Leveraging Shared Experiences

Friday, November 1

Whenever a hurricane or a typhoon of the highest category hits a country, lives are lost. Even with emergency services deployed ahead of time and numerous warnings, there will still be loss of life. It is tragic and inevitable.

I was talking with a Muslim family about the recent floods and loss of life in the US Southern States. They were amazed that even in America, people die from storms. I mentioned that everyone needs to be ready at any time to meet their Maker and they agreed. No one knows how much time they have left on this earth. These tragic storms remind us that our lives can be snatched away in a second, in the blink of an eye.

I explained that when that moment comes—and it will, not if—the time for confession and repentance is over. Muslims feel the weight of having to earn their salvation and God’s favor. They are uneasy with sudden disasters because they are cut off from being able to seek God’s favor. This leads them to become very fatalistic saying, “If God wills it, what can I do?” So, they just muddle through life as best they can.

There is an Afghan proverb that says, “In childhood, you are playful. In youth, you are lustful. In old age, you are feeble. So when will you worship God?” Sometimes we have to be gently challenged to take time to think and reflect on God in a personal way, whatever culture or society we live in.

Finding common ground for gospel conversations

I mention this because sometimes Christians have said to me, “I don’t know how to share Christ with a Muslim.” Or, “I don’t know what to say to a Muslim, they are so different from us.” Yet, in many respects, we are very similar. We all feel pain and loss. And this is a way to use current life events to share with your Muslim neighbors or colleagues.

Draw from current events or relatable experiences as a natural segue to bring the good news of Jesus Christ. There is real pain and tragedy in everyday life, and sometimes that is what it takes to wake us up to think about God. Too often, we read the news, pray for those affected by tough circumstances, and then move on.

But for those whose lives have been turned upside down, life is a huge struggle and challenge.

Many of our Muslim refugee friends have lived through or have family members currently experiencing major upheavals in their lives. Being able to talk and share about it helps them to process it. It gives us an opportunity to listen, feel their pain, and pray with them. It allows us to share God’s love for the nations and for them to hear of his tender mercy and compassion. It also gives us the opportunity to pray for God’s peace that surpasses understanding into their lives.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Muslim friends

Speaking of opportunities, the fall brings the harvest season. Please try to take advantage of Thanksgiving and consider it a season. Canadians have completed their official Thanksgiving Day, and Americans are still awaiting theirs, but if we all consider Thanksgiving (and Christmas) as a season then we can celebrate it for months!

Take the opportunity to invite Muslims you know to join in celebrating God’s provision and harvest. Take them to an apple orchard, have a bonfire, take them for walks in your local state or national parks to enjoy God’s handiwork. There are countless ways you can connect with your Muslim friends and colleagues every autumn!

10/10 Prayer Initiative

On the first Friday of every month, we have covenanted to join in prayer for 10% of the Muslim world to come to Christ in 10 years. This is a bold and challenging prayer that can only be answered by a bold and all-powerful God! Feel free to ask others to join in for these first Friday prayers, or if another day works better for you that is fine, too!

Please also pray for:

Peace in the Middle East. Local Christians who are from and live in the area are caught in the ongoing conflict between Israel and her neighbors. Pray that they would be spared and that they would be able to live out the love of Christ in a difficult place.
Ongoing conflicts around the world. Pray that these will not impede the gospel from going forth with power and in truth to needy areas.
Those hit by severe weather events all around the world. May local churches be responsive to help and be a blessing, so that Christ may be praised.
Ryan Corbett to be released from the Taliban in Afghanistan. Pray for grace for his family as they struggle through the second year of his captivity.
Christians living in Muslim lands. Ask God to give them the boldness to share their faith while showing sensitivity to the people they minister to.