I recently bought a pair of
shoes. I learnt many, many years ago that most shoes were not designed for feet
like mine. I have learnt to always look for wide fitting lace-ups of a
particular design because I know I can't get into anything else.
I have never,
ever, found slip-on shoes that fit me. However, as I hobbled about clumsily in
a narrow doorway trying to unlace my shoes to enter the home of a Muslim
neighbour, I thought it is time to find some slip-ons.
There are so many
opportunities and my footwear is a hindrance. It felt like a prompt from the
Lord. I suppressed my revulsion for shopping, girded up my faith and went
hunting. I found just one pair that I could get on. Praise God, I now have my
ministry shoes for my not so beautiful feet.
Praise God, I now have my ministry shoes for my not so beautiful feet.
I put my new shoes to use last
night. I was going to visit a Syrian refugee family to let them know to expect
the delivery of second-hand settee. On the way, I met a different family
returning from the shops and was pressed to join them for some real Arab
coffee. Shoes off. I stayed with them for about 45 minutes. Drank authentic
Arab coffee.
This was the family that had joined us when we had open air
church in the park. The head of the family had accepted an English-Arabic New
Testament.
Shoes on, round the corner, I found the other family and along with their visitors - shoes off - stayed about 20 minutes, drank more Arab coffee, put my shoes on and came home happy.
Find out more about our Friendship Evangelism ministry
Public evangelism isn’t always the best way to share the good news. In some nations, overt religious activity of this kind is prohibited. And in any case, sharing your faith in the context of a friendship is often the most powerful approach.
Many of us specialise in friendship evangelism; sharing their faith with friends and neighbours in cultures where preaching is discouraged or even impossible. We build relationships with local people, accept hospitality from them and perhaps teach them a little English. Sharing the gospel happens very naturally through these relationships.
We need you to get involved
Do you want to know more about how to share your faith in a different culture? Fill in our ‘connect with us’ form or email us.
