The 180 Degree Change

"Now therefore amend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will change His mind about the misfortune which He has pronounced against you." Jeremiah 26:13, NAS.

The community development needs of this small Pacific Rim island were tremendous. While our help was welcomed, it was made clear that our religious convictions were not wanted. The governor of the island greeted us. In his welcome speech he said, “There are no Christians on this island. There are no churches on this island. We are Muslim, and we will always be Muslim. Just help us.” This statement was met with loud applause from the people.

For the first four months, every time an opportunity came for us to turn a conversation to anything spiritual, we were immediately shut down by the people. While the people where generally suspicious and distant to us, the village chief where our base camp was located was openly hostile.

The first time a medical volunteer team came, the village chief opposed anything we suggested. However, during this time we discovered that his 14-year-old cousin had a serious medical condition that required him to be flown off the island to a nearby city on a larger island for medical treatment. Without being asked, we raised the money and arranged the treatment for this young girl.

Our love and generosity in the face of his hostility set this 40-year-old leader on his heels. It made no sense to him that we would be kind when he had been so mean. After that he said, “If there is anything I can do to help you, just let me know.” His attitude towards us changed by 180-degrees.

The breakthrough for which we had been praying with the people came at Ramadan – the Muslim Holy Month of fasting. When we joined the people in their fast, the flood gates opened. We began receiving invitations to go fishing. People began asking us to tell them our stories and the principles by which we lived. At this point we have so many opportunities to share that we have to pick and choose, because we can’t keep up with every request.

It just goes to show that when God’s love is put on display, people will be drawn to it, and no religion can stop people from seeking it out. Now we are praying for the day when God will move people from wanting to know about Jesus to the point of deciding to follow after Him.

Pray that:

The love of God will be faithfully lived out before the people of this staunchly Muslim community.

God will continue to grant spiritual breakthroughs as His children humble themselves and pray.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.