An Inside Look at Muslim Ministry

In response to world events, East-West desires to give insight into Muslim ministry. This story from one of our missionaries sheds light on God’s work in Islamic Africa.

In Search of Peace

During a recent trip to North Africa, my trainee and I set out to walk the streets of a Muslim community in search of persons of peace.

We found a furniture shop, met the owner, and began to linger. Because we’re Americans, our presence initially caused quite a stir. Once the locals realized we didn’t have hidden agendas, the environment settled down.

After looking at items for a considerable amount of time, we decided to simply exist.

Slowly we transformed from shoppers to the shop owner’s new friends. It didn't take long for him to ask us to stay for tea.

His kitchen is part of the shop, so the aisles are small and drinking tea is a process. The shop owner maneuvered the confined space and laid a blanket on the floor where we gathered for morning tea and conversation.

After tea and making a few small purchases, we continued to enjoy each other’s company as the morning passed.

He then invited us to stay for a lunch of hot lentils and bread.

About the time we finished our meal, another visitor walked into the shop. As if his long beard and robe wasn’t enough to give away his Islamic heritage, he also carried a Qur'an.

We went unnoticed as the man nestled himself in the corner of the shop and propped open his Qur’an just as the afternoon call to prayer rang through the streets.

From Foreigner to Furniture

While our Muslim friend and visitor paid tribute to Allah, I sat quietly… reflecting on the events of the day.

In Luke’s gospel account, Jesus instructed his disciples to drink and dine with people of peace and that’s exactly what our day with the shop owner entailed.

We were no longer viewed as foreigners with an agenda… but as pieces of new furniture welcomed in his home. It was now time to deliver the Message that brought us his shop.

The Art of Fishing

One of the lost arts of Christianity in the Western Church is how to fish.

In Matthew 4, Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him and become fishers of men, but we’ve lost sight of the very practice that is arguably the centerpiece of Jesus’ discipleship program.

It’s all about being a part of others’ lives as Christ was a part of so many lives during His time on earth. Fishing requires time. Fishing requires effort. Fishing requires you.

Although we’re not Christ and will undoubtedly fail in perfectly executing evangelism and discipleship, we can work to model our ministry after Jesus… trusting that He will use us to build His Kingdom.