Food Court

Food courts in my city are busiest on cold or rainy days. The one I frequent is a central meeting place where many newcomers to Canada hang out. I pray that each time I go there would be at least one divine appointment. I do a lot of listening.

A typical morning or afternoon starts with a cup of coffee or something to eat so that I'm allowed to sit there. On this particular day, I scan the large area and soon see that at least 75% of the people sitting there are non-Caucasian. The Sudanese are sitting in one area, Ethiopians or Eritreans in another area besides Somalis, Aboriginals and pockets of University students and employees of shops. I spotted Lateef sitting with his Somali community. He was in a horrific car accident 18 months ago and was at death's door many times in ICU where we visited him. We prayed for him months before. His community discouraged him from having any contact with us. But there he was and I reminded him that it was a miracle that he was actually at the food court today. I talked briefly while other Somalis were listening in. He tires easily and had to leave for home shortly.

Newcomers who sit in food courts for hours have needs. Most need a job or they are waiting to be granted refugee status. Some struggle with a new culture and way of life very different from what they are used to. I remember talking to 2 African young men and after getting introduced, one of them turned to me and asked "What can you do for me?" He had the understanding that I as a Canadian held the key to him getting ahead. I wish I had that much power and influence! I try to get informed about where to send people who need help. After listening, I sometimes have opportunities to pray for guys.

I sat down next to a young African man and offered to buy the chap some coffee. He mentioned that he needed money to go to a certain pharmacy. When he left others who knew him said he'd probably spend it on booze. I noticed an Aboriginal man sitting at the next table watching me as I talked to this troubled African man. I  turned to him and greeted him. He responded, "I think you are a warrior." "Why do you say that?" I asked. "You genuinely tried to help that guy." He started talking about his life from the past, how he had been in jail for half a dozen years accused of attempted murder. And now he was working in a mining town in Northern Alberta. "I think God has been looking out for you. He is good" I said. "I believe in God too." My new friend gratefully accepted a New Testament and thanked me for praying for him.

I think Jesus would be comfortable at 'my' food court. He would have compassion for those who are truly hungry and thirsty for meaning and purpose in life.

"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink -- even if you have no money!...Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!...I will give you all the mercies and unfailing love that I promised to David." Isaiah 55:1-3

Overseas versus Homeland Ministries

I appreciate Brian's strategic contribution. He highlights significant changes in their ministry approach as they shifted from an overseas ministry context to homeland ministry. I know Brian is a great Christian role model for the Kurdish guys in his life. PTL!

"My first long-term interaction with Muslims was as a development worker in Mindanao, Philippines.  These were poor farmers and folk Muslims.  They used charms and incantations to protect themselves from evil powers and guns to protect themselves from their human enemies.  Since some were barely finding food for each day, it wasn't hard to discern their needs.  My colleague and I got training in both sloping agricultural land technology and in health, in order to introduce new ideas that could dramatically improve their lives.  Those that were willing to try new farming methods were generally also willing to study the Bible with us.  After a lot of sweat and tears, we did establish a church of Muslim background believers.

When the Lord directed my family and I back to North America and put on our hearts the Kurdish people, we had an entirely different challenge before us.  The culture of the Maranaos of Mindanao was fear based.  The Kurdish culture is shame and honor based.  None of our Kurdish friends in Canada wonder how they’re going to feed their family tomorrow.  The Canadian social system lifts everyone above absolute poverty.  The provincial health program, food banks, welfare, and disability programs are already in place.  Initially, it seemed the Kurdish refugees and immigrants here didn't have practical needs.  How would we show them the love of Christ?  Gradually, as we learned their culture and their language and we became a part of their community, we did discover real and felt needs.  Here are some of their needs that are likely common to many immigrant communities.

First of all, they have both marital problems and struggles raising their children in this “foreign” culture.  It’s neither quick nor easy for the Kurds to accept our help in this very personal area, but we are beginning to have opportunities.  Secondly, even those who speak English fairly well have difficulty reading the myriad of forms and papers coming from government, kids’ schools, banks etc. We’re often asked, “What’s this?” or “What do I do with this?”  Thirdly, navigating the health system here is a challenge, and we have oft-times walked with or sat with our friends through it.  Fourthly, from time to time, a friend gets a parking or a traffic ticket.  What to do?  This doesn't happen “back home”.  They need someone to explain and advise them.  Other felt needs the Kurds have sought our help with—a place to hold their parties(our church sometimes fills this need) and help in sponsoring their relatives to come to Canada.

Let me be clear, however. I'm not “earning” the right to share my faith with my friends.  Jesus has clearly given us that authority already(Matt. 8:28) and the Holy Spirit has given us his power(Acts 1:8).  I try to talk about my faith from my earliest significant interactions with my Kurdish friends.  Rather, I am simply showing the love of Christ, loving my(Kurdish) neighbor."

Thank-you Father for sending Brian and Carol Ann back to their homeland for a unique ministry to Muslim immigrants. Bless their efforts with their Kurdish neighbors. Amen. 

The Sacrifice

"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29.

Muslims are celebrating Eid al Adha next week--their biggest annual religious celebration. They commemorate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. According to the Bible and later mentioned in the Qur'an, God intervened and supplied a lamb--a substitute. His son was spared.

Many Muslims slaughter a sheep to remember this sacrifice. One of my friends announced that he would sacrifice a goat during the week-end and divide the meat between themselves, their relatives, and the poor. Most Muslims don't know the true meaning of the sacrifice. They know they need to follow Abraham's example and by doing so hope to gain God's favor.

On the day of Eid, the Muslim community gathers for prayers, usually in a rented hall to accommodate a large crowd. Then they go home and prepare a big meal followed by visits to their Muslim neighbors and friends. Past misunderstandings are put aside and they go around greeting each other.

Can we use Eid al Adha as a bridge to the Gospel with Muslims? Yes, sacrifice and redemption are at the core of the Gospel summary in 1 Corinthians 15:3(Injil). Jesus truly was crucified and died on the cross and rose again so that we can live eternally. The Introduction to the 'All Nations Series' of the Jesus dvd (click) helps explain to our Muslim friends how Abraham's sacrifice foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice for everyone.

Most of my Muslim friends consider it impossible that Jesus could be their substitute and don't even see themselves as sinners. But for the small mistakes they make, they hope to make up for them. The thought is that if one continues to improve and keeps the requirements of Islam then perhaps God will have mercy and save me from hell.

In 'Connecting with Muslims' (page 148) Fuoad Masri shares this story:
     "If a friend of mine asks me to watch his house while he travels, he expects me to take care of his possessions. But lets say that while he is gone, I accidentally destroy the furniture. To make up for my lapse of judgement, I wash his car as a gesture of goodwill. Does washing his car cover the cost of replacing the furniture? No! If I ask my friend to have mercy and forgive me for destroying his furniture since I washed the car, is it acceptable? Of course not!
     Even if he forgave me, my friend still has to pay for the new furniture. Likewise, our good works are not righteous enough compared to God's righteousness. Our good works will never erase sin, for we are expected to do good and obey God's commandments.
     In contrast to a Muslim's perspective, a Christian standpoint sees God as holy and all humans as sinful. No one is righteous in the sight of God. Sin must be punished by death, an eternal separation from God. All are in need of salvation through an eternal sacrifice. Only Jesus was sinless from birth and conquered sin and Satan. As the Word of God, Jesus is the only one who can intercede for and redeem all humanity."

Dear Jesus, you are the only lamb of God. Thank-you for salvation that you freely give through your ultimate sacrifice. Amen.