Calling out over a loudspeaker, lessons from the Qu’ran echoed throughout the West Africa fishing village of the Lebou. Several Christian volunteers, including Tim, a return volunteer to the Lebou people, walked past the village mosque and into the chief’s house next door. Inside, both the chief and the Imam (the Muslim leader) awaited them.
Tim had befriended the family as he shared afternoon tea with them and as they ate late dinners out of a common bowl. Their genuine friendship had, over time, opened doors. On this day, they invited Tim and the volunteers to share with them stories from the Bible.
The group was led to the chief’s back porch, a simple cement slab with a mat pointed east toward Mecca. On this mat, he prayed five times a day to Allah. Tim began by playing a short tape in the Wolof language that used Bible stories to explain basic Christian beliefs.
Most Muslims in Senegal believe that Christians do not pray, since they do not recite prayers in the same way Muslims do. Also, a misunderstanding of the Trinity has led them to believe that Christians worship three separate gods.
Willing to listen
As the chief and the Imam listened to the tape, they would occasionally pause to ask a question. More often, though, they would just comment that the stories were the same ones they believed.
Other similarities of Christianity and Islam arose, such as both believing in only one God who created the Earth. However, a clash of beliefs occurred when they learned Christianity is based on the Bible and a personal relationship with a loving God.
The group explained that they do not believe a person can know God personally, because He is so holy that no one can ever really know Him. It was difficult to teach them from the Bible, as Muslims believe the Bible has no authority over the Qu’ran. Throughout the discussion, there a peaceful sharing of beliefs.
As the volunteers left, the Imam challenged them to read more of the Qu’ran. In doing so, God would enlighten their hearts, and they would see the truth. Instead, the volunteers pray the Imam will one day know the truth, accept Christ’s message and be set free.
Share with others: