Friday, September 22, 2017

Mr. Fix-it

"As we pray to our God and Father...we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope..." 1 Thessalonians 1:3.

One of our kids' favorite books was 'Mr. Fix-it'--who could mend anything, even hearts! On its cover was a picture of a red cracked heart with a bandage holding it together. My friend Eldon is a skilled handyman and goes beyond fixing things to influencing hearts.

Eldon is an MK. He thrived in his life in boarding school in India and loves speaking Bengali. Years ago we organized a 'game night' in our church basement to which we invited quite a few Bangladeshis. One of them went upstairs to say his Muslim prayers near the cross on the wall. He was quite a sight. Our prayer was that he would recognize the cross not only as a Christian symbol but the only means of grace.

After some games, Eldon picked up his guitar and sang gospel songs in Bengali. They LOVED it. Reminds me of Joy's father in Yemen trying to reach the Somalis with the gospel. He opened up the living window and started singing the gospel in songs! Apparently many Somalis were crouched under the window sill. Delivering the message through music can be quite effective.

Subsequently Eldon and his wife spent a decade in Bangladesh where Eldon ran a training school that focused on both practical skills and spiritual lessons. They needed to return to Canada but wondered how they could continue ministering to Bangladeshis. Fortunately, another family who had paved the way shared their list of contacts. They added to that list by going to cultural events in their city. As Eldon says, its easy to do so when you know the language. It wasn't long before Eldon used his handyman skills with community members and was up to his elbows with solving car problems. He gets to do something he enjoys and others benefit from his skills. God has blessed these efforts in building genuine relationships and trust.

The summer finds them on picnics with their adopted people group or making home visits especially for celebrations like Eid. They have hosted numerous Easter and Christmas celebrations. Bangladeshis love group events. While they may be hesitant to meet with Eldon and his wife all by themselves, they don't mind being included in a 'turkey dinner' with a group. Eldon and Ruth have a team of volunteers who assist them in putting on such events. Donors send extra funds to cover costs of the dinner. Sometimes they show the Jesus film and have had productive talks afterwards and answered the standard Muslim objections to the Christian faith.

Like most newcomers to Canada, many Bengalis are super busy with several jobs. Most are secular people. They are Muslim but don't follow the tenets of Islam 'religiously'. But they have felt needs and here's where Eldon and his wife come in. Visits to doctor or government offices are part of their incarnational witness.

Eldon and Ruth participate in a monthly prayer meeting and pass on the vision by mentoring others. Eldon says that really anyone can do what they are doing even without knowing the language. Love is a universal language.

Lord Jesus, thank-you for Eldon and Ruth's servant hearts. Please remove all barriers for Bangladeshis to come to faith in Christ. Amen.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Sports Club

Motto: “Remember your creator in the days of your youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1

"I'M RIDING SHOTGUN" screamed the guys as they raced for my car and wrestled for the front seat on the way to an evening of sports. Eventually things settle down as I hear the 'click' of seatbelts. Its the beginning of an exciting evening!

All Nations Sports Club was birthed after several refugee teen boys we were acquainted with joined gangs. My colleague and I recognized that their younger brothers were just a step away from trouble. The problem is greater for single moms who lose control of teenage sons.
   
So we approached a church about using their gym for an evangelistic sports club for newcomer boys aged 12-17. We outlined the goals and activities. We’d have 2 hours of sports with a ‘God-talk’ half-time. Our leaders were to be role models and we were hoping the boys would go to Christian camps in the summer. The church agreed to adopt the club as a ministry so that we could come under their insurance policy and use their facilities.

We started off with 4 boys whose widow mom is a Believer from Muslim Background. Soon friends from Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Nepal, and Afghanistan, etc. begged “Can we come too?” Each boy had to have permission from his parent. The demand quickly grew and we had to be selective which group of 10 boys we would take. Eventually our club grew to 3 groups.

Early on we identified 4 simple rules(4 R’s): Respect God, Leaders, Each Other, and Property(including rules for riding in our cars). We carefully explained our expectations. It was challenging at first. We also remind the boys and their parents a day ahead of sports club.

One time a boy was mad with another boy and as he entered the church doors exploded with the ‘f’ word. Since we had explained there would be no swearing in the club, he got a ride home and given a week to think about what he had done. It paid off! 

Before dividing into teams, we start the evening off with a short prayer. Christian ‘peer’ leaders assist and give testimonies and pray when asked. The boys respect them. At half-time we have a 15 minute ‘God-talk’. Since we are dealing with many Muslim boys, we start off with Arabic and English names for Old and New Testament characters they know. Generally, we address the topic “Who is God?” using OT characters in the fall season. In the spring session, we shift to “Who is Jesus?” with emphasis on the NT. Resources we utilize include Bible for Children for the younger boys and The Hope Project for the teens. Last year one of our specials was a Christian hip hop artist. They l-o-v-e hip hop!
   
The icing on the cake came as we were sending the boys to Bible Camp. We overheard, “Are you going to the Jesus camp?” Some are softening to the gospel message. We believe God is at work beneath the surface and some day we will see more visible fruit. PTL!

If this whets your appetite to start a sports club of your own and would
like to hear more, please contact me.

Heavenly Father, thank-you for allowing us to minister to these boys at risk through sports. Amen.