Reflections on Covid and the Muslim Community: Part 1
The one year milestone of the pandemic’s global shutdown is fast approaching. No one is left unaffected. Here at Say Hello, we remember the impact to the Muslim community and our ministry to them. Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll share some reflections from a seasoned worker among Muslim neighbors. Our team remains grateful for the valuable insight she provides to Say Hello.
When the months of COVID-19 local lockdown started lifting restrictions to a cautious level, I texted my Arab friend, Fatima, “May I visit you?” “Please do,” she begged, ending her brief reply with 17 exclamation marks. Oh my, I thought. What is that all about?
The global coronavirus pandemic affected both Muslims and me immediately. Our government’s guidelines to shelter in our respective homes lasted months. Suddenly all the normal ministry of face to face visits with my Muslim friends in either their homes or our home came to a screeching halt. I was not used to restrictions or resorting to communicating primarily virtually. But for my female friends, already living with a measure of cultural restrictions, along with a dependency on virtual communication, the restrictions did not appear to be as big an adjustment for them as for me. They showed me it is possible to live with such restrictions.
As I went virtual, maintaining my long-term relationships with Muslims, I was surprised how the level of trivial chatting lessened. Praying for them virtually intensified as well as opportunities to read Scripture and explain Truth. The pandemic seemed to be speeding up the process. Thankfully the ministry has always been about relationships. COVID-19 did not shut down developed relationships, but it did temporarily change the means of communication during lockdown.
Suddenly the time arrived after months of settling into the lockdown of society when I could cautiously go out to visit my friends face to face or rather mask to mask. While covering my face is a new adjustment for me, many of my Muslim friends have not found that to be so difficult. The enforced lockdown of sheltering in our homes provided a safe environment from catching the virus. That safety brought a measure of temporary comfort. Now the big question of finding safe places to meet became perplexing. Should it be on a driveway, outside, in a food court in a mall, in my home or their home? Was I ready? Were they ready? Should I serve any food or drink? Should I accept anything they offer? Should we greet with the cultural hugs or kisses? Do I ask if they have any cold symptoms before we meet? What should I say or do when their little children do not understand social distancing? Should safety be the number one priority and concern? All the perplexing questions became oppressive. It was time to step out of the boat and learn to trust God more.
Hearing the voice of the Spirit clearly and following His instructions of how to proceed became very important to me. Gathering up my courage to transition into the new season of cautious and wise face to face visiting, I ventured apprehensively to Fatima’s apartment. When I saw her face I was swept into the new phase by the compassion of the Holy Spirit.
Tune in for the rest of the story on our next blog installment.