Action & Impact January Update
“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
This wonderful passage of scripture, quoted here from The Message, is both an encouragement and a challenge.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been gathering stories from Mahabba local coordinators about what is going on around the country. Sometimes it’s hard to see the bigger picture, so let us shine a light on what local Mahabba groups and members are up to around the UK…
Craft sessions run by local churches and attended by ESOL students
Groups of believers meeting to pray on Zoom and in real life, varying from twice weekly to once a month.
Small home groups for refugees and asylum seekers
Showings of the Jesus film with small goodie bags to take home
Interfaith sessions reflecting on Lent/Ramadan and spiritual preparations
English classes
Building personal relationships between friends and families
Churches hosting school groups (made up of many Muslim background children) to explore Christmas
Scriptural reasoning groups
Activities for Afghan refugees who are beginning their new life here in the UK
Phew…what a list! We want to give thanks to God for the faithful intercessors, the volunteers and the community builders who are living out God’s Great Commission.
Perhaps you’ve spotted something on that list that excites you…reply to this email and we can point you towards the right resources to help you get started.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Your giving helps us to:
Develop resources and maintain our website, so that Christians can be equipped
Finance the use of Social Media platforms, allowing us to direct Christians to the resources, equipping and prayer groups
Facilitate ongoing prayer, through a nationwide network of Christians
Board of Trustees News
We're hugely grateful to all those in Mahabba who pray, engage and volunteer. One of our longstanding volunteers, Bryan Knell, recently stood down as chair of Mahabba's Board of Trustees. Bryan served faithfully over 10 years, and helped steer Mahabba through the ups and the downs! Bryan continues to be involved with Mahabba, praying and getting involved enthusiastically with the resettlement of Afghans in Watford.
P.S.
Our local Mahabba groups are the centre of our work as a network. If you’re not connected already, why not get in touch or connect up someone you know?
Join the Conversation
This month our MAHABBA COMMUNITY have been chatting on Discourse. It’s a great place to connect with other members.
We’d love you to join the conversation - sign up for Discourse HERE
Coming Up
Our CALENDAR has all the latest, best and most relevant events for those reaching out to Muslims. In early February, Mahabba Network is hosting a new monthly prayer meeting for young adults, praying specifically for Muslims between the ages of 18-40.
See our events HERE
Don’t Forget
Our RESOURCES page is full of creative ideas and stories from others, to help equip you where you are. This month we’re sharing some short videos called Journey To Truth, which you can share with your Muslim friends.
Find out more HERE