“What do you think the most important thing in life is?” Joel asked a group of high school girls we were evangelizing. “Health?” they guessed. “Education? Friends?” “No, no!” he laughed. “What I’m talking about is really the most important thing in the world: in fact, it’s so important, it’s amazing that more people aren’t talking about it.” Of course, what he was referring to was our life after our death, which will quite overshadow our life here on earth. “Wow, what a way to put it,” I thought, and filed away his wording for future use in evangelistic outreaches.
“We need to start a Bible study in this school!” Joel told our friend “Rashid” and me eagerly. “You know that this is a task for the two of you to take up,” I warned them, “since I’m leaving soon.”
God has led Joel – who is originally from the south, and has just been here on a temporary assignment – to remain in the north when he completes his current obligation. He plans to find a job to support himself while he does ministry “on the side.” He will take over most of the ministries I’ve been involved in: teaching about Christ in the schools (yes, it’s plural now! more on that later), praying with the sick in hospitals once a week, leading discipleship sessions with new believers, and evangelizing in local neighborhoods. Please pray for this passionate, dedicated young man: may God lead him clearly and purposefully in the months to come, and provide for all his needs in HIS good timing.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Ghanaian Cell Phones
I have to say that I love the way cell phones work in Ghana…but the cell phone plans wouldn’t really work for impatient, busy Americans. ;)
The biggest investment is the cell phone itself…and they can be pretty cheap! Mine cost 42 cedis ($30), but many will cost 25 cedis or less. There are five cell phone networks to choose from in Ghana – here are their names, prefixes, and taglines:
020 – Vodafone – “It’s your time”
024 or 054 – MTN – “Everywhere you go”
026 – Zain – “A wonderful world”
027 – Tigo – “Express yourself”
028 – Kasapa – “The power of 028”
(Had to include the prefixes just so you’d understand Kasapa’s tagline…which I find a little lame.)
To sign up for one of these plans, all you have to do is buy a chip from any credit vendor…and there’s a credit vendor on many streets and at many corners! The chip costs 1 cedi, and gets inserted into your phone, and voila! You are signed up for that plan! The ease of switching between networks makes the plans fairly competitive in their pricing and promotions. Now all you have to do is buy cell phone credit from one of the afore-mentioned credit vendors, in 1-cedi, 2-cedi, 5-cedi, or 10-cedi denominations (most people, including me, buy one or two cedis’ worth at a time).
There are two ways to purchase credit: you can buy a scratch card (and then you have to scratch to reveal the code, and dial about 18 figures to call in for the credit to be posted to your account: you think Americans would want to do that?), or you can give your phone number to the credit vendor, and have him transfer the credit from your provider to your account. Most vendors will add a premium for the transfer service, although I’ve been fortunate to make friends with a Christian credit-seller on my walk who will give me two cedis of transfer credit if I pay him two cedis! He’s memorized my phone number, so all I have to do is hand over the money, and he takes care of the rest. =)
Every so often, Tigo (the network I’m using) has a “triple bonus” week, where if you buy two cedi’s worth of credit, you get your credit PLUS four cedis’ worth of bonus credit that expires in two days. The bonus credit can be used for any Tigo calls or for calling the U.S. and Canada. Praise God I don’t come from, say, Belgium! The four cedis give me half an hour of talk time with my family: what a blessing!
Oh, one other great thing about cell phones in Ghana: it doesn’t cost anything to receive a call (even internationally), only to make it. Why can’t we copy this aspect in the States? ;)
The biggest investment is the cell phone itself…and they can be pretty cheap! Mine cost 42 cedis ($30), but many will cost 25 cedis or less. There are five cell phone networks to choose from in Ghana – here are their names, prefixes, and taglines:
020 – Vodafone – “It’s your time”
024 or 054 – MTN – “Everywhere you go”
026 – Zain – “A wonderful world”
027 – Tigo – “Express yourself”
028 – Kasapa – “The power of 028”
(Had to include the prefixes just so you’d understand Kasapa’s tagline…which I find a little lame.)
To sign up for one of these plans, all you have to do is buy a chip from any credit vendor…and there’s a credit vendor on many streets and at many corners! The chip costs 1 cedi, and gets inserted into your phone, and voila! You are signed up for that plan! The ease of switching between networks makes the plans fairly competitive in their pricing and promotions. Now all you have to do is buy cell phone credit from one of the afore-mentioned credit vendors, in 1-cedi, 2-cedi, 5-cedi, or 10-cedi denominations (most people, including me, buy one or two cedis’ worth at a time).
There are two ways to purchase credit: you can buy a scratch card (and then you have to scratch to reveal the code, and dial about 18 figures to call in for the credit to be posted to your account: you think Americans would want to do that?), or you can give your phone number to the credit vendor, and have him transfer the credit from your provider to your account. Most vendors will add a premium for the transfer service, although I’ve been fortunate to make friends with a Christian credit-seller on my walk who will give me two cedis of transfer credit if I pay him two cedis! He’s memorized my phone number, so all I have to do is hand over the money, and he takes care of the rest. =)
Every so often, Tigo (the network I’m using) has a “triple bonus” week, where if you buy two cedi’s worth of credit, you get your credit PLUS four cedis’ worth of bonus credit that expires in two days. The bonus credit can be used for any Tigo calls or for calling the U.S. and Canada. Praise God I don’t come from, say, Belgium! The four cedis give me half an hour of talk time with my family: what a blessing!
Oh, one other great thing about cell phones in Ghana: it doesn’t cost anything to receive a call (even internationally), only to make it. Why can’t we copy this aspect in the States? ;)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
God Opens More Hearts to the Gospel
A week after visiting the ladies referenced in the last post, I returned to their neighborhood, accompanied by Saka (who translated for us, and did some of his own preaching too!) and Jeff (one of the university students who recently arrived). As we waited for our evangelism team to assemble, we were assailed by four neighborhood children who were attracted by all the foreigners in our group. When at last the final members of our discipleship study group arrived so that we could form teams and move out, one of my friends asked the children in their language to go home now, as we were ready to move on to our next activity.
After arming ourselves with tracts and praying, we moved out in four different directions: and as Saka and Jeff and I retraced my earlier steps, we were suddenly joined by the children we’d sent away. They crowded around Jeff and me, and I was tempted to ask Saka to repeat what we’d previously told them: we were busy with something else, so now was not a good time to visit with them.
Thank the Lord for intervening and reminding me that if our whole purpose was evangelism, we could always start with these four! We stepped aside to the shade of a tree, and spent ten minutes sharing the gospel with them and then leading all four in a prayer of salvation! They ended up being God’s means for us to conduct our evangelism, as they directed us to their own homes, where we could speak with the women and children in their homes. Four women and a number of children prayed with us to accept Christ.
Just this week, a friend of mine who is a pastor stopped by my office for a visit. As we talked, I realized that his wife’s family is located in the same neighborhood as these new Christian women and children, and asked him whether he thought they could disciple the new believers. Please pray for these women and children as they will be shepherded by mature Christians. May God grow them in their new faith, and may He use them to bring many others in their community to Christ!
After arming ourselves with tracts and praying, we moved out in four different directions: and as Saka and Jeff and I retraced my earlier steps, we were suddenly joined by the children we’d sent away. They crowded around Jeff and me, and I was tempted to ask Saka to repeat what we’d previously told them: we were busy with something else, so now was not a good time to visit with them.
Thank the Lord for intervening and reminding me that if our whole purpose was evangelism, we could always start with these four! We stepped aside to the shade of a tree, and spent ten minutes sharing the gospel with them and then leading all four in a prayer of salvation! They ended up being God’s means for us to conduct our evangelism, as they directed us to their own homes, where we could speak with the women and children in their homes. Four women and a number of children prayed with us to accept Christ.
Just this week, a friend of mine who is a pastor stopped by my office for a visit. As we talked, I realized that his wife’s family is located in the same neighborhood as these new Christian women and children, and asked him whether he thought they could disciple the new believers. Please pray for these women and children as they will be shepherded by mature Christians. May God grow them in their new faith, and may He use them to bring many others in their community to Christ!
Jeff and Saka stand with the women and children of one house where we shared the good news of Jesus Christ
Monday, May 24, 2010
Opening Hearts to the Gospel
In the last few weeks, fellow church members and I have been going out for evangelism outreach in the neighborhoods surrounding the center where I work. One morning I was out with Pastor Tirumbu, who left me to speak with this group of women and children while he pursued conversations with men. I told them we were going around letting people know that Jesus loves them, and then I started asking questions of them, their lives, their health, their families, etc. (all important getting-to-know-you questions in Ghana!). They revealed that the reason they’d come together was to discuss ways to improve their families’ lives by starting small business ventures: all they needed were loans to begin their industries. Of course they asked me whether I could help; but I explained that I didn’t give out such loans. However, the ministry with which I’m working sometimes gives out micro enterprise loans, and the women might apply to see whether they qualified.
The next week I returned to speak with the women, and we again discussed their families, their lives, and the need for micro enterprise loans. I was taking probably 15-20 minutes to hear their hearts and enter into their lives, all the while praying, “Lord, You know the reason I’m here: if you want me to speak about You, show me how and when!” God is so faithful, because suddenly the women talked to the one who was interpreting, and she turned to me and said, “Now we want you to tell us about Jesus.” Praise God! “Did you have a specific question about Jesus?” I asked her, and she instantly replied, “Yes: they say Jesus is the Son of God, but how can that be since God has no wife?” Starting with this question, I ended up presenting the entire gospel to the women, being urged “Go on!” whenever I paused.
Some men joined us toward the end, and because of the pressures women can be under from the men in their lives, I felt God wasn’t leading me to pray a salvation prayer with them at the moment. Instead, I told them what they should tell God from the heart if they wanted to accept Jesus’ sacrifice to open the way into heaven. Please pray for these dear women who have heard the truth: may God be drawing them to Himself, even as He planted the interest and questions in their hearts!
Important note: When I asked Pastor Tirumbu about available loans, he stated that the money they use for such loans is all designated for specific communities, and can’t be used for these women. However, he is willing to administer a separate loan program for them if the funds can be raised, and asked whether I can mention the need on my blog. He estimates that $500 will be needed to get ten women started in small businesses. The exciting thing is that the woman he would choose to administer the loans was herself once a Muslim, and is now a glowing Christian who can speak the women’s language. My ministry has agreed to accept funds for such a project. If you are interested in contributing to such a fund, please contact me at african leah at yahoo dot com (no spaces, of course). Thanks for considering, and for praying for these women!
The next week I returned to speak with the women, and we again discussed their families, their lives, and the need for micro enterprise loans. I was taking probably 15-20 minutes to hear their hearts and enter into their lives, all the while praying, “Lord, You know the reason I’m here: if you want me to speak about You, show me how and when!” God is so faithful, because suddenly the women talked to the one who was interpreting, and she turned to me and said, “Now we want you to tell us about Jesus.” Praise God! “Did you have a specific question about Jesus?” I asked her, and she instantly replied, “Yes: they say Jesus is the Son of God, but how can that be since God has no wife?” Starting with this question, I ended up presenting the entire gospel to the women, being urged “Go on!” whenever I paused.Some men joined us toward the end, and because of the pressures women can be under from the men in their lives, I felt God wasn’t leading me to pray a salvation prayer with them at the moment. Instead, I told them what they should tell God from the heart if they wanted to accept Jesus’ sacrifice to open the way into heaven. Please pray for these dear women who have heard the truth: may God be drawing them to Himself, even as He planted the interest and questions in their hearts!
Important note: When I asked Pastor Tirumbu about available loans, he stated that the money they use for such loans is all designated for specific communities, and can’t be used for these women. However, he is willing to administer a separate loan program for them if the funds can be raised, and asked whether I can mention the need on my blog. He estimates that $500 will be needed to get ten women started in small businesses. The exciting thing is that the woman he would choose to administer the loans was herself once a Muslim, and is now a glowing Christian who can speak the women’s language. My ministry has agreed to accept funds for such a project. If you are interested in contributing to such a fund, please contact me at african leah at yahoo dot com (no spaces, of course). Thanks for considering, and for praying for these women!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Memorial Service
Thanks to all for the understanding words and condolences at this time of loss, and especially for all the prayers being offered on my family’s and my behalf. My aunt’s memorial service will take place tomorrow, and I know my family would appreciate your fervent prayers.
There is such a dichotomy between the struggles being faced by my family (and vicariously by me) Stateside, and the amazingly fruitful ministry God is giving here. Two days ago Joel and I and four of our discipleship students teamed up with six of the college students to go out on area evangelism, and half a dozen people prayed to accept Christ! Just an ordinary day here, you know…and apologies to my friend who recently warned me to be “careful how many people get saved over there...you'd hate for your readers to get sick of conversion stories!!” (She did say she was kidding. ;) )
Thanks for your continued prayers.
There is such a dichotomy between the struggles being faced by my family (and vicariously by me) Stateside, and the amazingly fruitful ministry God is giving here. Two days ago Joel and I and four of our discipleship students teamed up with six of the college students to go out on area evangelism, and half a dozen people prayed to accept Christ! Just an ordinary day here, you know…and apologies to my friend who recently warned me to be “careful how many people get saved over there...you'd hate for your readers to get sick of conversion stories!!” (She did say she was kidding. ;) )
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
One month from today
I will land on American soil! Just thought I’d take the opportunity to list some random things that come to mind.
I will miss:
* Waking up at 6 a.m. and feeling as though I’ve slept in
* Being hailed by children everywhere as a celebrity
* Using the bits of African language I’ve learned, and hearing their sounds as I go through my day
* A lifestyle devoted to evangelism and discipleship
But I am looking forward to:
* Gargling in the shower
* Using tap water when brushing my teeth
* Controlling the temperature of my showers
* Using Spanish words and American slang without having to explain myself
It’s the little things, you know? ;) Of course, most of all, I will miss dear Ghanaian friends, and am looking forward to being reunited with all my wonderful family and friends in America.
As Aslan welcomed his friends to his country in C.S. Lewis’ The Last Battle, he told them that their hearts would not always be torn in two between England and Narnia. One day Jesus will take me to heaven, where there will be no pull on the heart from separate lands. My Christian brothers and sisters and I will enjoy eternal reunion in a perfect paradise: all tears will be gone, and Jesus’ tangible presence will never be absent. It’s an awesome thought!
But in the meantime, there’s the new chapter to anticipate…the chapter that starts one month from today.
I will miss:
* Waking up at 6 a.m. and feeling as though I’ve slept in
* Being hailed by children everywhere as a celebrity
* Using the bits of African language I’ve learned, and hearing their sounds as I go through my day
* A lifestyle devoted to evangelism and discipleship
But I am looking forward to:
* Gargling in the shower
* Using tap water when brushing my teeth
* Controlling the temperature of my showers
* Using Spanish words and American slang without having to explain myself
It’s the little things, you know? ;) Of course, most of all, I will miss dear Ghanaian friends, and am looking forward to being reunited with all my wonderful family and friends in America.
As Aslan welcomed his friends to his country in C.S. Lewis’ The Last Battle, he told them that their hearts would not always be torn in two between England and Narnia. One day Jesus will take me to heaven, where there will be no pull on the heart from separate lands. My Christian brothers and sisters and I will enjoy eternal reunion in a perfect paradise: all tears will be gone, and Jesus’ tangible presence will never be absent. It’s an awesome thought!
But in the meantime, there’s the new chapter to anticipate…the chapter that starts one month from today.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Full Circle
The Tirumbus’ oldest son, Yaro, is home on summer break, and is once again joining Pastor Tirumbu and me in the morning commute.
A team of students from the same university that sent people to serve with the ministry last year has just arrived. We’ll be going to spend the night in villages together.
It seems my last month of service in Ghana will strangely parallel my first…only when I first arrived in Ghana, I wasn’t praying at the hospital once a week, meeting twice a week for discipleship sessions with young people that I helped lead to Christ, or teaching about God and His Word in an area school thrice a week.
God is very good.
A team of students from the same university that sent people to serve with the ministry last year has just arrived. We’ll be going to spend the night in villages together.
It seems my last month of service in Ghana will strangely parallel my first…only when I first arrived in Ghana, I wasn’t praying at the hospital once a week, meeting twice a week for discipleship sessions with young people that I helped lead to Christ, or teaching about God and His Word in an area school thrice a week.
God is very good.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tragedy
More than eight years ago, a drugged-up driver raced through a park with a 25 mph speed limit at more than 60 mph, slamming into my uncle, and instantly killing him.
Yesterday his widow took her life.
Please pray for my dear and much-loved cousins, V (she just turned 22) and W (he is 19). Please pray for my whole family, and for me as well.
Yesterday his widow took her life.
Please pray for my dear and much-loved cousins, V (she just turned 22) and W (he is 19). Please pray for my whole family, and for me as well.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Discipleship Course - 2
Recently our young friends in the discipleship course (all of whom are in their late teens or early twenties) told us about some of the struggles they’re undergoing. One young man, “Charles,” lives with his brother, a strong Muslim who has said that Charles must leave his home. Charles went back to “the village” for a few days for a change of scene after his brother’s announcement. His family in the village isn’t so happy with his new decision either, however, so his old avenues of retreat are no longer available to him. As he recounted his struggles, the others in attendance echoed that they are also receiving pressure from their families to revert to Islam. So far, however, no one is wavering. We promised to pray for each other as they face these challenges.
Despite the home pressures he’s experiencing, Saka asked us to pray for him as he looks for the words and the way to tell others in his community about Jesus. “They are noticing a difference in my life, and have been asking why I’m a better person now.” The others stated that they have had similar observations made about them. Praise God that their lives are demonstrating the fruits of salvation to all who are watching!
Please join me in praying for our Christian brothers (and sister), and for Joel as he will continue leading these sessions on his own in another month and a half.
Despite the home pressures he’s experiencing, Saka asked us to pray for him as he looks for the words and the way to tell others in his community about Jesus. “They are noticing a difference in my life, and have been asking why I’m a better person now.” The others stated that they have had similar observations made about them. Praise God that their lives are demonstrating the fruits of salvation to all who are watching!
Please join me in praying for our Christian brothers (and sister), and for Joel as he will continue leading these sessions on his own in another month and a half.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Discipleship Course - 1
You might remember the young teachers Fatawu, Alit, Rahama, and their friends who came to Christ in February. In the intervening months, Mr. Joe and Joel and I have been meeting with them twice a week to encourage them in their new Christian walks. We’re slowly progressing through the Sermon on the Mount together, which Pastor Tirumbu recommends as a wonderful study for new believers from a Muslim background. Islam is full of rules and rituals regarding almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, among other good works, and Matthew 6 outlines how Christ’s followers perform those specific activities. Although Mr. Joe has gone, Joel and I are carrying on for the time being: what a sweet and special time it’s proving to be!
From almost the beginning, we’ve encouraged the young Christians to come prepared to share questions or insights from their personal Bible reading. This portion of our two-hour sessions is gradually expanding, so that our formal lesson time is shrinking. We’re greatly encouraged to see their personal growth in the Lord, however, and welcome the change.
Joel sitting with four members of our discipleship class under a mango tree
From almost the beginning, we’ve encouraged the young Christians to come prepared to share questions or insights from their personal Bible reading. This portion of our two-hour sessions is gradually expanding, so that our formal lesson time is shrinking. We’re greatly encouraged to see their personal growth in the Lord, however, and welcome the change.
Joel sitting with four members of our discipleship class under a mango treeFriday, May 7, 2010
Where are you from?
My dad was born in “Alabama,” my mom was born in “Alaska,” and I was born in “Arizona.” Arizona therefore defines my origins in my mind, although when people ask where I’m from, I say “Arkansas,” the state in which I’ve lived for over a decade, and to which I’m returning in June. (I decided to code all state names just in case I ever give one as an answer to a security question at a later time. ;) )
Every Ghanaian, however, comes from “the village.” Some tribes are matriarchal and some are patriarchal, so some people are from their mother’s village and some are from their father’s village (though I’ve found that if you are the child of an intertribal marriage, you are from your father’s village). Those who live in the city will “go home” to “the village” for special events, such as weddings and funerals, or just for a change of scene. Jason was born in the city in which I’m serving, and has lived all his life here, but doesn’t consider himself a resident of this town at all. He used to speak to me quite contemptuously about “the people here,” as if they were in a set that was obviously apart from him.
Ghanaians think my way of determining origins is as funny as I think theirs. All I can say is, praise God for diversity in culture!
Every Ghanaian, however, comes from “the village.” Some tribes are matriarchal and some are patriarchal, so some people are from their mother’s village and some are from their father’s village (though I’ve found that if you are the child of an intertribal marriage, you are from your father’s village). Those who live in the city will “go home” to “the village” for special events, such as weddings and funerals, or just for a change of scene. Jason was born in the city in which I’m serving, and has lived all his life here, but doesn’t consider himself a resident of this town at all. He used to speak to me quite contemptuously about “the people here,” as if they were in a set that was obviously apart from him.
Ghanaians think my way of determining origins is as funny as I think theirs. All I can say is, praise God for diversity in culture!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
In Memory of Mr. Joe
No, Mr. Joe – the other American missionary who’s been working here – hasn’t died; but he has completed his term of service with the ministry here, and is leaving Ghana today. Suddenly I have an office to myself again…and no one to consistently go to the school or hospital with me. Except Jesus: praise God that He never leaves us! Anyway, as Mr. Joe leaves, I thought I’d share a story of how God recently used him in one man's life.
So: Mr. Joe was going to buy Bibles from a shop on the outskirts of town; and as the taxi was about to drop him at the junction, he suddenly thought, “How am I going to get a box full of Bibles back to town? I’d better pay the driver to stay with me and drive me back with my box.” He bartered with the driver, “Suli,” and arrived at a reasonable price…especially reasonable considering that the men had to wait half an hour for the Bibles to be brought out of inventory.
Suli was obviously a devout Muslim, wearing the traditional cap and robe, and driving a taxi that was plastered with Muslim paraphernalia. By way of making light conversation, Mr. Joe asked him what he thought about the Person of Jesus. “Oh, he was a very good man,” Suli brightly replied, “a prophet of God.” Mr. Joe followed up with some of Jesus’ actual words that indicated that He claimed to be God, the Son of God, and the only Way to heaven. “Are you able to obey God’s requirements perfectly?” Mr. Joe asked, receiving the quick reply, “No! I try, but I can’t.” “So the only way we can get to heaven, really, is by a substituted sacrifice…right?” “Right,” Suli said slowly, “but it would have to be a perfect sacrifice.”
Well, this opened up the right opportunity to discuss Jesus’ true purpose in coming, and by the time they’d arrived at their destination, Mr. Joe turned to Suli and recited John 3:16. “Do you want to ask Jesus into your heart right now so you may have eternal life?” he asked. “Yes,” Suli eagerly responded…and bowed his head for prayer just as the wail for prayer sounded from the nearest mosque. And it was even a Friday, the Muslim holy day. God is so good!
“Now you need to tell someone what you’ve just done,” Mr. Joe said, and walked with Suli to our friend John, who heard the news from Suli’s own mouth. As they walked back to the taxi, Suli couldn’t stop exclaiming, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”
Hallelujah indeed! =)
So: Mr. Joe was going to buy Bibles from a shop on the outskirts of town; and as the taxi was about to drop him at the junction, he suddenly thought, “How am I going to get a box full of Bibles back to town? I’d better pay the driver to stay with me and drive me back with my box.” He bartered with the driver, “Suli,” and arrived at a reasonable price…especially reasonable considering that the men had to wait half an hour for the Bibles to be brought out of inventory.
Suli was obviously a devout Muslim, wearing the traditional cap and robe, and driving a taxi that was plastered with Muslim paraphernalia. By way of making light conversation, Mr. Joe asked him what he thought about the Person of Jesus. “Oh, he was a very good man,” Suli brightly replied, “a prophet of God.” Mr. Joe followed up with some of Jesus’ actual words that indicated that He claimed to be God, the Son of God, and the only Way to heaven. “Are you able to obey God’s requirements perfectly?” Mr. Joe asked, receiving the quick reply, “No! I try, but I can’t.” “So the only way we can get to heaven, really, is by a substituted sacrifice…right?” “Right,” Suli said slowly, “but it would have to be a perfect sacrifice.”
Well, this opened up the right opportunity to discuss Jesus’ true purpose in coming, and by the time they’d arrived at their destination, Mr. Joe turned to Suli and recited John 3:16. “Do you want to ask Jesus into your heart right now so you may have eternal life?” he asked. “Yes,” Suli eagerly responded…and bowed his head for prayer just as the wail for prayer sounded from the nearest mosque. And it was even a Friday, the Muslim holy day. God is so good!
“Now you need to tell someone what you’ve just done,” Mr. Joe said, and walked with Suli to our friend John, who heard the news from Suli’s own mouth. As they walked back to the taxi, Suli couldn’t stop exclaiming, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”
Hallelujah indeed! =)
Monday, May 3, 2010
Encounter with the Muslim man and the children on the street
(Referred to in my dad’s email in the last post)
So I was walking to catch a taxi, when a young man stepped in front of me and blocked my way. “These are all Muslim children,” he proudly announced as he motioned 15-20 children to gather around us. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” I replied. “I wish they were all Christian children.” (Well, what did he expect me to say?!) “We wish you were Muslim,” he retorted. “Then you would have to dress like this,” and he motioned to one of the little girls who was dressed in the full Muslim costume. (Hint: when you are trying to convert a girl to your religion, don’t mention that she’d be forced to dress drably from head to toe when she’s comfortably attired in an attractive African outfit; it’s really not your most persuasive point.)
“Did you know that when we stand before God, He will look at our hearts, not at how we appear on the outside?” I asked the children, turning away from the man. “He wants us to be clean and perfect in our hearts: but can we do that?” “He wants you to dress like this,” interjected the young man. “How can you make your heart clean?” I continued talking to the children. “Imagine that God wants our hearts to be like pure water: but every time we do something wrong, it’s like we are adding poison to our water. We can keep doing good things to add clean water to our cups, but no matter how much clean water we put in, we can never take out the poison that we keep adding.” “Excuse me,” said the young man, “but I have to leave to say my prayers.” “It’s OK,” I said, and continued talking to the children about the need for blood to take away our sins, and Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on our behalf.
It was only afterward that I marveled anew at this chance opportunity God had given, using a devout Muslim who was only trying to harass me to give an opening for preaching the Gospel to children who needed to hear. Praise Him for using ALL circumstances for His glory!
So I was walking to catch a taxi, when a young man stepped in front of me and blocked my way. “These are all Muslim children,” he proudly announced as he motioned 15-20 children to gather around us. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” I replied. “I wish they were all Christian children.” (Well, what did he expect me to say?!) “We wish you were Muslim,” he retorted. “Then you would have to dress like this,” and he motioned to one of the little girls who was dressed in the full Muslim costume. (Hint: when you are trying to convert a girl to your religion, don’t mention that she’d be forced to dress drably from head to toe when she’s comfortably attired in an attractive African outfit; it’s really not your most persuasive point.)
“Did you know that when we stand before God, He will look at our hearts, not at how we appear on the outside?” I asked the children, turning away from the man. “He wants us to be clean and perfect in our hearts: but can we do that?” “He wants you to dress like this,” interjected the young man. “How can you make your heart clean?” I continued talking to the children. “Imagine that God wants our hearts to be like pure water: but every time we do something wrong, it’s like we are adding poison to our water. We can keep doing good things to add clean water to our cups, but no matter how much clean water we put in, we can never take out the poison that we keep adding.” “Excuse me,” said the young man, “but I have to leave to say my prayers.” “It’s OK,” I said, and continued talking to the children about the need for blood to take away our sins, and Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on our behalf.
It was only afterward that I marveled anew at this chance opportunity God had given, using a devout Muslim who was only trying to harass me to give an opening for preaching the Gospel to children who needed to hear. Praise Him for using ALL circumstances for His glory!
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