How Many Have the Name Onesiphorus?

My friend, Muhammed.

The Keys

      It's often been stated, but I have seen it proven in recent experiences over and over again.  The doctrines are diverse, the objections are innumerable and the power of darkness is mighty indeed.  But, the two keys that open hearts are still the same:  The power of the Holy Ghost and the power of friendship. 

      Muhammed, the Prophet of Islam, has so many things written about himself in the Muslim world.  Due to recent historical investigations and discoveries, many are coming to believe that it's possible the man never really even existed.  But, in the hearts of 1.5 billion people on planet earth, there's no question at all about his reality.  So it is with Muhammed --- my friend Muhammed, not the Prophet Muhammed! 

     The joy on his face literally shined as I intently listened time after time to him as he told me his beliefs, his Arabic quotations from his Qur'an, and his homespun illustrations trying to show me the "beauty" of Islam.  But, all that joy left and a shadow passed over each time I responded with Truth.  He was most unhappy to learn that I really did believe that Jesus is Divine, the Son of God.  But friendship and kindness kept us talking inspite of differences.  Just every so often, you'd see as a slight questioning look would seep into his eyes as the Holy Spirit worked in his heart and mind.  

     My friend Muhammed is not my brother -- at least, not yet.  But, because of kindness, cups of tea and sincerity, his heart remains open to hear what I have to say.  When he felt things were a little more than he could deal with, he'd take me to his friend, Abu Bakr (incidentally, one of the Prophet Muhammed's right hand men, too!!).  Abu spoke much better English and much better Arabic.  He was Muhammed's "tag-team partner".  

     The sad thing is, neither had ever even heard the truth about their Qur'an, its changes, its flaws and its errors.  I'm not a scholar, I'm not brilliant and I have no spectacular arguments to offer.  I don't even know very many of those things to point out to them anyway.  But none of this matters when the Spirit of God is present.  The reality of Jesus Christ, God taking on human flesh, is true and the Holy Ghost bears witness to Truth!  Praise the Almighty!

     I would like to ask you to pray for my two friends that have had such open and friendly exchanges with me.  Pray that God's Spirit would penetrate the darkness of their hearts and open their eyes to the Truth.  Pray that the friendship we have enjoyed will continue to be a window through which God can touch their hearts.  

     Please spend a few minutes of your day learning about the basics of Islam.  Then ask the Lord to open an opportunity for you to speak to some heart who is seeking for Light and Life right there around you.  Go to an arabic restaurant.  (Try the Couscous - it's delicious!)  Ladies, find a Muslim woman at the Mall alone with her children and try to share the kindness of true Christianity with her.  God might open a friendship that would bear fruit someday!

     I do appreciate very much your prayers while ministering here in India.  Please continue to pray for my wife.  We need the healing touch of Jesus for her.  May God bless and keep you.

Beyond Frontiers