How can we lay down our cultural comforts to love our neighbors in ways that are familiar to them? In Middle Eastern culture, hospitality within community is a highly valued expression of love.
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Imagine if people could understand that our Muslim neighbors are really more like us than we think, and that starting meaningful conversations with Muslims might actually be as simple as saying hello. We’d all do it more often, and more Muslims everywhere would get to know the love of Christ.
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When I think of Easter, I can’t help but think of women. The biblical narrative guarantees it. The Bible emphasizes the integral role of women in Christ’s ministry on earth. In a culture where their value was not esteemed, the elevation brought to them by the gospel message is astounding! Is it any wonder? True Christianity always seeks to elevate the status of women.
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As Say Hello anticipates life beyond the pandemic, we remain aware of how it has impacted Muslims near and far. This final installment of our Covid series helps us remember that our Muslim friends need Jesus. We are in a place where our post-Covid world bears resemblance to theirs, offering unique opportunity for "togetherness" that features the ONE who loves us all.
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It is no secret that Muslim women grapple with fear. The pandemic has intensified their fears; it has also intensified opportunities for ministry among them! Truly the unprecedented times of the last year have provided unprecedented opportunities for deep connection with Muslim women.
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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.
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For the first time in 800 years, the Star of Bethlehem, more commonly known as the Christmas Star, appeared in the twilight skies. As Jupiter and Saturn converged, creating a brilliantly rare visible conjunction, my heart turned to the millions who still know nothing of the first Christmas and its significance today.
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My daughter and I have been prepping for our big Thanksgiving meal all week. Remnants of pie-baking and other sundry food accoutrements lie discarded all around us. I stand in the middle of the kitchen, and my heart remembers last year’s celebration.
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About halfway through our meal, I noticed an elderly gentleman looking my way. Through his unhappy glances, I could tell that my Muslim friend’s hijab was making him uncomfortable and possibly even a bit angry. A couple of times I saw him adjust in his chair, and I thought that he might come over and say something unkind.
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Our Urdu language tutor took us into one of the most compelling conversations we have ever had. Everything about the restaurant we were in on that day was quite ordinary, except for the tall glasses of chilled, fresh pomegranate juice our waiter brought to the table. The moment’s reverie inspired Mr. Noor* to quote a proverb that has since taken hold of our hearts.
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The first time I saw the red of blood of sacrifice flow down my own neighborhood street, I knew I would never be the same. It carved a yearning into my soul that to this day still burns…my longing that all Muslims would have ample opportunity to know Jesus as the Lamb of God.
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Some Muslim girls refer to their veils as their shade. My friend Ikraam wears hers very responsibly. By doing so, she means to honor Allah and the community she represents. It shelters her beauty and protects her from the tempter.
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I cried tears of joy and sorrow. We had what they needed, and we loved sharing with them. It’s what they didn’t know that still grieves my spirit. What they needed was free for the asking, all along.
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When our family lived overseas, we cherished visits with our Muslim friends during Ramadan. We enjoyed quite a few iftar invitations. We shared more than food.
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The need for hyper sanitizing has brought to light something else I had never experienced before.
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