The 'Jesus' Camp

"Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled." Luke 14:23

"I wish that camp wasn't over. I liked it sooooo much!" "It was the best week in my life!" Its delightful picking up Muslim kids and youth after a week of Bible camp with such positive feedback.

'Sarah' went to her first Bible camp. When she arrived, she insisted that she was exempt from going to Chapel. The director called me. I had an opportunity to explain the camp's policy to her mom...that there would be no pressure to participate other than being there. She was ok with that. 'Sarah' and the others from non-Christian background came back psyched. A Somali boy said, "I'll wear this t-shirt(Gimli Bible Camp) for a week!!"

"...to Reach the Unreached with the salvation message of Jesus Christ, and to Teach the Reached about God's desire for their lives." reads the Mission Statement of one of the camps we send the kids to. That's why a local foundation sends over 1200 kids from low income families to a free week of Bible camp each summer.

Of the 'least reached' kids and youth are newcomers from Muslim, Yiziddi, Sikh or Hindu backgrounds. There really aren't any connecting points between suburban churches and these kids. It literally takes the application of the above verse "GO...to subsidized housing complexes and invite the kids to Bible camps". With this in mind I offer to work on applications and subsidy forms for 'newcomer' boys and girls and provide transportation to and from the pick-up point to the camp bus.

I was collecting camp applications when an Afghan father said "I decided not to send my son to camp this year. I'll teach him how to pray at home." The Lord gave me the answer "That's exactly what they will learn at camp--how to pray!" He thought for a moment and said "I trust you Ed, I'll send Asif to camp." Another Muslim boy who went to camp was instructed by his father "When they talk about Jesus, just plug your ears!" When the bus returned at the end of the week, one of the counsellors said "He didn't do a good job of plugging his ears. He had many good questions."

It helps if staff understand other cultures and how to relate to them. On the logistics side food can become an issue. Many of the Muslim campers mention on their applications that they are 'allergic' to pork! Hindu kids on the other hand may be totally vegetarian. If the week of camp happens to be during Ramadan, some of the Muslim kids want staff to put food aside for them to eat after sunset. And then there are Muslim prayer times requirements.

For the camps we are sending the boys to many of the counselors and staff say, "We've been waiting for these kids all summer!" It's not been without challenges when the kids get homesick or make demands as a group. Sometimes the camp has had to bring a few kids back when issues could not be resolved. But overall the experience has been positive. Watch their enthusiasm in the video clip!

Heavenly Father, you love these children. May they treasure the Good News in their hearts and be drawn to you. Amen.

GROW!

“A farmer went out to plant some seed…” Matthew 13:3

Farm boy inside me enjoys planting flowers and vegetables and seeing them grow. In this parable Jesus compares responsiveness with soil types. The farmer in this story liberally tosses seed everywhere. So what happens spiritually in real time when I scatter the ‘Jesus’ seed(the Gospel)?

My Somali friend Abdi wanted help with selecting materials at the library to learn English. But I first wanted to find out how well he reads and also if he has a spiritual appetite. So I had him read a photocopy of the first chapter from ‘The Young Reader’s Bible’. His reading went well but he objected to Adam being made from the ‘dust’ of the earth. He said, “…it smells like this” as he rubbed his arms together—“like sand”. Ok... “I don’t want religion friendship. I want without religion. I have Qur’an. That is all I need.” Doesn't this sound like seed scattered on a hard pathway…where the birds quickly snatched it up? My Somali friend’s heart is not ready to receive the ‘Jesus’ seed.

   

Farhad asked to be baptized…ASAP! After studying the book of John together for about 3 months, he seemed to understand the Bible's core message of salvation. After consultation with our pastor about baptism, we felt that something didn't feel right. It wasn't long before Farhad lost interest in anything spiritual and contact with us. He seemed to want a new identity, not faith. We've seen others who gladly accepted Christ while fleeing oppression in a Muslim country. For some who settle in the West  and get connected to their Muslim community, it becomes clear. They’d rather have community than Christ. There you have it…seeds that fell on shallow ground, quickly started growing but soon withered.

The third category of the soil of the heart could happen to anyone. Other things start crowding out growth in the Christian’s life. Busyness of life and pursuit of material things trumps regular Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with God’s people. Striving to remain in good standing with the Muslim community, silences the believer. The issue becomes "how can I survive in this new land without my community?" If there ever is time for Bible study and prayer, the conversation has to go back to the basics. Paul had this problem with the Corinthians, “I had to feed you with milk, and not with solid food…”

The last category is wonderful...so life giving. I had coffee with Ibrahim recently. He has zeal for the Lord and trusts God with everything. His 'new life' is beginning to impact personal life and family. He longs to see others come to Jesus. His life is fruitful. He is a godly influence. Praise God for this soil type--the receptive kind where there is a harvest. Its a long journey. This comes at a high cost for the believer but its worth it all!

Here are my 4 tomato plants. I prepared the soil, selected healthy plants and take good care of them. I'm waiting to bite into a juicy tomato!! In the spiritual realm, I want to do my part in planting the 'Jesus' seed and nurturing it. Lord willing there will be a harvest.

Lord Jesus, Help me to be a disciple who grows in you so that I can teach others. Amen. 

Compassion versus Proclamation?

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16

When I first met Hanaa(Ethiopia) in her ESL school, she was wearing a bold 'Jesus' t-shirt. Hanaa relates well to Muslims around her. She isn't aware of what's 'politically correct'. She wants everyone to know that she loves Jesus! It's a delight to have new immigrant believers like Hanaa in my conversation groups. In Hanaa's cultural background, 'God' is on people's lips all the time.

On the other hand, we are a private culture. Western Christians often keep faith to themselves. Very few model including 'Jesus' in conversations even with Christians. And praying is done behind closed doors--seldom part of a 'Christian social gathering'.

Recent participants in an adult Sunday School class were fully engaged as Joy walked them through her fabulous Our Journey (click) presentation. She talked about how Christians hear(ears) news about Muslims and then see(eyes) them in the grocery store...etc. but ended with doing(hands) something for a Muslim friend. Joy asked, "What's missing?" The audience was stumped. They came for cultural tips to prepare for the imminent arrival of the Syrian refugee family they sponsored. It didn't dawn on them there was an unused body part that God wanted to use--'the Mouth'.

Should Christians share Jesus with Muslims?? What about the alleged quote from Francis of Assisi "Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words”? Some would say, "Isn't this a wise approach? After all, we don't want to offend Muslims..."

"How many times have we heard that message? That we share the Gospel by the way we live and only tell people the Gospel "when it's necessary?" Ray Comfort said "this statement is comparable to saying "feed the hungry--if necessary, use food." (Worldview Times)

How did we get here? Churches provide fewer public opportunities of sharing lessons God has taught us...answers to prayer or of opportunities showing/sharing God's love. We don't practice talking about 'Jesus' even in church. Judging from responses we get from our bi-weekly prayer updates, Christian brothers and sisters long for more 'God talk'. They are ready for more passion.

A Christian myth developed that 'being a witness' means sharing the whole '9 yards' like the '4 Spiritual Laws' every time. Many believers say, "I can't do that!" Unbelievers distance themselves. I grew up on the farm. There is a lot more to getting a crop into the bin than harvesting. Likewise with effective witness. Usually this involves befriending someone, praying for them, nurturing common interests, and just being transparent about who we are. Let's create some 'intrigue' in our witnessing by using stories so the listener wants to hear more...on our next visit. Jesus did that.

Large churches put on evangelistic events like showing a Christian movie. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their non-Christian friends. Unless there is teaching otherwise, these can dis-empower Christians with the thought of "leave it to the professionals".

I love signs of spring...the first robin, the first flower, or pussy willows. I also love seeing signs of spiritual interest in my Muslim friend. Isn't it exciting to partner with God in showing kindness and in proclamation?

Lord Jesus, give me the conviction, desire, courage, and opportunity to creatively share you with Muslims I meet. Amen.