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Day 30 of 30
Written by Karamat from the Mahabba team
Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!
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Daily verse
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
Thought for the day
Believers from a Muslim background (BMBs)
One outcome of globalisation has meant that people are more easily able to access information about faiths of other people. In our context this has included Muslims being able to access the gospel and stories of what God is doing in the lives of Christians. Then there is the age-old way that Jesus appears to Muslims, through dreams and visions. Some Muslims are put off by extremism and do not want to have anything to do with oppressive expressions of their religion. Having been brought up seeing God as a distant power, it can be attractive indeed to learn of a loving Father with whom one can have a personal relationship.
Occasionally Muslims do decide to go against the grain of their communities and become followers of Christ. Once taking this bold step, through the internet the new believers are able to make contact with others elsewhere who have taken the same step. Such believers need support and be discipled so that they can mature in their faith. This scenario can give rise to questions and challenges.
The BMBs are often from a different ethnic and linguistic background to the established church in the West. Is it more effective to enfold BMBs into existing churches or should they be encouraged to plant and develop their own churches?
Leaving Islam can sometimes bring shame on the BMBs, rejection from their birth community and intimidation by, and expulsion from, their relations. Can the church community they have joined become their new, chosen, family, to take the place of the one they have lost? Is the church able to help them navigate life between their previous and new lives? What sort of relationship should the BMB maintain with their birth family? When should they announce their conversion to the faith community they are seen to have deserted?
When one or two of the BMBs do wish to take on leadership roles in the church are white western Christians willing to accept such a move?
Prayer for the day
Thank you Lord, for our diverse society where many ethnic and religious groups have made their home. We especially thank you for the large Muslim presence. Help us as your church to fulfil the Great Commission.
Daily action
Please note: actions were written before the COVID-19 pandemic. Please consult the latest advice from your local public health authority or government and adhere to any current restrictions on travel or social situations.
If you have BMBs in your church, what steps can you take to meet their needs? Maybe ask their opinion.
If you are waiting for BMBs to join your church, what could you be doing to prepare for their arrival, so that you can be family for them and meet their discipleship needs?
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment on our online community platform, Discourse, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media.
Resources
Guidance on hosting iftars
A reminder of some some helpful guidance and food for thought from the Church of England in light of past media coverage of churches hosting iftar meals.
Also, please consult the latest advice from Public Health England or your relevant authority for guidance on travel and social situations.
You can read and discuss the guidance and recent events on Mahabba's online community area, Discourse.
Alternatively, a PDF version is available here. If you've not registered for Discourse, you can do so quickly here.
Prayer materials
Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?
There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:
Pray Together as a Congregation
Small Group Session
Night of Power Prayer Meeting
Prayer Walk Guide
What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.
Partners of 30 Days of Prayer
Please see the footer on the 30 Days of Prayer website