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Can We Be Friends?
Update #20 for FEBRUARY from the Mahabba Network
Making friends can be a real challenge in the midst of a pandemic. And for many Christians, making friends with Muslims can feel challenging even when there isn’t a lockdown.
This month we look at how the Friendship First course equips Christians to connect better with Muslims.
“Running the course online meant we had a much wider network of people. The participants felt they’d learned a lot through the conversations with others about their experience and were more equipped to form friendships with Muslims.”
When a member of the Mahabba Network based in Luton piloted running a Friendship First course online, she wasn’t sure how well it was going to work.
Friendship First is a 6 session course, designed to enable Christians to approach their Muslim friends with confidence by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to be an effective witness to Jesus. It’s interactive, with discussion and sharing being a key part of learning, as well as informative content.
So how was this going to work on Zoom?
Surprisingly well!
As much of the content is video-based, an online platform allows this to be streamed to the group. Breakout rooms then facilitate discussion to happen in smaller groups.
They were even able to have a virtual Mosque tour, with a Q&A session with a Mosque leader - a key part of the course.
With participants connecting from a wide range of contexts, there was a breadth of experience to be shared and learning from one another.
Being online also made the course more accessible for some who might have struggled to attend a course in-person, either because of home commitments or the course not being local to them.
What a blessing that God can use online technology to allow equipping and connection to continue in these times!
Want to take part in a Friendship First Course? …. Or would you be interested in running one?
With more Friendship First courses coming up online, get in touch if you’d like to register - online means you can be anywhere!
We’d also love to equip more people to benefit from the Friendship First course. If you’re interested in running the course with your local contacts or network, please let us know as we’d love to help.
Don’t forget to check out this month’s resources
Our vision is to equip all Christians to be able to demonstrate the love of Jesus to their Muslim neighbours. Our Resource page is updated every month with new podcasts and blogs to equip you, wherever you are.
WANT TO BE PART OF MAHABBA’S WORK IN 2021?
Why not get involved by joining a local Mahabba group, supporting us in prayer or financially giving?
Just £10 can significantly equip Mahabba’s work in loving all Muslims.
Why not donate to us today or share this blog and invite someone you know to be part of Mahabba’s impact?
You can also join in with the discussion with others from across the network on our forum ‘Discourse’.
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