage?

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7.

"Do you believe this is the last generation before the return of Christ?" asked a visitor to our table at a large Missions conference. "It is possible...yes, it may be. There are many signs of apocalyptic proportion.", I answered. "Then you must get ready. Are you getting ready?", he continued. "Yes, I believe I am trying my best to prepare.", as I gestured with a sweeping motion over the banner with Muslims in front centre. "I want many of these to be in heaven with me!" "No, no...I mean, are you planning to move to an isolated place and invite your friends and family to come to a place of sanctuary? You know Jesus instructed the disciples to "flee to the mountains" in the scenario in Matthew 24.", he pressed on. "But sir, God has called me to tell these dear people about Jesus. That's what I want to be...busy with sharing the Good News if Jesus comes in my lifetime." He sighed and walked off. That was the gist of the conversation. His end time fixation got in the way of engagement with Muslims.

The news is shocking. "2015 continued to get worse for worldwide persecution of Christians, rising to "a level akin with ethnic cleansing,..." On top of the list is North Korea and Muslim majority countries."(Open Doors) There are basically no human rights for believers from Muslim background. 

"I am so afraid for my children and grandchildren when  I watch the news. Our world is a mess and Muslims seem to be getting stronger.", bemoaned a mid-aged woman. I agreed that things were really getting tough in the world and we too are praying especially for our grandchildren that they would remain strong in Jesus. Our sister broke down in tears as she dwelt on the grim reality of terrorism and rhetoric from the Middle East. These thoughts had taken over. I tried to reassure her that God is still God. "He is with us and will be with our grandchildren. Let's continue praying for our offspring."

I presented a workshop titled 'Middle East Events' Effect on Missions' at a Christian college this past week. A colleague, who ministered in Syria until it got dangerous for westerners, reported in the workshop that Syrian refugees who fled and settled on the border in Lebanon are responding to the love of Jesus, "We didn't see this kind of openness in Syria."

Western nations are welcoming Syrian refugees to their peaceful shores. Canada for example is bringing in 10,000 more Syrian refugees over the next 3 years. Our sovereign God is placing these at our doorsteps!!

My heart was warmed as I watched a local church welcome a Muslim Syrian family. They really loved on them. The family decided to move to another city. Just before they left 'Asif' requested to thank the church publicly.

I concluded my workshop at the College with "What If?" (click). The clip challenges us to engage with immigrants. Many of you readers are involved already. I believe God is pleased.

Lord Jesus, help me to effectively engage with Muslims you have brought here. Draw them to yourself through your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Moving Towards Christ

"...I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it." Matthew 16:18.

Ever been to an auction sale? I've been to quite a few automobile auctions and estate sales. The auctioneer looks for even a glimmer of interest and a slight nod is all that is needed to complete the sale in small auctions.

In 'Evangelism for "Normal People" (click) John Bowen refers to a 'bounded set' and a 'centered set' when it comes to evangelism. In the old paradigm a seeker comes to Christ in a more traditional way--a response to a Gospel presentation or an altar call at an evangelistic meeting. Assent to a set of beliefs is typically given in 'the sinner's prayer'. In the 'centered set' the focus is on Christ and any movement towards him is an indication of openness to his message. The focus is on what is happening in the seeker's heart. This 'centered set' is what usually happens with Muslim seekers. They are on a journey and it may be a long one. Read on to see how this is typically fleshed out.

My friend Ahmed was faced with deportation from the US. His lawyer advised him to seek religious asylum in Canada by claiming conversion to Christianity. His kids would need to be baptised in a church and he would need to know Christianity well enough to pass the scrutiny of a Canadian immigration officer. He was like a dog after a bone as he spent hours studying the Bible and comparing it to Islam. The more Ahmed studied, the more he became convinced that Jesus is the only way to become right with God. When he reached his decision, his wife was resistant for a season. Praise God, today they are a beautiful family who follows Christ.

Asif was drawn to kind Christians and started attending their lively worship services. He kind of belonged before he believed. This is quite typical where Muslim seekers check out a Christian community to see whether this would meet his or her needs. In this case a Christian with a 'cross-cultural gift' befriended him, understood his journey and pointed him to Christ. Every church needs a group of people who understand and accept people coming into the church from another culture or religion. We just heard of Christians who turned a Muslim away from exploring the Christian faith because of the trouble a decision to follow Christ would bring on the family. Miraculously, God found another way and today she has a glowing testimony.

Easterners are wired for the supernatural. Many Muslims are having dreams about Jesus. This of itself does not bring them to faith but gets their attention--like a flag waving. They need the truth of the Word of God to bring them to faith. A sister who was wavering in her new found faith and struggling with some aspects, had a dream that confirmed the truth. She never turned back. A Nigerian Muslim was a debater that no Christian could silence. One night in his sleep, he was chased by some evil force. Each time he woke up terrified. Finally, as he had another episode, he called out 'Jesus'. The evil force's pursuit stopped. It got him thinking--there is something to that name. He came to faith in Christ.

Jesus transformed Paul, the terrorist of the day and an unlikely candidate to become his follower. Paul, by God's grace did a 180 and started a movement. Be encouraged. Inspite of today's horrific news from the Muslim world, Jesus is building his church. We never know what method he will use. God is hearing the longing of Ishmael and his descendants. Even in the darkest of places, Muslims are responding to the truth!! In our setting, we may have the privilege to nurture faith in seekers when we remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit!

Lord Jesus, lead me to a Muslim seeker in my travels or in my neighborhood. I want to be your messenger to bring Good News to this person's heart. Amen.

What's in Your Hand?

"Then the Lord asked him, "What do you have in your hand?" "A shepherd's staff", Moses replied." Exodus 4:2

When God said "Go!", can't you just hear Moses object, "I can't do this!! Pharaoh won't believe me. I'm a lousy public speaker. Even the Israelites won't accept me." God answered with reassurance "I will be with you and empower you." Moses' simple shepherd's staff was one of the proofs.

I often have opportunities to use what is in my hand. In the early days of International student ministry, I advised students who were looking for their very first cars. Some bought 'beaters'. I remember crawling under the front end of a car with a significant engine oil leak. The student wanted to drive to California and back. I said, "I doubt it will make it both ways but if you add oil regularly, probably you can make it one way." At other times, I would ask my supervisor at the dealership for 15 minutes to use my hoist to check out a car that a student wanted to buy. On another occasion a Muslim friend from a well-to-do family moved into subsidized housing and the walls and doors looked drab and scruffy. So he asked me to teach him how to paint. He had never done any of this stuff himself.

Asif, his mother, and siblings arrived in Canada about a decade ago. After graduating from high school, he landed a decent job and was able to save up some money. Eventually he accumulated enough for a down payment on a small bungalow.  He proudly gave us a tour. It's old but solid. Just the week before he had trouble with the furnace and had to get that replaced. Ouch! He shared some of his renovation and improvement ideas and I suggested some of my own. It is most encouraging that he has taken a step forward and moved out of subsidized housing into his own place. We reassured him that this property has lots of potential and good value. At the end, he gladly accepted Joy's offer to pray a blessing on this home and on him.

My mind floated over to the hillside on the shores of the Sea of Galilee where a large crowd had collected around Jesus. He saw that they were famished. The disciples drew a blank what to do since it would take a small fortune to feed them all. Andrew found the young boy with 5 small loaves and 2 fish--just a drop in the bucket compared to the need. Can't you imagine what the boy told his mom when he got home? "I shared my lunch with 10,000 people." God used what he shared with others.

When we arrived in Pakistan, I prayed that God would use my hands. I'm not so eloquent or influential. But God not only used my handy hands but also allowed me to give leadership to people who needed a mentor. Many of you reading this are handy with your hands and perhaps growing in your ability to share spiritual truths too. Way to go! May God continue to use your skills.

Dear God, you creatively gifted each of us with unique abilities. Please send us to people to help where you get the glory. Amen.