We’re not that different. These people who have never heard the story of Jesus and us who have, are really not that different. This is something that we sometimes forget and overlook in our discussion of how to communicate with these people that have not yet heard.
Our students were recently reminded how similar we all are when they traveled to another city with staff members of the language center we partner with. They visited a famous temple as part of their tour, and their friend Theresa took the opportunity to offer some incense and prayers at the altar.
After she was finished, the students asked her if she didn’t mind telling them what she prayed for. She said that she asked for health for her family and that they would all have a good trip. Aren’t those the same exact things our Cafe 1040 students pray for?
People around the world have the same needs and desires. We pray the same prayers. The only real difference is that we know the one true God who hears and answers.
How incredible would it be to see Theresa and so many like her, come to know this one true, promising God, this God who doesn’t have certain requirements for us and will accept us just the way we are.
Who will tell Theresa that she doesn’t have to go to a special temple or buy incense or bow a certain way? Who will tell her that she is welcome at the throne just as she is? Who will tell her that we have a God who loves her and wants to know her?
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” –Romans 10:14-15
