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.