Love disarms as global workers find success where insults fail

Southeast Asian Muslims usually expect Christians to insult the Koran and the prophet Muhammad. 

But God has guided K* and B* (name changed due to security concerns) around that challenge with a simple action. 

“One thing we can do is know what is in the Koran [and] learn about Muhammad,” K said.  

K has shared with Muslims that she’s a Christian and likes a lot of things the Koran says about Jesus. Such a posture has disarmed their least-reached Muslim neighbors as the family initiates relationships in the large city where they live. 

They moved there in June 2023 to join Converge’s Spice Islands Initiative, operate a business and build bridges to Muslims.  

A mix of faiths creates many obstacles

Many here have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel. That alone fuels widespread unbelief among millions in the Spice Islands. 

The fusion of Islam with animism, spirit worship and honoring ancestors makes ministry even more difficult. Asian Muslims so deeply integrate their identity with their spirituality that they can’t grasp how to be Asian and follow Christ. 

These Southeast Asians naturally engage in spiritual conversations, which helps global workers talk about Christ. However, another challenge exists: People often consider faith more with their minds than their hearts. But the Lord hasn’t left K and B without a way forward. 

When you can’t reach the heart, try the stomach

God has again been helping K and B learn how influential food is in forming relationships with neighbors. They regularly trade meals with those who live around them.  

Their young children also play with neighbors’ kids, creating additional opportunities for gospel relationships. 

Related: The children of global workers have unique needs. Converge is helping meet them. 

Their friends see God answering prayers since K and B developed deep relationships that usually take years to cultivate after just six months. That’s due in part to Muslims experiencing love and respect when they expected insults. 

“The Lord really put us in this place for a reason,” B said. “We want to be the image of Christ, the salt and light through our business to the individuals we employ and the community we impact.” 

Converge is asking God for a gospel movement among every least-reached people group – in our generation. Learn how we are playing a role in accomplishing the Great Commission and how you can be involved.