THOMAS' TRAVELS - JULY 2009

ON THE HOMEFRONT:

Over the past several months I have sent to you a number of articles on Islam. One of the latest statistics that I have been given is the fact that ten Frenchmen per day are becoming Muslims. This makes evangelism in France more urgent than ever.

Lately the Lord has given me opportunities to join hands with other Christians to evangelize Muslims in France and beyond, starting in Strasbourg itself. So when I am not traveling abroad, a special focus of mine will be on reaching Muslims.

In Strasbourg the main base of operation is the International Pentecostal Church of Strasbourg (Assemblies of God); there is a Sunday morning attendance of 900 to 1,000, as well as good facilities, and a dynamic pastor with a good staff. During June, there was an Oriental Evening with about 700 people present. About one third of them were Muslims brought by Christian friends, some of whom were former Muslims. The singing was in Arabic and French, and there were some oriental dances. A former Muslim from Kabila, Algeria, gave testimony on how he became a believer after many years of dabbling in drugs and the occult. The preacher who brought the main message was an Egyptian evangelist called Naser Katkout; he also sang and played his Egyptian guitar, and this created a lot of excitement. The response was very good. The organizer of the evening, a young man named Larby Mesaud Saïd, told me that eight Muslims came to Christ, were prayed for and counseled.

In July, I will be spending a few days in the city of Mulhouse at a 'summer camp' whose purpose is to reach Muslims. 25% of the population of that city is Muslim. I will have more news next time.

This ministry demands a lot of prayer, wisdom and spiritual power. One of the challenges is getting the people of different national origins to work together. Another challenge is to have more churches to take advantage of the opportunities of reaching out to Muslims. Obviously, the best method is through Friendship Evangelism, relationship networks, and local church events. Generally speaking, Muslims need to 'see' the miraculous power of Jesus Christ before they are converted. Intellectual arguments alone will never convince them. Also, Christians must manifest lives of holiness and love.

I covet your prayers and your continued support for this ministry. Thank you for caring and sharing.