Every once in awhile, we get to glimpse the precious intersection of the kingdom of God and the near frontier. What do I mean? You know how the Bible says that unless a person becomes as a child he cannot enter the kingdom of God? I saw that happen.  I saw the Word of God and a true story of our compelling Savior win its way into the hearts of a group of Sikhs who had come to learn how to pass the exam for U.S. citizenship.

It happened something like this…

I wrote previously about how my friend Wilson asked me to play the role of examiner for the citizenship exam. When that part of the morning concluded, Wilson explained to the group that I was actually a pastor (well, was once) and that I would now be sharing something from the Bible. They were accustomed to this because they regularly practice English using the Bible. As the words left Wilson’s mouth, I shot a prayer upward and a story instantly popped into my mind. I took a deep breath and began…

“I think you all know that Jesus was Jewish. The Jews were upper class people in the region, and they would deliberately avoid the area occupied by a group they considered below them, called the Samaritans.”

As Wilson translated into the Hindi language, I explained that the day in Samaria was hot…that the disciples went into the village, leaving Jesus alone at a historic well…. that a lone woman came to draw water… that he asked her for help (water to drink)…that she wondered why he, a Jew, a male, and a rabbi at that, would even speak to her.

By this time, I see that this story had captured their attention, and that if I stopped they would feel gypped. Heartened, I pressed on:

“Jesus was appreciative of the water, but He said something to the woman that was very curious. He said that this pure water would satisfy for a few hours, but that she would be thirsty again the next day. But there is a living water that satisfies forever. The woman was curious and asked where she could get this water.”

I told them about the five husbands that Jesus knew about… and that she marveled that He knew about her past even though he was a stranger.

Now I was a missionary to Africa, and I have never told a Bible story to a person from India. So at this point in the story, I know I am getting into some heavier themes. Mentally, I’m deciding what to do, and I figure the worst that could happen would be the drawing of a couple hidden daggers. Okay, I’m exaggerating there. But I do wonder, as I move deeper into the story, how they will take it.

I am so glad I didn’t quit…

“The woman informed the holy man Jesus that the Samaritans had this historic well, and they had a mountain set aside for worship. And Jesus added that the Jews also have their holy places for worship. But, Jesus said, anyone who wants to worship the one true God must worship in their heart, for true worship is not external but personal, in our heart.”

Jesus’ winsomeness combined with His authority seemed to blossom as I wrapped up the story. I said that the woman at the well affirmed her belief that the messiah was coming some day, and would explain all these things to them. And Jesus’ disclosure to the woman also widened the eyes of my listeners,

“I who speak to you am He.”

I wrapped up by telling about the large number of villagers who trusted this Messiah. Then Wilson spoke to them in Hindi with words that showed great wisdom:

“All religions are good. They help people to know how to live to bless others. But only one religion forgives all of our sins. Only one gets us all the way over to heaven and keeps us there forever, so that we don’t have to come back as a dog or pig. Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by Me'”(John 14:6).

We concluded the class. Took a picture. Shook hands with smiles on our faces. And I felt that the story of God’s unique love was heard and valued. One man, as he left, said to me, “I have that story in my heart,” and padded his chest softly as if to safe-keep a treasure.

Without a doubt, the experience was a treasure to me. Sharing our faith stirs our own heart to worship. It awakens childlike faith in others. This encounter happened in my home town. I wonder what adventures await in yours?

#NearFrontiersTREK

Tweet This  I saw a true story of Jesus win its way into the hearts of a group of Sikhs.

After a breakfast of eggs and toast, I asked my friend Wilson if I could tag along and observe his morning class for the Indians who had been coming to his friendship center. All of them first generation immigrants (meaning, to put it simply, that they came not as infants or teens, but full adults), they were preparing to take the test for U.S. citizenship. They were Sikhs, and were well educated back home in their own language and culture. But I was about to be reminded of something I already knew from personal experience: Former competency does not make easy work of new challenges.

I was caught off guard when Wilson announced to the early arrivers that I would be playing the role of officer giving the citizenship exam! Say what?! “It will be easy,” Wilson assured, “I’ll tell you what to say.” Right. So the class assembles and, having been instructed, I ask the candidate, one by one, to state his or her full name, raise right hand and promise to tell the truth. “What is truth?” I ask, as instructed. “Honesty,” they reply. I ask, ”Why do you want to become a U.S. citizen?” They reply that it is a good country, with freedoms, and the right to vote. Round and round the table I go, asking prescribed questions and giving them a chance to get used to my American accent.

I was struck with how difficult it was for them to grasp the questions. Even when they did, they worked so hard to recall an acceptable answer.

“What is one reason colonists came to America?”

“Why did the colonists fight the British?”

“What are two ways Americans can participate in their democracy?”

“When must all men register for the Selective Service?”

“Name a U.S. territory.”

They are responsible to know the answers to 100 questions like these, any ten of which can be asked them in the oral exam. Miss more than four and they fail. As I read the questions, I found myself thinking that many American citizens don’t know their system of government, the total number of representatives, the name of their representatives, or the Presidents in office during WW1 and WW2!

On top of that, these applicants must hear and understand the question in a language they are struggling to learn, and answer quickly with pronunciation the examiner can decipher.

All this points to the true help that Wilson and his wife Mary, plus a few volunteers from nearby churches, are providing these newcomers. My hat is off to them, for they have labored faithfully for 20 years. Lord, raise up more workers to minister in the hundreds of cities where our new neighbors would truly love a helping hand.

After the citizenship session, Wilson asked me to wear a different hat. But that story will need to wait for the next dispatch.

#NearFrontiersTREK

Tweet This  My experience tutoring immigrants for their citizenship exam was an eye opener.

Here is a brief report from an American living in one of our great U.S. cities. I love to give these simple examples of how friendship-bridges can be built as we are willing to open our homes and enjoy food and conversation together. Enjoy!

“We met Galen, Rahib and their girls last week. I had been given their names by a friend who said they would love to have some friends, so we went over unannounced.  They graciously invited us in and we had a lovely time with them. I was able to remember a few words of Arabic and used these words with them. Rahib, the wife must have felt I knew more than I could speak, so she kindly shared how to make the tasty dessert she had served us. Her astute five year old picked up on my lack of understanding and explained to her mother that Mrs. Karren does not understand Arabic, but Rahib insisted that I did.“This week we invited them to our home and I cooked chicken, rice, and vegetables. Rahib brought over a special bread roll she had made as well as two types of desserts. Before we ate we chatted in the living room. Rahib saw the Arabic New Testament placed prominently on our side table. “Is this the Injil (New Testament)?” she asked. I assured her it was and we looked at it for a few minutes.  We shared the meal together as well as shared stories of our lives. It was a delightful evening.

Tweet This  It is time to recover American hospitality in making friends across cultures. #NearFrontiersTREK

#NearFrontiersTREK

I had the chance to travel to a city where I knew some Jesus followers were gathering to begin a nine month internship together. They were Americans from different ethnic backgrounds and work pursuits, but they shared a passion to make friends across cultures for Jesus’ sake.  They spent the bulk of this first day sharing their life stories using 5 “H”s: Heritage, Heroes, Hard times, High points, and Hand of God. It was really interesting to hear a couple of the men share their stories in one of the small groups. I noticed a huge difference in details, but a commonality in God’s working to draw these guys into serving Him and loving others.

As I sit in my room for the night reflecting on the day, I think of how good God is to stir the hearts of some of His kids to care about those who come to this country looking for a new life or even deeper answers to the inner yearning for meaning. Many of those who were undertaking this internship are not novices. Most have lived in faraway countries for months or years at a time. They have made friends with those of other major religions, and God has put a seed of love in their hearts. I find myself wondering whether God intends the number of such people to be small, or if many believers are subconsciously avoiding such a calling. I know that many of what I will call the mainstream culture are fearful or angry at immigrants, whether for economic reasons (“they come and take jobs and clog up our medical system”) or national security reasons (“they come here and don’t adapt to our ways, or learn our language; in fact, they would kill us if they got a chance”).  I can almost hear God replying, “Really? You’re kidding! I’ve made you a servant of My eternal Kingdom. Why are you so possessive of things that are transitory?”

After the internship session ended, we cleaned and vacuumed the room made available by the church, and gathered up all the kiddos to head for home. I had asked to see the location where English classes are held. I was not sure what to expect, so when I saw the nice facilities, I was impressed. The children’s play room (pictured) would win the heart of any mom, especially one who is new to America and perhaps never saw something like this back home. Most of the furniture has been donated by believers, and volunteers from several nearby churches help run the programs and watch the kids. Two nights a week the men come and learn better English skills. Then three mornings a week there are women’s classes. They also do classes in henna art and other practical things. Separating the men from the women in learning is culturally appropriate. What a great service!

Did you know that many wives of immigrants are “linguistically isolated”? That means that they do not have proficiency in the English language to feel confident to get out and get involved in new things. What an opportunity for us who know American language and culture to show ourselves friendly. I know of women who teach cake baking, cake decorating, making cookies, sewing, etc. There are basic needs such as transportation to the store, doctor’s appointments, and taking a driving test too.

One of the women mentors in this particular ministry has been invited into the delivery room of many of the immigrant mothers. She has become a student in helpfulness. Some doctors have even let her cut the umbilical cord in some of the deliveries. Now, that’s going a bit far for my tastes! But the point is, if we are willing to step out of our comfort zone, we may find ourselves stepping into someone else’s life to bring real comfort, friendship, and love. “By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.”

Will American become a welcoming nation that can keep open arms to newcomers, as it did to our forefathers? Or will we become calloused, fearful, suspicious, and selfish? We are in a critical season of rampant global migration. Of all people, we who love Jesus, and know that He is the Savior of all mankind, should be leading the way with arms open wide.

#NearFrontierTREK

Tweet This  God stirs hearts to care about those who come to this country looking for a new life.

Tweet This  Will American stay a welcoming nation that can keep open arms to newcomers as it did to our forefathers?