I Used To Be A Card Dealer In Las Vegas!
"Life is full of surprises!"
John Major, a former Prime Minister of the UK, once said: "Life is full of surprises!" We find that surprises abound when reaching out to the Muslim community.
With that in mind, some very unusual and great things have taken place since our last ministry newsletter. Here are some stories we would like to share with you. They are chock full of surprises!
I Used To Be A Card Dealer In Las Vegas
Recently, we dined with a young Muslim woman at an Ethiopian restaurant. This refugee's mother is Yemeni, and her father is Pakistani. Early in our evening conversation, this Muslim woman informed us that she had once worked in Las Vegas as a card dealer! We did not see that one coming!
You may be wondering: "How did something like this happen? Muslims don't do that do they?" Here is how we believe it happened.
From our experience, many young Muslims are just like multitudes of young Americans! When they break free from home they start trying things - to experience life on their own. In this case, this newly married Muslim woman and her husband probably took off for Las Vegas to experience life and America and rebel against the stringent rules of Islam. Rules and rituals will do that to you!
Please pray for this young woman. She downloaded a Bible after a huge door to the gospel opened for us. We have been told she is listening to it. However, like so many Muslims who look into the truth of Jesus, she is also beginning to practice her Islam more fervently. We believe she is conflicted over what she has learned about Jesus!
My Favorite American Food Is... McDonald's Cheeseburgers!
In our outreach to Muslims, we have found Somalis to be the hardest to reach. Often they are very closed and seem to trust no one.
Out of the clear blue, a Somali woman called us recently requesting help in making application for U.S. citizenship. We jumped at the opportunity!
In general conversation, we asked this young Somali and her sister: "What is your favorite American food? Have you tried any?" We were floored when they proclaimed: "McDonald's cheeseburgers!" We did not see that one coming either!
After this unexpected revelation, we found the single greatest open door for the gospel we had ever experienced with Somalis! Neither of the sisters had ever heard about Jesus' death and resurrection! And they gladly downloaded a Bible in the Somali language! They want us to tell them more stories about Jesus. PTL!
When we followed up on this visit, the sisters were not at home. But their brother was! Another door to the gospel opened, and he gladly downloaded a Somali Bible too! Please pray with us for these Somali siblings.
An Ethiopian Muslim Puts His Faith In Jesus
He was a Muslim from Ethiopia. His wife and kids are Seventh Day Adventists. Unusual? Very!
How does that happen?! Islamic law permits a Muslim man to marry a non-Muslim woman, but it does not allow a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man without proof of his conversion to Islam. In most Muslim nations, that is the case.
As stated earlier, this man from Ethiopia WAS a Muslim. One of our Fearless Love team members, David Dykhuizen, brought food to this Ethiopian recently, and the Muslim man gave his life to Jesus Christ that day. PTL! We are doing follow up with this new follower of Jesus soon. Please join us in praying for his spiritual growth and that he would gain a vision for the Great Commission.
Mark Your Calendar - A Date To Remember!
Thursday, September 12 is e3 Giving Day. Each gift to a staff member's account will be increased by a portion of the $100,000 bonus pool. More details coming.
We are so blessed and eternally grateful for your gracious gifts of prayer and financial partnership. Thank you! May the LORD grant you a double portion of blessings in return for your sacrificial love.
Dream so big only Jesus can make it happen!
Jay & Marsha Crenshaw
e3 Partners
Directors Muslim Outreach USA/MECA
|
