Today, we welcome our dear friend, Joy Loewen, to share an inspiring testimony and some practical insights for Christian families as another school year gets underway. God wants to use each of us to reach our Muslim friends and neighbors—and that includes our kids!

Eight year old Zubi covered her ears to drown out the sounds of guns and shouting. She was tired and bored of staying indoors so she wouldn’t get hit by stones being thrown by angry people. Many nights she went to bed crying. She wanted to go outside and play but she couldn’t. One day her family finally received permission to settle in Canada. There were so many mixed emotions. She had to say good bye to her grandma and grandpa, aunties and uncles and school friends. At the same time she was excited about experiencing her first plane ride.

In the beginning everything was a big blur for Zubi in her new homeland. She was able to talk with her relatives back in Palestine by skype which helped ease her initial homesickness. At school she had to learn English. Only a few girls in her class wore headscarves. One day Ruby, who lived next door, met her outside and they started a wonderful friendship. They didn’t go to the same school but they played together. Ruby had immigrated from an eastern European country and could understand Zubi’s loneliness and adjustments. “Why do you wear that scarf, Zubi?” Ruby asked. “Because I’m a Muslim,” she replied. Ruby explained that she was a Christian and went to church. 

Zubi became curious. Ruby invited her to church the next Sunday and she went. But Jamal and Habiba, Zubi’s conservatively dressed and devout Muslim parents, didn’t want her to return to the church on Sunday mornings. So Ruby suggested she come to Kids Club on Wednesday nights. Zubi begged her parents. Finally they gave permission. 

There in the Kids Club she heard wonderful stories about a kind Jesus who loves her and there was always an exciting craft time. She met Sherry, the Children’s Pastor, who loved her immediately. Every week Zubi looked forward to Kids Club. She was the only girl in the Club who wore a headscarf but no one made fun of her. Once in the Club she made a beaded cross on a string. Zubi loved that cross but she knew she would get in trouble taking it home. Her mom and dad would make a terrible scene and forbid her to return to the club. What should I do with it, she wondered? “Ruby, would you keep my cross safe at your house? My mom and dad will get upset if they see this,” Zubi explained. Ruby agreed to keeping Zubi’s cross necklace a secret at her house. 

The key points of this story are based on true facts. Young Muslim boys and girls are getting exposed to Christianity in western lands. That usually happens when a Christian boy or girl befriends Muslim children next door or at school. Children, although aware of the differences between themselves and other children in regards to dress, food, skin color and religion, generally don't judge. Like Ruby, our children can become representatives of Jesus Christ to Muslim children living among us. During this COVID-19 season when churches, clubs, or camps may have some health directive restrictions in place our children may still have some personal access to their friends from Muslim background.

Dear heavenly Father, help my child or grandchild become an attractive representative of Jesus to a Muslim child in my neighborhood like Ruby was. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We highly recommend Joy’s book, Woman to Woman: Sharing Jesus with Muslim Friends. Both practically and very personally, Joy shares not only her insights into befriending Muslim women, but many helpful stories from her own experiences. Her goal is to help readers "move from fear to love and compassion" so that they, too, can love as Christ does.

Woman to Woman is essential reading for Christian leaders, ministries, and any layperson who wants to grow in love for and understanding of Muslims. Be sure to visit Joy's blog as well for posts detailing her personal journey as she serves Muslim women in her country.

This post originally appeared on Joy Loewen’s personal blog. Used with permission.