Guest User
Hallowe’en in the English Conversation class

Many churches with Muslim communities on their doorstep offer English language classes or English Conversation groups and find that these activities open the door to engaging with their neighbours. Find out how to use Halloween topics as a springboard to talking about Jesus.

Hallowe’en in the English Conversation class
Network update
Mahabba Network
Mawlid al-Nabi: A call to prayer

Muslims show the greatest respect to the Prophet Muhammad especially during the celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi. And that makes Mawlid a great time to talk about how important Jesus is to us, not just as a prophet, but as our Saviour. Starting a conversation can be tricky, but it’s as simple as asking ‘How will you be celebrating Mawlid?’

This month we’re sharing some ideas on how we can engage with, and pray for, our Muslim friends and colleagues.

Mawlid al-Nabi: A call to prayer
Guest User
Why should we love all Muslims?

What do you picture in your mind when you think of Muslims in the UK? Whatever the image in your mind, God tells us to love all Muslims! But what does that look like in practice?

Why should we love all Muslims?
Network update
Mahabba Network
Ramadan - A time for opportunities

The Islamic month of Ramadan runs from 10 March to 8 April this year (2024). Ramadan is a great time to start conversations with Muslim friends and colleagues and to focus on praying for Muslims in our local community and across the UK. These next few weeks are full of opportunities!

Ramadan - A time for opportunities
Network update
Mahabba Network
Eid Mubarak

Did you manage to wish your Muslim friends ‘Eid Mubarak’ (blessed Eid) as they celebrated Eid ul-Adha last weekend? You may also know of people who are undertaking the Hajj at this time. These are both great occasions for sharing stories about your faith and the Biblical take on these topics.

Eid Mubarak

What could be a better time?

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What could be a better time?

Jill brings an encouragement from a local group getting together with Muslim friends to share God’s story

“What could be a better time than this for Muslim and Christian women to meet together in friendship?”

These were the first words that were said at the first of our Prophets’ Stories (see below for more info) meetings. It was the day after the Christchurch shootings and we were able to come with flowers and stand together with Muslim friends as they grieved. Then a month later when we met again, it was just after the Sri Lankan church bombings, and this time the Muslim ladies came with flowers and stood with us.

These two international tragedies cemented our desire to meet together in unity and look at the stories of the prophets. We had asked our friend, a young lady leading the women’s work at one of the town’s mosques, if she thought there might be a group of ladies who would like to look together at the stories we have in common and see what we can learn together about God and about ourselves. She was very enthusiastic and thus it was that our meetings began.

About a dozen of us, half Christian and half Muslim, have enjoyed getting to know each other. A few of the Christian women had never really met a Muslim, and some of the Muslim women had never met a real follower of Jesus.

“I walked in sceptical to other people’s views and worried about how they would react to opinions, but ended on a positive high.”

“I arrived, not really knowing what to expect. Now I’m really glad I came; I’m relaxed and excited for the next one.”

It was a great joy to see ladies who had only just met sharing deeply about their joys and their difficulties, and then discussing together what we learned about God from the stories of Jonah and Joseph. We talked, among other things, about what it means to trust God in difficult circumstances, being obedient to God, and the power of forgiveness in families.

Ramadan and school holidays interrupted our meetings – but we look forward to starting again in September and seeing what God will do!

Strident attitudes to Muslims

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August update

Things may seem to have gone quiet – but – a lot is happening behind the scenes. I was asked to update you now, to tide us over until September, when things pick up again in earnest.

My role in the Mahabba Network is to help implement our core purpose and vision; working with the network to ensure we have what is needed to flourish. A key part of this is to increase connectivity through sharing across the network.

An important felt need in the network seems to be how we respond to the current rise in strident attitudes to Muslims – especially in some Evangelical circles. This is being expressed verbally from some pulpits; online audio/visual materials; and in combative behaviour.

Since the change in political climate in the USA, I have noticed that some Evangelical groups in the UK are openly seeking to discredit Muslims, as though it were a new clause of the Great Commission. What’s more even fellow Christians are being denigrated publicly online and in print, for responding to Muslims with ‘grace and truth’. It would be great to hear from you if you are noticing anything along these lines, where you are.

It was suggested that the network should devise a “position statement” on ministry with ‘grace and truth’. This could be available on the website to point people to. It could be an effective way of dispelling misunderstanding that ‘grace and truth’ is a “soft” option; “naïve” or “liberal”. It would be to clarify where the term ‘grace and truth’ comes from; what the Bible says about it; why it is ‘Christly’; why it is part of historic Christian witness; how it can be modelled in practice; as well as identifying the political issues which are feeding ‘right wing’ strident views.

My sense is that people linked to the Mahabba Network, are engaging with ‘grace and truth’ on a spectrum from the ‘relational’ to the ‘robust’. So over to you – Do you concur? Would such a statement help us? How do you understand the term ‘grace and truth’? How far does it resonate with what you are doing and seeing in your area? My own feeling is that a position statement would also help to profile the unique contribution the Mahabba Network is making to the national conversation.

It would be great if you would add your thoughts to the Discourse discussion thread; or chat about your views to the Regional Facilitator in your area. Please be assured, whatever is important to you is certainly of keen interest to the network. Thanks for reading this and let’s keep one another covered in prayer through August.

Have a great remainder of the summer!

N.B. requires account to sign on - see here for more details

Steve is a member of the Mahabba team, with a particular focus on development and strategy

All of them

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All of them

I have recently been running the ‘Come Follow Me’ course with a new Believer from a Muslim background one to one. I have been moved by the commitment of the student. One course question asks the student ‘What are the costly things you might have to give up’? ‘a. Your reputation in the community, b. your employment or business, c. your family, d. your property or inheritance, e. other’? His answer was ‘All of them!’ Matthew 19:29 is very apposite for such followers!

The method of learning used in Come Follow Me is ‘Head, Heart and Hands’. The ‘Head’ part is covered by the student reading the weeks notes alone and answering simple questions on them in their book before meeting to discuss it with their advisor. When the student has done this it works very well. I find that my student comes to meet with me already having a good grasp of the subject. Our meeting is where the ‘heart’ section of teaching applies. As we review the basic content of the weeks study together, perceptive questions are asked (given in the Advisors Guide). These really help to draw out the students feelings and experiences on the subject. This is a very important part of the course. The course outwardly may appear to be academic as it is in book form, but these questions really make it come alive. At the close of each week a practical assignment is given that relates to that weeks lesson. This is the ‘hands’ section. As the Advisor and student pray and live out the course during the following week, practical discipleship growth can take place.

The examples in the book are all taken from the Muslim cultural context, with Muslim sounding names and illustrations. Many of the examples are taken from real life. The other general examples are also extremely well informed on the Muslim experience of life. I have often heard my student exclaim ‘This was written for me!’ and ‘the author knows my situation!’.

The subject matter covers conventional discipleship matter such as ‘New Life in Christ’, ‘Talking with God’ and ‘God’s word for Us’. It also covers subjects you may not often find in a discipleship course such as ‘Reasons for Persecution’, ‘Husbands and wives’, ‘solving our disputes’, ‘Fate and Magic’. All of the twenty subjects draw on a wealth of understanding of Muslim culture and the challenges faced by a new disciple to Jesus. The Advisor Guide contains very helpful cultural clues about Islam, so that a novice to Islam can run the course very effectively.

The course is also available in numerous languages which enables an advisor and student to operate in two languages if necessary. In my case I have an English Advisors guide and my student both the English and Farsi translation. It is a little cumbersome getting four books out each time, but it has ensured that the meaning of weeks subject is communicated clearly.

Finally books only get you so far. The course requires an Advisor to be prayerful, hospitable and willing to walk the walk with the student. If they do, they will find it almost as rewarding as the student!

Further details on the course can be found here: https://come-follow-me.org/about

Chas is a member of the Network Circle team and as a Regional Facilitator, supports groups in the London region.

Everyday religion

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Everyday religion

“People seek for methods of learning to love God. They hope to arrive at it by I know not how many different practices; they take much trouble to remain in the presence of God in a quantity of ways. Is it not much shorter and more direct to do everything for the love of God, to make use of all the labours of one’s state in life to show Him that love, and to maintain His presence within us by this communion of our hearts with His? There is no finesse about it; one has only to do it generously and simply.”
— Brother Lawrence, Practising the Presence of God

We hear many statistics about the decline of Christianity in the West. There is even a dedicated Wikipedia entry called, ‘Decline of Christianity.’ It seems to be an assumption even within the Church that makes us shake our heads and question the state of the world.

What are these statistics based on? They generally use census data or depend on surveys that ask about membership of official organisations, or about attendance of formal events. Yet, sociologists of religion have realised that this cannot be the full picture of religious life.

Now the study of religion has shifted beyond the old dualism of ‘official’ and ‘folk’ religion that suggested a life of faith is lived either in orthodox beliefs and practices or popular expressions of visits to shrines, pilgrimage, ritual healing and stories of miracles. As if we couldn’t do both. See for instance the growth in pilgrimage.

Currently sociology of religion is studied as ‘Lived Religion.’ It pays attention to wherever and however we find people invoking the sacred. This can be on the sports field, at the work desk, in the washing of a patient’s hands or the telephone conversation with a hurting friend, or, as with Brother Lawrence, when we’re peeling potatoes.

Our daily activities are motivated and shaped by our culture, beliefs and the authority we subscribe to, which in turn is shaped by a religious heritage. All of these factors combine to shape our intentions when we engage with our neighbour. Is it out of guilt or love, honour or shame, fear or power? The question therefore is to see what paradigms of thought underlie Lived Religion.

The WhenWomenSpeak network brings together thinking and practice that help us question our assumptions, not only about the beliefs and practices of others, but also to see how the Bible addresses these paradigms, and sometimes help us understand our own motivations in a new light. At a recent workshop in Bristol, we started exploring paradigms of honour and shame, rites of passage and purity to hear from each other how these frameworks help shape deeper connection to our neighbour.

Try this for yourself. Read Matthew 15 and see which parts are shaped by ideas about purity and which have to do with honour and shame. How does Jesus display his divinity in an everyday activity?

Georgina is a member of the Network Circle team and as a Regional Facilitator, supports groups in the West region.

Why (and how) I am part of the Mahabba Network

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Why (and how) I am part of the Mahabba network – by Steve Bell

“The Mission [or church] which perpetuates habituated practices is doomed, due to non-responsiveness to nuance and change.”
— Ted Ward – Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

We seem hard-wired to “maintain” the existing, rather than “establish” what’s needed! The Great Commission was first entrusted to spiritual entrepreneurs (‘apostolic’ people), however, mission structures are largely configured around ‘maintenance’; a focus on the regions behind us, rather than ‘pioneering’ the regions beyond us (2 Corinthians 10:16).

When necessary ‘regions beyond’ people pull away from the pack; aim for the essence of the Great Commission; research the context; prayerfully reflect; galvanise and take radical action. The seeds of past DNA and vision endure (Job 14:9) but not methods and structures. Mahabba is an expression of ‘new wine’ (Matthew 9:17) and its “network” structure is a ‘new wineskin’.

While the fledgling needs maintenance, 90% of the global mission taskforce is being placed in ‘Christianised’ areas with a viable national church (1). Little wonder that – generally speaking – mission structures have dropped the ‘apostolic’ baton of their pioneers and hold to the status quo by rationalising; collaborating to retain economy of scale to prolong a status quo that’s in terminal decline. Some will do anything but embrace radical change, which might be threatening to the organisation’s ‘heritage’.

The former structure has served very well for 150 years but over time, they have succumbed to the pressure to adopt clunky formal practices. An unintended consequence is that it has led to a customer/supplier relationship between mission agency (the specialist) and local church (client). The system has unwittingly marginalised the local church in the mission process.

Pressure is building for the ‘democratisation’ of mission because more churches are taking ownership, which makes “network” an emerging structure to watch. This ‘new wineskin’ is now needed due to issues such as globalisation; Christians travelling overseas for work; the ‘ends of the earth’ have come to Jerusalem and is living in our postcode; a felt need by Christians to be ‘up-skilled’ for the cross-cultural context we now live in.

The wineskin to engage with this is not the ‘formal’ but in ‘network’. This is why I declined the title “director/national facilitator” of the Mahabba Network, choosing instead to prayerfully explore with the team, how best to build its existing aspiration to be a network. I am excited to be part of fulfilling the vision of seeing: ‘Fruitful ministry among people of Muslim heritage as a normal part of church life. This is born out of an ‘apostolic’ instinct. It seeks to co-operate with God to bring the unseen into existence rather than re-hash the past, which is tantamount to re-organising deckchairs on the Titanic.

We are living in a “pan-geographical” and “issue-based” era of mission (2). Local churches are therefore baptising and nurturing people with Muslim heritage (my own included). The Mahabba Network exists to encourage, facilitate and resource this trend; this is why I sense the Lord’s permission to join the leadership team – not as a ‘corporate’ leader but – as a “gift-person” in God, who carries some key roles, including “strategic implementation”.

I look forward to connecting with everyone in the network.

Sources

  1. Ralph Winter – U.S. Center for World Mission & Intl. Society for Frontier Missiology

  2. The 3 eras of modern mission: 1792 onwards “Coastlands” (William Carey et al); 1865 onwards “Inland” (Hudson Taylor et al); 1934 onwards non-geographical sites “Unreached Peoples” (C. Townsend & D. Mc Gavran) from everywhere to everywhere. http://www.missionfrontiers.org/issue/article/four-men-three-eras

Steve is a mission analyst, trainer, writer and speaker. Contactable on 07815 042033 or e-mail stevebell2101@sky.com

Eid 3: Love

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 33 of 30

By Chas from Mahabba’s Network Team

Daily verse

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
— John 15:9

Thought for the day

Love

Do you remember how you first began to love Muslims? There are many ways we may have begun. How can this love be sustained in the coming year? Firstly, love comes not from ourselves rather ‘love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God’. (1 John 4:7-12) So we need to remain very close to the source of love - ‘Abide in my love.’ (John 15:9) Secondly, we need to live from His love in all our relationships -‘They will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ (John 13:35) Then we can carry this love out into the world by sharing our faith verbally or by giving a Gospel to read; through our practical action and by inviting them into loving relationships; and through prayer leading to signs and wonders.
Let our love be genuine.

Prayer for the day

What has God been saying to you during Lovefast? Note two action points (in your prayer journal) for your future involvement with Muslims and resolve to keep on praying for them.

Daily action

Watch this video of UK Christian leaders addressing our Muslim friends. Consider joining the Mahabba Network as a way of keeping connected with your Muslim neighbours… Maybe you can become a Friend of Mahabba and support the ministry.

Eid 2: Pray

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 32 of 30

By Phil S from Mahabba’s Network Team

Daily verse

“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Thought for the day

Pray

We have now been praying for 30 days during the Ramadan fast.

This has focused on both the global through the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World guide (promoted in UK by Interserve) and also our own Mahabba Lovefast prayer and action campaign, which has had more of a local focus.

Muslims have ben fervently praying during this period.

They generally follow a pattern of five daily prayers (one of the five pillars of Islam), similar way to the Christian monastic tradition.

The Muslim call to prayer is called the adhan.

I have experienced it as incredibly beautiful when sung acapella in the mountains of Pakistan but also as a cacophony when played through loudspeakers in a mega-city.

But this Lovefast has also been a call to prayer. And we want to continue. To ‘pray without ceasing’.

Join in the Jumaa Prayer campaign every Friday at 12noon to continue praying for your Muslim friends and neighbours. We will be posting more look out for the hashtag #JumaaPrayer.

Prayer for the day

Join in the Jumaa prayer campaign every Friday at 12pm to continue praying for your Muslim friends and neighbours.

Daily action

Find out a good time to visit a Muslim friend and take them a gift, maybe some dates, or something halal. And don't forget to continue to pray. It makes all the difference. One way to continue is to join in with our Mahabba Jumaa prayer initiative.

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!

Resources

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

Eid 1: Eat

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Day 31 of 30

By Phil S from Mahabba’s Network Team

Daily verse

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
— Matthew 11:19

Thought for the day

Eat

Muslims end Ramadan with the feast of Eid-al-Fitr, which is a time for Muslims at the end of the 30 days of fasting to dress up and celebrate with family. (Like Easter at the end of a long Lent or Christmas after the anticipation of advent.)

Maybe some of you were able to take part in an Iftar party at the time of breaking the fast. (We love to hear any stories from you.)

Why not take the opportunity to invite your Muslim friends (along with others) for a meal in your home, or in your community.

Eating together always builds community.

‎Lovefast, which has been running during the 30 days of ‎Ramadan is now over.

The daily blogs will stop at the end of Eid. Now it’s party time and the opportunity for us to start wishing Happy Eid to all our Muslim friends – learn to say the appropriate Arabic greetings: 'Eid Mubarak and Khair Mubarak'.

Prayer/ACTION for the day

Send a text message to any Muslim friends you have wishing them ‘Eid Mubarak’ (blessed festival) and telling them you're praying for them, that God would bless them.

Daily action

Get hold of a copy of "Simply Eat: Everyday stories of friendship, food and faith” and think about inviting some friends to your home for a shared meal (you can try out one of the recipes in the book).

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 30: Offering hospitality

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 30 of 30

By Phil S from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And the Lord appeared to him (Abraham) by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favour in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on...”
— Genesis 18:1-5

Thought for the day

Offering hospitality

St Francis of Assisi and a companion, Illuminato, crossed enemy lines and entered into the Sultan's camp during the 5th crusades 800 years ago

He met with Sultan Malik al Kamil (and Sufi adviser Fakhr al-Farisi) in 1219 in Damietta, Egypt.

He came with a simple message, ‘Peace be upon you,’ which echoed the Muslim greeting, 'Assalam Walekum' and the response 'Walekum Assalam.' Maybe that is why he was accepted and given an opportunity to proclaim his faith in Jesus to the Sultan himself.

St. Francis never spoke against Muhammad or his Message or said that the sultan was wrong in his beliefs. The sultan was therefore willing to listen to Francis speak of why he followed his Saviour, Jesus Christ.

That space of kindness, respect, and new friendship was maintained throughout their time together. St. Francis of Assisi is warmly remembered by Muslims as “The Monk” who came to visit.

Gentle conversation, mutual respect, being honourably received, and eating together. These were all hallmarks of the encounter. Francis even brokered a peace agreement, resulting in a ceasefire (although it was not long lasting it nonetheless prevented bloodshed).

This encounter between Sultan and Saint represents a vibrant model of interfaith engagement and faith-sharing that is highly relevant in these times of conflict. And it is symbolised in the act of meetings and eating together.

Prayer for the day

St. Francis of Assisi's prayer in praise of God (probably influenced by his encounter with Al Kamil) given to Brother Leo:

You are holy, Lord, the only God, and Your deeds are wonderful.

You are strong. You are great. You are the Most High. You are Almighty.

You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.

You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.

You are Good, all Good, supreme Good, Lord God, living and true.

You are love. You are wisdom. You are humility. You are endurance. You are rest. You are peace. You are joy and gladness. You are justice and moderation. You are all our riches, and You suffice for us. You are beauty. You are gentleness. You are our protector. You are our guardian and defender. You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope. You are our faith, our great consolation.

You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.

Daily action

ind out more about the Sultan and the Saint by watching the trailer to the film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OOLOD8tQ8U&t=19s. and read more about it www.sultanandthesaintfilm.com

Known as Dolmas in the Middle East, this is a dish that Sultan Malik al-Kamil may have actually offered to St. Francis of Assisi. Vine leaves, filled with spiced meat or grains and vegetables.

Try making 'Dolma', stuffed vine leaves, to serve to Muslim guests. Then you can invite them to your home and host them for a 'peace-meal', or take as an Eid gift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUCgBaQe1g8

You can read more about it here..... https://saintsandrecipes.com/st-francis-of-assisi-and-the-sultan-stuffed-grape-leaves/

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 29: Language of hospitality

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 29 of 30

By Jonathan from Welcome Churches

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
— Matthew 25:35-36

Thought for the day

Language of hospitality

The door opened into a sparsely furnished room. Some nervous and curious faces greeted us as we said “Hello”. They invited us in, giving us the best seats, then there were smiles and laughter as we tried to communicate with Ahmad and Fatemeh; using simple English and hand signals while they did their best to respond.

The shy kids clung to their parents, eyeing up the strangers who had just arrived. They gratefully received the little gifts we had brought in our Welcome Box, thankful that someone cared enough to visit them in this strange land.

They were soon serving us hot sweet tea from small glasses along with a side serving of nuts and dried fruit.

Here was an opportunity to speak the language of hospitality that they know so well, that has been part of the rhythm of Middle Eastern life since the time of Abraham.

As we drank tea with them, they received our visit as an honour. Hospitality is such a deeply held value in Middle Eastern Culture, and a way that Muslim asylum seekers feel able to give back to their Western hosts.

We can learn much about hospitality from people like Ahmad and Fatemeh, even if they have had to flee and leave everything behind, if we will only take the time to sit and drink tea with them.

Prayer for the day

Prayer for Refugees (Church of England):

Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Daily action

Welcome Churches vision is for every refugee to be welcomed by the local church. This year, we are building a Welcome Network, a national network of churches committed to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers into their communities, reducing the isolation of thousands of refugees each year.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 28: Valley of Imams - Sufis

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 28 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus...”
— 1 Timothy 2:5

Thought for the day

Valley of Imams

imagine for many users of 30 days, this is the first time they have heard of Yemen’s “Valley of Death.”

I first heard about it some time ago from some of my Muslim neighbours.

They call it the “Valley of the Imams.”

They speak of Tarim, its main city, with reverence.

It is seen as a place where an extremely pure and mystical form of Islam has been preserved.

The teaching of the Sufi masters of that region are currently gaining a following among British Muslims.

They major on Muhammad as the great intercessor.

Before the war made Yemen inaccessible, a steady stream were going to Tarim to study.

The Sufi masters of the Hadramawt are gaining a following because Muslims in Britain are looking for more than they find in their mosques.

Let’s pray that they find Jesus, the mediator, our advocate and our intercessor before God.

Prayer for the day

Lord, reveal yourself to those seeking within Islam. May they discover that the Lord is their shepherd, and when they pass though the valley of the shadow of death may they discover you are with them to deliver them from evil and guide them to truth (Psalm 23).

Daily action

Find out about Sufism. Look online.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 27: Nomad

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 27 of 30

By Georgina from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
— John 17:16

Thought for the day

Perpetual nomads

Once you start thinking about it, the Bible is really built around nomads.

Abraham is called to the Promised Land but takes a lifetime to get there; the Israelites wander for 40 years and are not long settled before they are taken into exile.

Jesus has no place to lay his head and St. Paul's life is characterised by travels, even in captivity.

These are examples of people who were physically nomadic but there are also those who are mentally nomadic.

Peter took years to move from his Jewish culture to the freedom offered in Christ.

Acts 10:9-16 shows that Peter struggled with Jewish food laws long after his walk with Christ as disciple.

In the same way, believers from Muslim background may stay in one geographic place but they traverse different worlds.

They may settle quickly into a new Christian 'culture' or they may take the rest of their lives to settle, always negotiating two identities.

In the same way, refugees, exiles and immigrants may be perpetual nomads.

Perhaps we can learn from them what it is to 'not be of this world' and yet to be sent to the world (John 17:14-19).

Prayer for the day

Lord Jesus, help us to find our full identity in You, and help us to share you with others so they too can discover who they really are…

Daily action

See if you can host the course, Joining the Family, in your congregation or home group.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 26: Night of Power

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 26 of 30

By Phil G from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8

Thought for the day

Night of Power

Why is this night so special? Muslims believe that on this night particularly God will hear and answer their prayers. It is said that praying through this night is better than praying for a thousand months and that if they pray without rest until dawn God is more likely to forgive their sins.

It’s also called the Night of Destiny. Many Muslims believe that on this night God determines what will happen to them and their family in the coming year, so it’s worth making extra effort in praying.

Many of our Muslim friends will be trying their best to please God and earn his forgiveness and blessing tonight. How we long for them to know that they don’t have to do all these things to be right with God. How we need to pray that God will open their eyes to see the forgiveness that Jesus freely offers.

Prayer for the day

Pray for the Muslims you know, that tonight they would have dreams and visions of Jesus.

Daily action

Explain about the Night of Power to your Christian friends and ask them to pray for Muslims tonight. How about going in pairs and prayer walking your street to pray.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 25: Alive - Iranians

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 25 of 30

By Mohjde from ELAM Ministries

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
— Acts 1:1-3

Thought for the day

Alive

God is doing amazing things among Iranians. This entry is based on Elam's Easter Newsletter

Mojhde writes: "One of my favourite verses in the whole Bible is Acts 1:3 where, ‘after his suffering,’ Jesus ‘presented himself alive’ to his disciples.

To that first generation of his followers, Jesus tangibly and powerfully showed himself to be alive – risen from the dead! What a glorious Easter truth.

Another glorious truth is this: Jesus is still ‘presenting himself alive’ to people today. All across Iran, Jesus is presenting himself alive to ordinary people in extraordinary ways, and many are surrendering their lives to Him.

By God’s grace, this recent Easter many thousands of new Iranian believers celebrated the risen Jesus for the first time. Praise God for His amazing work.

And its happening in Europe too ......

The pictured Bible belongs to Sanaz, a new Iranian believer in a refugee camp in Europe. As you can see, she has a real hunger for the Word of God! Sanaz has loved studying her Bible ever since she came to faith. Devouring sermons and books that help her to understand God's Word, she takes careful notes. So when other refugees ask questions about Jesus, Sanaz is ready to share. Many now want their own copies of the Scriptures.

Prayer for the day

Pray with ELAM: That Jesus continues to present himself alive to many more in Iran and beyond (especially here in Britain); That more lives will be transformed through encounters with the resurrected Christ

Daily action

Find out more about ELAM and what is happening among Iranians in Britain and Europe.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 24: Eat! - Hospitality

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 24 of 30

By Charlotte from Frontiers

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
— Acts 2:44-47

Thought for the day

Eat!

At a mother and toddlers’ group that I go to with my daughter there is a Muslim lady who is originally from the Middle East.

Very often she brings a new friend to the group and she is always helping others, especially those who are new to the area.

She is a great blessing to many who know her.

When I see the gifts that God has given her to bless others, I pray that one day she will be using them in His Kingdom and for His glory.

Muslim culture is very hospitable and family oriented; food and eating play an important part in this.

Whenever I visit my Muslim friends I always leave having eaten a lot!

I feel sure that when they come to know Jesus this will be a distinctive of their new faith communities just as it was in Acts, and that many will meet in homes, eating together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.

Prayer for the day

Jesus thank you for the hospitality that Muslim communities show. We pray that they would receive you with wide open arms and that many would come to know you.

Daily action

Research your local area. How many Muslims are there in your town or city? Are there restaurants or cafes run by Muslims? Go and eat in one and enjoy their hospitality.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 23: Little Arabia - Arabs in London

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 23 of 30

By Chas from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus.”
— Isaiah 35:1

Thought for the day

Little Arabia

Edgware Road is known variously to Londoners as Little Cairo, Little Beirut or Little Arabia because of the large number of Middle Eastern restaurants and shisha cafes that stay open late at night.

What is less well known is that Britain is home to over 350,000 Arabs from Somalia, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and other countries.

Most live in Greater London, especially in the boroughs of Brent and Ealing, though populations can also be found further afield in Cardiff and South Shields.

In the summer, about a million and a half wealthy Arabs vacate the intense heat of the gulf for the temperate summers of London.

They are also attracted by the shops, shisha cafes, restaurants and parks in areas like Edgware Road.

Living in and visiting London provides them with the freedom to consider the Gospel outside of the religiously restrictive nations they come from.

Prayer for the day

Pray for those struggling to settle in to the UK, especially refugees. Pray that Arabs will hear the good news and be filled with Holy Spirit.

Daily action

Are you visiting London this summer? Why not add to your agenda visiting Edgware Road for an evening meal, or visit Regents Park during the day. Pray for an opportunity to share the good news with those you meet.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 22: Conditions apply - Pakistanis in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 22 of 30

By Karamat from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
— Leviticus 19:33-34

Thought for the day

Conditions apply

A journalist contact of mine recently summed up Pakistan in these words: “it’s not inclusive of all its citizens. We are Pakistani by birth but conditions apply. Certain sects, women, religious and sexual minorities, artistes, entertainers and of course the poor are constantly let down. Only a particular ideology and mindset is accepted as Pakistani -- by the state and even by the people at large. But as a woman, there is no doubt in my mind that both the Pakistan and Islam of today have little room for women as free individuals. If I was a Christian or Hindu girl, I could have been abducted. If I had run away with a lover, I could be killed for honour. If I were raped, I would be expected to stay silent while the perpetrators would have impunity.” There is some hope with the recent change of government led by Imran Khan.

In the context of Britain, many towns and cities have a significant Pakistani community, with the largest being in Birmingham where there are up to 200,000 of the community. The vast majority of the community come from Azad Kashmir, the disputed territory under Pakistani control. The community is one of the most deprived of ethnic groups. If they are employed this will be in low paid jobs, in cheap restaurants, the retail trade and driving taxis. They follow their religion, Islam. Few have become followers of Christ. It would be fair to say they are the ‘Samaritans’ of our times.

Prayer for the day

Pray for the nations of Pakistan and Kashmir, for religious freedom and protection of minorities. In the British context pray that the community prospers and are open to the message of the Gospel.

Daily action

Pakistanis make up the largest minority in UK. Watch this video: BBC "How Pakistani city of Mirpur became Little England." Get to know your Pakistani neighbours. Check where they live. Consider prayer walking in an area near you (maybe near the mosque in your area) and praying and interceding as well as visiting shops and talking to people. It's fun…


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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 21: Living stones - Swahili Muslims

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 21 of 30

By Georgina from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Other sheep I have, which are not of this Fold: Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my Voice”
— John 10:16

Thought for the day

Living stones

The 19th century explorer and missionary, David Livingstone, travelled through south-eastern Africa together with Swahili traders. The Livingstone Online project makes his works available, showing several entries in his field diaries that detail his contact with 'the people from the coast.'

He relied on their local knowledge and also formed strong relationships with some while he tried to discourage the slave-trade. His friend, Mohammed Bogharib, often helped him out of trouble mostly by sharing food. Livingstone seems most grateful, writing in The Last Journals II, on the celebration of Eid ul-Adha, ‘the cookery is of their very best, and I always get a share.’ He even postponed one of his excursions because he was being so well-fed by Bogharib.

When Livingstone disappeared for several years, a newspaper cutting reports that 'the Arabs consider him to be one of them.' This was just before Henry Morton Stanley came across him and exclaimed, 'Dr Livingstone, I presume!'

Perhaps most telling of Livingstone's life in Africa is the care that was taken by the Christian, James Chuma, and the Muslim, Abdullah Susi, to return his remains to Britain. In this way they ensured that he was given a stately funeral in Westminster Abbey, London, on 18 April 1874.

Inscribed on the side of his tomb are the words from John 10 v.16. May these 'other sheep' include Swahili Muslims whose ancestors served and loved Livingstone.

Prayer for the day

Lord, help us not to be self-sufficient in our relationship with You or with our Muslim neighbours. Give us the openheartedness to ask for help and to accept help with gratitude. Help us to reach out to other sheep not of our fold, that they too may become 'Living Stones' … acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5).

Daily action

Read more about Dr Livingstone and find out more about the history of Swahili speakers. At the time, Swahili Muslims cared for Dr Livingstone by acting as guide, sharing food, even repatriating his body. Look for opportunities to reach out to Swahili speakers living in Britain from the Coastlands of East Africa And have a go at some Swahili yourself.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 20: Freedom - Uighurs from China

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 20 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”
— Luke 4:18-19

Thought for the day

Freedom

Juliette was just on her to visiting some newly arrived asylum seekers. “Have you seen the news?” she said. “It looks the next wave will be from China.”

She was referring to a rare report about the massive re-education programme imposed by the Chinese authorities on the Uighur (pronounced ‘wee- gur’) people, the Turkic Muslim population living in their homeland within China’s Western border. Credible sources are talking about a million or more people being detained. For example, see https://reut.rs/2CIHsyn

China has reason to worry about Uighur nationalism with a population whose ethnic and religious identity is distinct from the Chinese. There have been some terrorist incidents, but will these drastic actions produce peace?

Juliette was almost certainly wrong in thinking that we are likely to get a wave of Uighur asylum seekers. It would be a long way to come and they are being locked in.

Prayer for the day

Lord set these captives free from every captivity that oppresses them.

Daily action

Look out for news of the Uigurs on line. Ask your MP what the UK is doing about it.

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!

Resources

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

Lovefast 19: Bread

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Day 19 of 30

By Georgina from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body...”
— Mark 14:22

Thought for the day

Flatbread

In a meeting of university students during an interfaith lunch, we were talking about Easter and reading about the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26).

A long conversation followed about which bread it was that Jesus broke.

The Jewish student found the English translation of 'bread' problematic for a Passover meal and we quickly explained that it most probably meant unleavened bread.

A visiting Somali student insisted that it must have been a flat bread like those used across East Africa.

He is convinced that parts of Somalia has maintained the cultures of the Middle East in a pristine way, so that Muslims and Christians could today learn from Somalis about their early practices.

The Christians in the group had no issue with the type of bread.

Instead they explained that the importance for them lay in Jesus' explanation that the elements of the Passover meal, bread and wine, would become symbols of his body and blood poured out for us.

It was fascinating to see the questions that were brought to the text from our Jewish and Somali friends.

Equally, the students left with a fresh understanding of the Last Supper and its significance having nurtured our bodies and minds around a table.

Prayer for the day

Lord Jesus, help us to listen carefully and think deeply with those around, so that we may all hear your invitation to communion with you.

Daily action

Try some flatbread with your favourite filling, e.g. humous, yoghurt and falafel. Try making your own and sharing with friends

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!

Resources

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

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