It can be difficult to know how to approach conversations with religious leaders of different faiths and have a constructive interaction. However, the Neighbour’s Worldwide movement with WEC aims to encourage just that. It allows British Christians to get alongside people of other cultures and faith backgrounds who are adjusting to life in the UK and support them with the cultural challenges they face. This can open the door to positive conversations where both parties can feel comfortable discussing their beliefs.
"What do you believe about the prophets? Perfect or fallible like us?"
One of the members of this venture, Colin, had the precious opportunity to form a friendship with an imam in his local area recently. Mr Jay was one of several Muslim friends Colin had, but was especially inquisitive particularly on the topic of Christianity. Their initial interactions were filled with interesting queries such as “What do you believe about the prophets? Perfect or fallible like us? How do you help someone who says he is troubled by evil spirits? What do you say on the question of creation and evolution?”
Christ calls us to show his love by reaching out to people of different cultural backgrounds
Colin desired the opportunity to get to know him better, and attempt to provide answers to his questions, but was concerned they would not have a chance to build upon their relationship as Mr Jay had to work three jobs. This made finding free time a struggle. Colin asked other Christians to pray with him that they would have the chance to meet and share a more in depth religious discussion.
Then the telephone rang.
At the other end of the line, Mr Jay was asking to visit Colin’s house, and inviting him to a speaking engagement he had coming up. This was a real answer to prayer. In a local restaurant that evening, they were able to come together for a conversation. Colin said they spoke about a variety of topics, from "our view of Old and New Testaments" to "deliverance ministry and creation", and how even "the prophets needed forgiveness". Colin was blessed by the receptive attitude of this imam towards him sharing information about his christian beliefs, and thankful to be able to give him a copy of Luke’s gospel. At a time when communities like that of this imam are being targeted by xenophobia, Christ calls us to show his love by reaching out to people of different cultural backgrounds and engaging with them.
If you want to help encourage and support ethnic groups in your local community, email us to get involved with Neighbours Worldwide.
Find out more about our Neighbours Worldwide ministry
The world is on our doorstep! In Britain and Ireland there is a thriving and growing population of people from areas of the world where the gospel is not easily heard. Although living here, most of these families still have no real knowledge of Christ or contact with the christian church. Neighbours Worldwide aims to serve these dear people in the UK and Ireland. Working alongside existing churches, Neighbours Worldwide teams teach English, lead Bible studies, visit families, give out Christian literature and do all they can to share the love of Christ in a relevant way.
We need you to get involved
If you want to build relationships with ethnic groups in your community email us.
