Pioneers UK Blog

Cross-cultural mission is no longer reserved for those who are called to pack up their lives and move to a new country. We have opportunities for cross-cultural mission with neighbours and friends, right where we are! Many of our Pioneers field workers serve the Lord cross-culturally right here in the UK and Ireland. Three of them - John, Patrick and Judy* - have teamed up to share three go-to tips to help you share Jesus with Muslim neighbours and friends. 

By John*, a cross-cultural worker in the UK

Our neighbour died last year. Our short cul-de-sac was all a buzz to know who would buy the house. We didn’t have long to wait until an Asian family put in a successful offer and after several months of refurbishment, they moved in before Christmas. Immediately, my wife and I took over appropriate gifts to welcome them. Having established an annual tradition of giving all our neighbours a Christmas bag of goodies, including a Scripture calendar and “Divine” chocolate, we followed the pattern. We were soon exchanging names, chatting, and receiving delicious Asian food. Most recently, the family have asked us to keep an eye on their home while they are away.

Using the greeting salaam alaikum (peace be upon you) will get you a long way in breaking the ice. Whether travelling by train, bus, coach, or plane, sauntering down the street, or saying hello to your neighbour, don’t hesitate to use this greeting. You will almost always get a smile, and some people will stop and perhaps ask you if you are a Muslim. When they ask say, “No, I am a follower of Isa al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah – a title used in the Qur’an), and I love Muslims very much.” Away you go.

It is useful to have some basic replies to the most commonly posed objections to Christianity regarding the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the alleged corruption of the Scriptures. You can find these in any basic “How to reach” book. If you get stuck, the best reply is, “I will think about that.” Don’t underestimate the power of your testimony when sharing the gospel with Muslims.

“This is how I know and experience God in my life and in my Christian community...”
“This is what God has done for me, for us, for you..."

Share passages from the Bible. Carry a New Testament from which you can quote or give away. You will find connecting points for the gospel in the hearts and minds of Muslims as you multiply your contacts.

If an opportunity arises, invite them to church. A multicultural, all-age, fellowship of men and women worshipping God in Christ can be a powerful witness to the truths of the gospel. And don’t be afraid to accept their invitation to visit a mosque at prayer.

You will never be able to follow up with everyone you meet, but God doesn’t expect that of you. Your one encounter may be a single event in a list of multiple providential happenstances, including dreams, visions, miracles, and the fruits of media inquisitiveness. And don’t forget to pray, seeking out likeminded people where you live.

If you do enter a fruitful friendship, be prepared to take the long view, committed to your friends in the joys and sorrows of life for they assuredly will face both.

By Patrick*, a cross-cultural worker in Ireland

If you’ve ever landed alone at an overseas airport at night, with no one to welcome you, people speaking a foreign language, and with no plan for where you are staying for the next few days, you begin to feel a little out of your comfort zone. So, imagine what it’s like for someone fleeing war or conflict arriving in a strange land. They’re frightened and alone, their money and possessions almost gone, and they can’t understand the local language; hope is fading fast. This is the plight of many in our world today.

We are called to love the one in need. In this case the asylum seeker, the refugee in our midst. You may be asking yourself the questions, ‘Where do I start? How can I get to know people in need that have sought asylum where I live? What can I do to help others?’

One simple way to connect is through ministries that are already established and working with refugees. For example, you could volunteer at a food bank, English class, after school homework club, or through sports ministry. Or you may already know people from the refugee community but have not yet connected with them. Why not just say hello, how are you, and begin a simple conversation? Building a friendship is where to start. These are real people, often lonely and isolated and would love to meet with others and receive some help.

One lady I know built a relationship with a Muslim family seeking asylum, showed the love of Christ through practical means, invited them to church, and gave the husband a Bible. He began to read the Bible and came to faith in Christ. His wife and children in time also came to put their trust in Christ. All because one lady showed love to people struggling in life.

 By Judy*, a cross-cultural worker in the UK

‘When I pray coincidences happen. When I don’t, they don’t!’ So said Archbishop William Temple back in the 1940s. This little maxim has been a real encouragement to me over the years.

Overseas we were very aware of the spiritual battle and that prayer made a difference, but in the UK it’s easy to be less aware of the need for prayer. We believe in theory that we need to pray, but we don’t always follow through. Prayer prepares us and helps us to hear God in each situation, so when we are involved in outreach to Muslims, prayer is vital.

It’s easy for prayer to be pushed out by activity and demands. Whatever it takes to make it happen we need to make sure that we do pray, because when we pray coincidences happen. Good prayer habits, regular daily times, and prayer lists are all good ways to help us pray. Praying with others can be very encouraging. In the UK, the Mahabba network is a good place to look for a local prayer group. Or you could find one or two friends and pray together for particular individuals or a people group.

Before I was a Christian, I was part of a small Bible study group where I heard others pray. When my friends prayed, I sensed that they had a relationship with God that I didn’t have. They were talking to someone they knew, and I didn’t. I saw a quietness in them as they prayed, and I was deeply touched by hearing their prayers.

Sometimes I have found that a friend is waiting for me to pray, as they have got used to the idea that that’s what we do!

We don’t force prayer on people, but you can simply ask ‘Can I pray?’. It’s good to tell them beforehand that we pray in the name of Jesus. Don’t put it on. Be genuine. Thank God. Pray for your friend. Don’t get too long-winded.

Pray by yourself. Pray with others. Pray for Muslim friends. And share God’s answers to your prayers, simply and naturally.

Feeling inspired? We can connect you with ministries already working with refugees in the UK and Ireland. We can also help train and equip you and your church or small group for ministry to Muslims. To find out more, email us on beng@pioneers.org.uk. 

We'd love for you to join us in prayer for Muslims and unreached people groups worldwide. Check out our prayer resources here.