Ministering to Muslims

God has given my family and I the privilege of ministering to Muslim peoples. I want to share a few thoughts on the method(s) we use and also the challenges we face in this line of work. It is my hope that this article will be of some benefit to the reader in his/her daily Christian witness.

What I am about to write comes from our short life experience working among [Sunni Muslim] Arabs in North Africa. As you probably know, not every Muslim is of Arab descent. The country with the highest Muslim population in the world is Indonesia. In fact, each of the top four most populated Muslim countries is located east of the Middle East. It may well be that varying approaches/techniques should be utilized when witnessing to Muslims from different ethnic backgrounds; however, our experience is limited in the varieties of Muslims we’ve encountered.

What works for us:

--Praying (before, during and after)

--Reading and quoting the Bible

--Talking about Jesus (His life, miracles and parables/teachings)

--Explaining God’s plan of redemption from Creation to Christ

What doesn’t work for us:

--Arguing/debating Christianity vs. Islam

--Being preachy

--Condemning Islam, the Qur’an, and/or Muhammad

So many Muslims we have encountered have misconceptions about Christianity. And really, how can we blame them? The nucleus of Islam is not far, geographically speaking, from the Catholic motherland. In the North African country where my family and I live, the oldest non-Islamic religious structures are Catholic and Anglican churches. Is it any wonder, then, that Muslims would equate Christianity with orthodoxy or Catholicism? Consider also the fact that very little Christian witness is present within the borders of most Arab nations in North Africa and the Middle East. How exactly are Muslims supposed to learn the truth about Christianity and the Bible? Thankfully there are media ministries making an impact by beaming Christian material into Muslim countries through satellite television, radio and the Internet.

We really believe the Gospel is cross-cultural. We trust that God will work on Muslims’ hearts if we will just relay the simple Gospel message to them. With that in mind, it makes sense to let the Bible do the talking when we are witnessing to Muslims. We personally don’t try to persuade or cajole Muslims to believe the Bible based off of historical, scientific or archaeological evidences; after all, the Bible is a product that sells itself.

Our cold-call approach usually sounds something like, “Hi, I’m a Christian. Have you ever met a Christian before? We believe the Bible is the Word of God. It teaches us all about who God is and how we can live our lives to please Him. May I read you something....” Another method we use to start spiritual conversations is to connect objects or themes around us in the physical world with God or the Bible (ex: using a sunset to talk about God’s creation; using a rainbow to talk about Noah and the Flood; using the activities of local fishermen to talk about stories of fishing from the Gospels; using a slain lamb or other animal to talk about OT animal sacrifices and the NT Lamb of God). The Word of God is powerful. The Bible has been and will continue to be used of God to change peoples’ lives regardless of their religious affinity or social status.

Witnessing to Muslims is time consuming and often discouraging. Those aren’t reasons to avoid it, though. In almost every witnessing opportunity we have had here in North Africa, we have fought to keep the conversation on track. There are many distractions to work through. Don’t get frustrated if you find the tables have turned and you are being educated on Islamic doctrine and practice. Find a way to get the Bible back into your discussion and realize that this type of ministry requires time for a relationship and trust to develop. Do everything you can to exhibit the love of Christ.

Good ideas in which to show the love of Jesus Christ to a Muslim:

--Express a genuine interest in his/her life.

            --Ask questions about his/her family.

            --Ask questions about his/her home country.

            --Ask questions about the current events in his/her home country or region.

--Discover his/her physical needs and find ways to personally fulfill them.

--Go out of your way to be friendly and hospitable.

--Give him/her an Arabic Bible or New Testament.

            --Ask him/her to study the Bible with you by reading certain verses privately and then meeting back together to discuss the Scripture.

Written by a friend who ministers in N. Africa. 

Romans - the Land Rover of the Christian Faith

  The following is a few excerpts from Gospel Meditations for Missions, churchworksmedia.com. I enjoyed the article, so thought I would share. 

   The book of Romans is Paul's masterpiece. Swiss commentator Godet calls it"the cathedral of the Christian faith." I love that, but from the vantage point of a "pioneer" missionary, I view it more as a cathedral on wheels - the Land Rover of the Christian faith, if you will. The Romans Rover is stuffed with soteriological treasure, but it is designed for travel - preferably off road. The front bumper says "Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!" (Romans 1:21); the back bumper says, "Unreached Territory or Bust!" (Romans 15:20).

   When Jesus became famous in one place, He didn't build a cathedral and wait for the nations to notice. He moved out. He moved on to preach in Nexttown or Yonder Village. Paul embraced this pattern. After he established a church, he pulled up his stakes and moved on. Why? Because the churches were fully mature? No! Corinth alone could have used him indefinitely. He left to meet a greater need: the vast swaths of people who had no church at all - in "the regions beyond." It was like Paul had voices perpetually resounding in his head - echoes of the Macedonian Call. He had already preached from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum, over 1000 miles away. But you should see what's next on Paul's "bucket list"! He's bound for Rome, the imperial capital. And even that wasn't his ultimate destination. It was merely a layover en route to the furthest reaches of the empire - Spain - "the ends of the earth" as he knew it.

   Paul taught us that the essence of missions is going places where Christ is not already named. I don't understand why church planters so frequently ignore the little word not. The mission is not to plant the coolest church in town, but the only church in town.

   We're cloistered in climate-controlled cathedrals, feasting while billions can't even find a drop of Water. Our main problem isn't fear. Certainly we prefer our crosses gilded, not bloody - but there's a bigger issue. Christ is not our life. We're self-absorbed. Distracted. Apathetic. Unimpressed at the stunning honor of fulfilling biblical prophecies. Passionate about anything other than harvest fields of unreached souls - unreached not because they're unreachable, but because we've chosen not to reach them.

   The Romans Rover is warmed up and ready to roll. Jesus is driving. The ride won't be smooth. But there's a seat with your name all over it. You in? 

Reject or Accept

It is amazing to me that there are those in our world, who have heard the Truth of the Gospel many times over and they continue to reject the most unconditional, perfect gift ever offered. To realize that one is helpless, hopeless before Almighty God and to see His free gift of Salvation extended. But to willingly choose to reject His offer and to instead spit in His face. To me, it is comprehensible.

Yet, when people faced Jesus Himself and His undeniable power, there were still those to chose to reject Him as the Son of God. The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is found in John chapter 11. I was just reading it again today. Something caught my eye.... verse 45-46 says....

"Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done."

Even when these people saw with their own eyes a man who had been 4 days come out of the grave, they rejected what they had seen! If they refused the Saviour when He was standing in from of them, we should not be surprised when those we share the Truth with refuse Him also.

BUT... this in no way excuses us from sharing the Truth. Christ commanded his followers (that would include us who live today) to "preach the gospel to every creature." Our job is to spread the News. It is their choice to accept or reject it.

Are you actively sharing the Good News of Salvation with those you meet? 

Pamir Tajiks

The Tajik people who live in the Xinjiang Province are related but not close relations to those Tajiks of Tajikistan. They are sometimes called Pamir Tajiks, after the Pamir Mountains, where their homes are located. Ethnically and in many ways culturally, they are similar to those in Tajikistan, but one of the main differences is that they have their own language. This distinct language is unwritten, so while they use it to communicate at home, most know either Uyghur or Mandarin Chinese (or both) to speak with others.

Their physical appearance is nothing like that of others in Eastern Asia. They have dark complexions like other Central Asian peoples, but their facial features remind me more of Caucasians in structure. Many have lighter brown hair and some even have dark blue or green eyes. One other interesting fact is that they admire big noses.

Religiously they are considered Muslims, but they have mixed that belief system with older beliefs from their culture. So, they have a very convoluted faith that mixes Islam with mystic traditions. The simple truth is they need the Light of the Gospel to penetrate thru their spiritual darkness.

The government does make it hard to live in this area, but last time I checked God said in His Word, that “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Sure, it won’t be easy to live and minister in that corner of the world, but did God promise us a bed of roses when we choose to serve Him? No, but He does promise to be there with you every step of the way. 

Josh Norton Obituary

DECIN, Czech Republic—Joshua P. Norton, 40, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 6, 2012, at his home in Decin, Czech Republic. He was born December 9, 1971, Hudson, NY, the son of Richard and Miriam Underhill Norton. He grew up in New Hampshire, attended Christian schools, and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Norwich University in Vermont. He proudly served in the Marine Corps for four years as an enlisted man and in a second tour as an officer. Joshua willingly left a promising career in the Marine Corp to attend Bible college where he met his wife and answered a call from his Savior to serve on the mission field. Joshua married Maelene Hinkley on June 10, 2000, and faithfully served in the Czech Republic since February 2005. Joshua lovingly devoted himself to his wife and children. His love for his family and friends and the people of the Czech Republic were evident. But foremost, Joshua was committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. His faith was real, and he truly desired to honor and glorify his Savior with his life. From numerous hikes through the woods to helping memorize spelling lists, he was a terrific daddy actively involved in his children’s lives. He was an outstanding husband who not only loved but cherished his wife. He was a hopeless tightwad when spending on himself, yet very generous when giving to the needs of others. Joshua is survived by his wife, Maelene: four sons, Ethan, Seth, Levi, and Grant and a daughter Candace; his parents; brothers Daniel and Paul; sisters Faith and Lois; and 28 nieces and nephews. 

Soldier goes Home

I want to request prayer for the Norton family. 

They have been missionaries in the Czech Republic for about 8 years. I stayed at their house in Decin two summers ago. Wonderful family! committed to our Lord. 

this past Monday night, Bro. Josh went to sleep in his home there in the Czech Rep. and woke up in his real Home of Heaven. 

For reasons, we do not know or understand, God took him home. Please pray for his wife Mae and their 5 kids who are now without a husband and a dad. 

Preach the Cross - Reach the Lost

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: 

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to PREACH THE GOSPEL: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 

For I determined not to know any thing among you, SAVE JESUS CHRIST, AND HIM CRUCIFIED.

Have you been preaching the Gospel to those in your life?