In the coffee shop I have had the opportunity to get to know a particular family from the neighborhood. In getting to know them I have come to appreciate the common grace that exudes from their home. They value the family structure. They exercise modesty. They have a desire for the renewal of the neighborhood. They care for the neighborhood kids. They have taken in individuals whose lives have been shattered. This is a family whom I have grown to love and respect. Each morning in which I have an opportunity to pour them a cup coffee is an opportunity to thank God for his common grace in our lives!
What makes this an interesting relationship is that this particular family is Muslim. More recently I have had the opportunity to explore their beliefs regarding Christ, the Trinity, the justice of God and the inspiration of Scripture. This has been a joy to constructively dialogue through these doctrines in order to gain clarity on Islam but also to raise the banner of Christ and him crucified.
Please pray that God will give the wisdom to lovingly interact with this family. It is easy to function out of theological pride which leads to jousting for theological dominance. What I say is as important as how I say. I can share the gospel of Christ and yet contradict it in the same breath by how I say it. So pray for a gracious and winsome apologetic.
And pray with us as we pray for a God-sized work. We are praying that he would regenerate this family and use them to lead a revival amidst the Muslim people in our neighborhood.