Guest writer Nathan's father
was my colleague in evangelism in Pakistan and later relocated to England to
serve the Muslim community. Here are trends Nathan highlighted in a magazine article.
"As I step out of my house and head
into the city centre, I walk through neighborhoods heavily populated by ethnic
minorities representing many unreached people groups. They come from a variety
of countries but are setting down roots and increasing here in Bradford, as in
many cities throughout the UK.
Throughout Europe, Islam
is growing as a result of
immigration and high birth rates. Huge mosques are being built; students are
arriving from Muslim countries, both to be educated but also to proclaim their
own religion. Muslim leaders are arriving from overseas to teach and train
young men to be active in defending and spreading Islamic teachings and
culture, and Islamic schools are increasing in number with this end in view. This
is a challenge to society, but also a challenge to the church and to all
Christians, a challenge that must be confronted with the same love, compassion
and care exemplified by Jesus, a challenge to be active in reaching the nations
on our doorsteps.
Muslims are proud that their religion is
growing rapidly. For the Muslim, Islam represents a worldwide brotherhood and
unity is seen as its adherents observe Islam's various rites and festivals.
Nevertheless, in reality, many ordinary Muslims know little about their faith,
whilst remaining proud of following the religion of their forefathers.
Unlike many British people,
Muslims do fear God and are generally interested to talk to the 'People of the Book', that is, Christians. This openness to religious
conversation gives us a huge opportunity to explain the gospel. We need to explain simply and gently the truths of
the Trinity, the sonship of Christ, the cross and the resurrection. This takes
much patience and perseverance. The Lord Jesus is sovereign in evangelism
and will lead us to those in whom the Holy Spirit is at work.
Beyond the challenge of teaching the
gospel to Muslims lies that of helping Christian believers from an Asian
background feel at home in British churches.
First, a great deal of suspicion exists
between all parties involved.
Second, ex-Muslim believers are often
afraid. By changing religious loyalties they have cut themselves off from their
own community and they can face opposition and danger, which can become greater
if they are active in a church.
Third, for the two above reasons, believers
from the Indian subcontinent can feel isolated and lonely. They deprive
themselves of fellowship, and the temptation to return to Islam can be
overwhelming. The fact of the British involvement in wars in Muslim lands also
does not help. Ex-Muslims need to understand that British churches are not political in this
way and do not necessarily approve of British foreign policy.
So then, the challenges of evangelism and
church in communities where there are many Muslims are numerous. Nevertheless, the
church can and must arise and in the power of the Holy Spirit boldly and
lovingly take the gospel into every corner of multicultural Britain. As we proclaim the gospel and include people
from all backgrounds into our churches we will catch a foretaste of heaven.”
Almighty God, thank-you for calling Nathan from a new generation to carry on ministry. Bless him and his family as they reach out to Muslims "on their doorstep". Amen.
