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A STORY ABOUT TEXAS MISSIONS INITIATIVES
SBTC’s People Group Missionaries work as catalysts and mobilizers among peoples
of Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim backgrounds, with the goal of planting New
Testament churches. Two of these missionaries are serving among Sunnis, Shiites,
and Ismaili Muslims in two key Texas cities, working to share the hope and truth
found only in Jesus Christ.
Miriam (name changed) is one of these missionaries. She is using her testimony
as a former Muslim to lead women to leave Islam and choose Jesus Christ as their
Lord and Savior. She was asked last year by one of her Muslim friends to begin a
Bible study and answer some questions about Christianity. It was a difficult journey
as the Muslim friend tried to understand Islam and Christianity. She expressed her
fear to Miriam that she might choose incorrectly. While studying the Old Testament
and its relationship to the New, the missionary showed how the promises of the Old
are fulfilled in Christ. Every time they spoke, the Lord allowed the missionary to
inject His truth in a way that the Muslim woman could understand.
During a recent discussion, the missionary asked her friend, once again, where she
was on her spiritual journey. This time the Muslim lady said, “You know, there is no
way around it. I know I’m a sinner, and I know my good deeds are not good enough
and I know I need a Savior.” Miriam asked her, “Do you believe that Christ is the
only Savior and He’s the One you can trust for salvation?” The Muslim friend said,
“Of course.” She then confessed that she’s no longer a Muslim but now a follower
of Jesus Christ!
Another missionary, John (name changed), is using his experience of living in North
Africa to connect with Muslim men. He regularly visits the nine mosques in his city
looking to build relationships and find persons of peace. During one visit he met a
man from Algeria. They connected instantly as they discussed the current turmoil in
North Africa. John invited this man to lunch, and this man in turn invited another
friend of his to go along. While they were talking about North African history and
culture, John moved the conversation toward the Bible. He shared how the Bible
proves that Jesus, or Isa as he is called in Arabic, is more than just a prophet. He
explained that even in the Quran Jesus is mentioned 44 times, which is more than
even Muhammad himself! By asking questions of these Algerian men, John has
built a platform for becoming his new friends’ personal Jesus expert.
Our Father is opening doors for the Bible to be taught to Muslims in Texas. He
is providing missionaries with opportunities to share Him with Muslim men and
women. Thanks to your faithful giving through the Cooperative Program and to the
REACH TEXAS state missions offering, missionaries like these are being identified,
trained, and resourced to reach Muslim communities in our cities.
PRAYER POINT
Pray for the continued protection of these and other People Group Missionaries.
Pray that there will be a spiritual awakening in Muslim communities all across
Texas as they discover that they can pray to God as a loving Father.
Quick Fact: No one is quite sure of the exact number (because
the census does not ask about religion!), but it is estimated
there may be at least 500,000 Muslims in Texas.
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