Action & Impact: March update

Stories are a powerful way to share what God is doing. They’re also a key part of how we inspire, encourage and learn from one another.

This month we share with you three stories from across the Network; highlighting how God is on the move, with relationships being formed and good news being shared.

After going on a Friendship First course last year I started an Arabic-English Friendship Club (AEFC) a few months ago. I'm working with three people in the AEFC and I’ve talked to them about doing the Friendship First course, with all three expressing an interest in going on it. One of the ladies I run the AEFC with is actually a Muslim - she went on an Alpha course last year and we regularly talk about spiritual matters.

— Grant

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Last summer, I made my first post-lockdown trip to the local high-street. As I went into one of the more empty coffee shops, I noticed someone I recognised. I got my coffee and sat on the next table - trying to keep 2m apart. As we chatted, I listened to his perspective on the virus and how it had affected him. I was able to share about my trust in a God who is dependable, even in changing times. Trying to negotiate his arguments against Christianity, I was able to shared that God loves us and wants a relationship with us. I’m praying that I will see my friend again soon and that God will continue to work in his heart.

— Mahabba member, Bristol

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A few weeks ago I had an interesting encounter in my local area. Three Muslim men were standing on the corner of the road looking at a building and speculating about whether it had been extended. I know my area very well and offered them a history lesson! So we got chatting. They were all on bikes and I kind of assumed they might be students new to the area, but it turns out they are all local, two born and bred in Pompey! One of them asked if I was a teacher and I said yes and told him which schools. He then asked if I knew a friend of his, which I did! She used to work with me and I had also taught her younger children in Nursery.

It turns out this man is the Imam of our central mosque and one of his friends was his assistant. The other man knew several people I know, so it was really good to stop and chat about our area. I was able to greet them in Bengali, which made them smile; the Imam invited me for a mosque visit on their open day, as I said I had visited the Jami mosque with some people from my church. I shared how important it was for people of faith to get to know one another and we parted with lots of smiles. (I also congratulated them on using bikes to get around, as it is so much more environmentally good practice.)

It was a really fun, natural encounter and conversation. It was a great opportunity to greet people openly with an expectation of friendliness and for that be reciprocated. Praise God!

— Lynne, Portsmouth

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We love hearing stories of how God is using people across the Mahabba Network to impact Muslims with his love.

As we approach Easter - check out our RESOURCES PAGE for loads of ideas about how you can connect with Muslims friends and neighbours at this time.

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P.S.

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