Lovefast 25: Hot - Eritreans in the UK
Day 24 of 30
By Simon from The Hub in Mahabba
Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!
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Daily verse
Thought for the day
Hot
Abraham is Eritrean; a friend of mine and I see him almost every day.
We give each other a big hug in the morning and sometimes at the end of the day - very un-British, but very Eritrean.
I love it - warm, welcoming friendly - what’s sometimes known as ‘hot climate culture’ - and it took me a little while to cotton on!
I saw him the other day at a Christian festival, sporting shiny aviator sunglasses and advocating for a new charity, helping the church to welcome refugees.
He was happy and smiling.
He has found Jesus and a fresh purpose in life - imagine if all the Muslims on your street or in your area had the same encounter.
Let’s be a bit hotter with our faith and warmer with our welcome - start with a Muslim you encounter; today!
Prayer for the day
Father God, thank you for the world that is coming to our doorstep. Help us to be warmer in our welcome and embrace of those we do not know. Stir in us more of your love for Muslims around us that we can better demonstrate your love for those from Islam who do not yet know you.
Daily action
I once worked with a young Muslim lady who remarked that I was different because I genuinely asked how she was and looked out for her. This one is a longer-burning action. Be intentional in really getting to know a Muslim near you, whether a shopkeeper or colleague. Make a conscious effort to ask consistently about his or her health, family, hopes, dreams etc. When you’ve done that, find out more about Welcome Churches which is helping churches welcome refugees in the UK.
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!