April 4th, 2016
Many months ago I was feeling shy when I saw this Arab looking Muslim man sitting on a bench at the playground. I wanted to talk with him, but I felt afraid. I looked at my little daughter who could barely even speak at time and said, “Go say ‘hi’ to that guy”; she did and the rest is history.
After my daughter said “hi” and hit this stranger on the leg I immediately rushed over and introduced myself to him. Within a matter of days I had met this man, who we will call M’s, youngest son, and within a few months I knew four of his sons, two of his grandchildren, one daughter-in-law and the nephew of that daughter-in-law. I had met the family and introduced myself as a follower of Isa (Jesus). I was welcomed, but would I always be?
Fast forward many months to March 30th, 2016. I was with M and two of his sons. M barely speaks English and I do not speak Arabic, however his sons speak English well. When we are together we often talk of spiritual things, but as our views differ so much it’s easy for arguments to occur… Last night I had decided I was not going to argue, and though I heard several things that I wanted to argue about, I let them slide instead opting for positive conversation. During the evening I was able to share the story of Easter and why this holiday of Hope is so important to Christians; I talked of Jesus’ teachings and how Allah raised up Isa so that everything He had talked about could be validated. We talked about Faith, and the thrill we get when we see people passionate about their beliefs. I told a modern day parable based on the “Good Samaritan” and my friends were glad as they realized that I too thought that loving my neighbor was one of the most important things. AND THEN, before I left I asked if we could pray together. I prayed and I thanked God for the time spent together. I asked God for clarity and direction in life and I asked for peace, I also asked though that God break the things in us that hold us back from Him…I looked up mid prayer and saw my Muslim friend was recording. After I finished He said, “I never want to forget this.” I hope he doesn’t.
Pray with me that Jesus would reveal more than just Unity to my friend. Pray that He would also reveal the Hope that He is.
After my daughter said “hi” and hit this stranger on the leg I immediately rushed over and introduced myself to him. Within a matter of days I had met this man, who we will call M’s, youngest son, and within a few months I knew four of his sons, two of his grandchildren, one daughter-in-law and the nephew of that daughter-in-law. I had met the family and introduced myself as a follower of Isa (Jesus). I was welcomed, but would I always be?
Fast forward many months to March 30th, 2016. I was with M and two of his sons. M barely speaks English and I do not speak Arabic, however his sons speak English well. When we are together we often talk of spiritual things, but as our views differ so much it’s easy for arguments to occur… Last night I had decided I was not going to argue, and though I heard several things that I wanted to argue about, I let them slide instead opting for positive conversation. During the evening I was able to share the story of Easter and why this holiday of Hope is so important to Christians; I talked of Jesus’ teachings and how Allah raised up Isa so that everything He had talked about could be validated. We talked about Faith, and the thrill we get when we see people passionate about their beliefs. I told a modern day parable based on the “Good Samaritan” and my friends were glad as they realized that I too thought that loving my neighbor was one of the most important things. AND THEN, before I left I asked if we could pray together. I prayed and I thanked God for the time spent together. I asked God for clarity and direction in life and I asked for peace, I also asked though that God break the things in us that hold us back from Him…I looked up mid prayer and saw my Muslim friend was recording. After I finished He said, “I never want to forget this.” I hope he doesn’t.
Pray with me that Jesus would reveal more than just Unity to my friend. Pray that He would also reveal the Hope that He is.
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