What’re You Doin’ Boy?

“‘So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.’” Deuteronomy 10:19, NASB.

Since 9/11 the number of international students from one Pacific Rim Muslim country going to the United States for college has declined. Still many students find their way to the United States, England, Australia and New Zealand for higher education. Believers in these countries have an amazing opportunity to help these young people understand what being a follower of Jesus is about. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. In fact, more often the students have negative experiences.

Majid* was on assignment for his Alabama college newspaper. His job was to photograph a local site of historic interest. As he was taking pictures he was startled by a gruff voice. “What’re you doin’ boy?”

A security guard had walked up behind Majid as he was shooting his camera. The guard continued, “If I were you, I’d get out of here!”

Majid definitely feels that the guard’s reaction was racially motivated. He acknowledged that he also had some positive experiences as an international student, but experiences like he had with the guard are hard to forget.

* Name changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Believers will seek out opportunities to befriend and share with international students studying at local universities.

Christians will understand the challenges of Muslim students who are studying abroad, and make special efforts to show kindness to them.

Muslim-background students who become followers of Jesus will have smooth transitions back into their home countries, and will become wise and bold witnesses for Christ within their communities.

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