Non Grace

“There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the messenger of Allah.” That phrase is whispered in the ear of every new-born child in a Muslim family. This begins a life of total immersion in a religious system which dominates whatever culture is represented in the household or community. The purpose of this article is twofold: to understand a little more the people who claim to be Muslim and to understand that ministry to these folks is do-able. The title, Non Grace, emphasizes that Islam is, at the core, a system of beliefs and practices focusing on doing enough good to earn salvation. Actually, other religions such as Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism and others, though distinct, are also non-grace systems. Salvation from God is totally God’s grace in the Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone seeking to tell people the Good News of Jesus needs to have a firm understanding of the separation between Christianity and other faiths.

Delores and I and our four children served 11 years in Brussels, Belgium with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada Mission. Eight of those years were spent ministering to Arab people from Morocco. We saw firsthand how people are affected by a religion which presents an Almighty God but not a Personal God. As a “slave” in Islam one is always trying to please the Master Allah who may judge your good deeds as outweighing the bad on Judgment Day. I will always remember talking to Mehdi in our youth club about heaven for Christians being forever with Jesus. He said, with fear in his eyes, that in Islam, “C’est le jugement, Monsieur Blake.” (It’s judgment.) No assurance of eternity. God gave and still does give us His love and grace towards these people who strive to be religious but never have the peace the Risen Christ can give to one’s heart.

We currently serve in Millwoods, Edmonton where there are more than 30,000 Muslim background people and thousands of Sikhs, Hindus, and others in our immediate area near our church.

Look afresh at the people in your neighbourhood or workplace. Over time, we have learned how the common humanity of people overrides the differences. We need to keep reminding ourselves that God loves all these folks just as much as He loves us and that they have the same needs of the heart as we have.

In the media, we see terrifying images of murderers using religion. The vast majority of Muslim background people, however, are just trying to earn a living, raise a family and enjoy life. Because of total immersion in Islam, attitudes logically reflect the religion which makes culture and religion one whole. That’s why even a nominally practicing Muslim will react strongly at perceived criticism of his religion – it is for him a personal attack on his culture and very identity. As more families live in the West, many are inwardly questioning their background. A friendship with a Christian helps them see that Western culture is not the same as following Jesus. This process takes time. Is it worth it? Yes!

When Delores drew close to African women through English tutoring, the communication became more personal – fellow human beings sharing hopes and hurts together. When Delores’ Mom died, three of these ladies traveled across town to comfort Delores, their friend. When a cultural evening was to be held in our church building celebrating Canada and their country, a problem threatened to derail everything. The ladies were too afraid of entering a Christian church building for a social gathering. Such is the community pressure Muslims live in all the time. Through a lot of prayer and negotiating the ladies changed their minds, brought their own cuisine and a great time was had by all.

In the last several months we have been able to give furniture and food donated by church members, as well as a Jesus video in their language, to a Muslim family. The family greatly appreciated the acts of love shown. The popular phrase, People Don’t Care How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care, definitely applies to serving these folks.

Obviously prayer is at the core of ministry to non-grace systems’ people. God gives His direction and compassion to sow the seed of the gospel. Reading Ephesians 6 periodically is a good reality check. The enemy will present obstacles and try to discourage. Second Corinthians 4 describes the still present realities that the apostle Paul encountered. Pray for boldness on our part to take to our friends about our Saviour who forgives our sins, gives eternal life and is our Best Friend – the Imminent God as well as the Transcendent God. Seek to ask God for ways to befriend your Muslim background neighbour or co-worker. There are many God-given distinctives of his or her culture (music, food, hospitality, art) that we can appreciate and affirm. Personal affirmation is a common human need that you can meet in a Muslim person’s life and begin a bond in which to share the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. After years of sharing Jesus with our Moroccan soccer boys, 42 packages (each containing a French Bible, a sinner’s prayer card, a personal note and an Avenir Sport key chain) were mailed out to now young men. The Lord of the Harvest will use His Word. We’re doing the same in multi-cultural and multi-religious Millwoods. Pray for boldness as God gives opportunity.

Laura (not her real name) became a follower of Jesus in Belgium. She said, “Before when I did my prayers as a Muslim it was like a frozen block – no sense of communication with God. Now, I sense the relationship I have with Jesus when I pray.” Her testimony reflects what Dr. Anis A Shorrosh has said in his book Islam Revealed, A Christian Arab’s View of Islam: “… no matter what one’s religion is, it does not provide the ultimate reality. A person needs a relationship with Christ Jesus because only He can satisfy our souls.”

The Lord is doing great things around the world among Muslim background peoples including in Canada. Let us grow in reaching out to these folks with the love and power of the Lord Jesus. His grace is always available to do the Mission!

by Randy Blake