Over the
decades in ministry among Muslims I have noted that making changes is quite
difficult for many of them. Upon arrival in the West they are confronted with
unfamiliar weather, multiculturalism, religious pluralism, new holidays, new
ways of disciplining children, an unfamiliar form of government, enforced
traffic rules with no partiality, gender parity and respect, bribery not
allowed, and certain social freedoms not publicly expressed in their countries.
Initially, or even for many years, changes can make them feel insecure. Changes
may affect women more than men, but not necessarily.
Since newly
arrived Muslims are being confronted with so much newness they often look for
the familiar. It is not uncommon for them to use the same kind of drapery,
blankets, furniture, carpets, tea cups, satellite TV programs, gold jewelry and
fashion which they used back in their homeland. The vast majority continue to
eat exactly the same food, at the same time of day or night. They look for
people from their communities to be their friends or “family”. That truth was recently confirmed looking at
Jamila’s photos of an outing to the beach. Five families from their community
went. They erected a tent, spread out carpets in it, held a traditional tea
ceremony inside it with the fancy teapot and small glass tea cups, took their
prayer rugs along to say their prayers on the sand, cooked big pots of food
over wood, and made their flat breads from scratch. The photos showed the women
all dressed in their finest colorful clothes as if they were at a wedding. All this while scantily clad people were
nearby playing in the water and eating sandwiches.
When asked
if freedom or safety is more desirable my women friends will often respond: to
be safe. Freedom allows changes to happen.
Safety usually stays within the confines of stability. Confusion or
chaos is extremely distressing for Muslims and even whole nations. The more
Islamic a nation is governed the more difficult it is to live at ease with
political, social, and religious change, even though it may be desired and even
demanded.
Then
missional Christians enter their lives and try to introduce new religious
information. They may be curious, suspicious, or reject anything new. One gauge
to ascertain whether a Muslim might be open to hearing about our faith, read a
Bible, visit church, or to become a follower of Jesus is by observing their
eating habits. If they are open and trusting to eat unfamiliar food it is
possible they will be open to new spiritual food, too. If they are closed or
reluctant to eat new physical food the chances are they might be initially
closed to new spiritual food. It is not always true but it is surprising how
often it turns out to be a sign. This symbolic speedometer gauge often
determines how quick or how slow Christians can share. We would like to step on
the accelerator but the Spirit knows what speed it will take. He will open
their understanding at the right moment.
Dear
heavenly Father, it is reassuring that You know what speed it will take for my
Muslim friends to process the Good News.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
