At the year-end Christmas party for students in her English class, Karen decided to show the Jesus Film in their mother tongue. To her surprise, the ladies were riveted and watched as long as they could. When it came time to leave, they all wanted to take a free copy to watch at home. Might this be a sign of things to come?
George found a new friend in a local Muslim man we will call “Nate.” Nate joined the neighbourhood forum that George chairs. He joined particularly because it is led by Christian people who care about the community. Nate laments how his own people seem content to live in the dark ages, unwilling to associate with outsiders whom they view as a threat to their way of life. But Nate is a breath of fresh air and we are pleased to have him on board. Pray for the light of Christ, as George and Nate meet occasionally for coffee and a chat.
Meanwhile, our quest for the old leisure centre land continues at a snail’s pace. The decision we awaited has still not come down to us. In the meantime, we organize ourselves to go forward in the hope that city council will say ‘yes’. A ‘partners meeting’ has been called for February 13th, bringing together organizations and groups with whom we already have a working relationship, as well as others we view as potential partners for this project. It’s a big development on a big piece of land with a big price tag–but we have a big God!
One day as Karen and I took a taxi home from the airport, our Muslim taxi driver became rather inquisitive about the plan for a new church and community centre. He was especially interested in how we would pay for it. I responded by admitting that we don’t yet know but that we trust in God, and if God is pleased, it will happen. We arrived at our house and I proceeded to pay the fare plus some extra for a tip. To my surprise, our Muslim driver declined the tip, handed me a £10 note, and said, “This is for your church building fund.”
Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17)
George and Karen
