Hospitality

Hospitality

Hospitality – in the states we associate this with words like inviting, welcoming, and understanding. It is such a simple word. I would have never thought one word could hold so much depth – that one word could dictate a culture. Living here in Southeast Asia has redefined my view of what it means to be hospitable.

A Call To Prayer

The Islamic call to prayer is a call to pray for Christians everywhere.

I woke up in confusion as the pre-dawn stillness was shattered with a song. Then I remembered. This is the Islamic call to prayer.

The words “God is great” echo from two mosques in the village. It is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Strangely, the Islamic call to prayer is also my call to prayer.

I pray that these people, who are so hospitable and welcoming, would be receptive to the story of Jesus. I pray that those who rigorously follow strict rules would come to know grace and freedom. I pray that every place that is dark would be flooded with light, that every person who seeks Truth would find the Way, that everyone who is blinded would be able to see. I pray for workers to be sent to this people group.

I pray because God loves all of his people, and He has called us to be His ambassadors, His messengers, His hands and feet to the Muslim world.

“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

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:20

If you’re interested in learning more about Islam, as well as ideas for how to reach out to Muslims in the US, check out this Islam 101 podcast from Desiring God