The 'ME' Part of Missionality on Eid-al-Fitr

The 'ME' Part

In a previous post this week, I asserted that it was God’s job to transform the hearts of my Muslim friends.   But I am learning that I do have an active role to play in this mix.  Stated simply, I am called to obey Jesus.  Another author, Jerry Trousdale, in Miraculous Movements, is teaching me what obedience might look like in my context.  Trousdale indicates that being intentional, inviting and biblical in friendship with Muslims should include these markers:

• People engaged in real, meaningful friendships over (often) long periods of time.
• Folks committed to much prayer.
• Individuals attempting to find common ground between Muslim and Christian faiths.  Avoiding me-versus-you debates.
• Men and women discipling others even before their friends are professed believers.
• Folks expecting the hardest places to yield the greatest results.

So in my context, and with my friends, I am committed to a long-term friendships with these boys.  It’s not limited to the upcoming academic calendar. For me this looks like visiting them at school, attending their games, and having them over to the house.  They should know my kids, my w, and maybe even my dog, Zion (though Muslims don’t touch dogs). I should disciple them, even before they know Jesus.  Teaching can happen in the context of small groups and large group activities through UrbanLife.  But discipleship is as much ‘caught’ as ‘taught.’  If they are hanging with me, I will seek to model the quintessential Jesus-way of loving enemies, being last instead of first, forgiving offenses.   I should be on my knees praying for them, and their welfare.  That looks like waking up early, even before my young kids! And I should expect a mighty God to finish the work.  That looks like me living with some boundaries, resisting the temptation to act as the Savior.

This Month is Ramadan; Today is Eid-al-Fitr

Ramadan is big time.   Across our town and throughout the world, followers of Islam are observing a dusk-to-dawn fast right now.  This month-long fast commemorates the revelations given from God through Gabriel to Muhammad.  During this time, my friends are praying more and are more receptive to God’s voice.  Today’s Eid-al–Fitr feast marks the end of the holy week. 

Dreams are big time too.  God is using them to call individuals to follow Jesus throughout the Muslim world.  Across the globe, Jesus Christ is renewing the lives of tens of thousands of Muslims.  Of these masses, nearly 70% of the new followers of Jesus report having dreams that transformed them forever.  For “God-knows-what” reason, this is the avenue many are finding freedom and life in Christ.

Knowing that my friends are receptive and that my God is able, I have been praying for dreams this month.  I continue pray my friends may encounter the love and the forgiveness of Jesus. I pray they might experience Him for real and know that He is good.  

Would you pray with me?