International Students

"...but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." Romans 12:2

"If I go with God, I'm afraid he will spoil my life", bemoaned an International student contact. I went on to share that God had given me a very fulfilling life when I put my trust in him as I pray and listen to the Holy Spirit for many important decisions. "Surely he has good plans for you," I reassured her. 

If the trend continues, it is possible that the number of International students sent to the West could double in 10 years. Many of these not only come for undergraduate studies but stay on for graduate studies or research. Who would have thought that we would have large numbers of Saudi students in our universities? Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam is a very challenging place to declare God's truth.

Bakht Singh was an International student studying engineering at University of Manitoba in 1929. He had previously been strongly opposed to Christ and even tore up a Bible to prove it. John and Edith Hayward befriended him in Winnipeg and invited Singh to live with them. After every supper they would read the Bible. It was reading the New Testament that brought him to a personal faith in the Lord Jesus. He became India's foremost evangelist and church planter. Haywards were part of that miracle.

Reminds me of conversations I had with an Asian student. Hussein read the Persian Bible I gave him from cover to cover. We met from time to time to discuss the Christian faith. He liked what he discovered to the point that he concluded that he would like to be a Jew, a Christian, and a Muslim. I explained that I didn't know about becoming a Jew but if he wanted to be a Christian, he would need to believe Romans 10:9, "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." "Do you believe Jesus is Lord and that he rose from the dead?," I asked. "No, I cannot agree with that," Hussein replied. "In that case, you are not a Christian yet," I added. There were many more conversations. The last chapter has not been written yet. I love this window of opportunity that we can have with inquisitive minds.  

Remember the incident I mentioned in my first post titled Redirection (click)? I believe God placed the District Commissioner in that strategic location to allow the Gospel to be preached in this remote town in Northern Pakistan. The students studying here are influential and how they view their experience in the West without a doubt will be remembered the rest of their lives. If they return to their homeland, they may appear in strategic places. It is possible for you to have a long term life-giving relationship with students from countries typically closed to Western missionaries. Like in the case of Bakht Singh, the Good News was carried to places we can never go. 

Heavenly Father, you direct students to come to simple places like Winnipeg to study but greater than that to meet you. Thank-you for allowing us to serve them and share the greatest knowledge they could ever get--that of knowing you personally. Amen

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.