One question I’ve been asked since being here is “How exactly do you share the Good News in your country?” Good question.
The short answer is that it happens in the context of relationships. We try to be involved in the community and be a consistent presence. Through relationships, we’re able to build trust, have conversations about both faiths, and become a regular presence in people’s lives. Ideally, we want to meet people out in the community but share truth with them in their homes. In their homes, they are more likely to open up and be receptive to what we share with them. The best spiritual conversations I’ve had here so far have been at my friend’s houses.
As a team, we regularly talk about our relationships with locals and pray for our friends. We also track our efforts on a spreadsheet to see our “progress,” whether that’s being invited into someone’s home, sharing a full story from the Word, or sharing just verse or two. In this environment, sharing is a long journey of many conversations and interactions. One of our company leaders lived in a different country here in the Middle East for several years, and he interviewed the people that came to faith. He asked them what led them to explore our faith and ultimately become disciples. One thing they all had in common was a believer was present in their lives; either as a friend or as someone to observe.
It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon fueled by prayer!!