Marge (a teacher at the Arab American Friendship Center with whom we're working) had warned us that some of the women's husbands might not allow their wives to receive English tutoring. However, after we made it to each home on our first day, I thought that wouldn't be an issue. The first day of teaching was long, but it was so good. I was especially encouraged by the first woman we met with, Dawn. Her English was good and we were able to share the Bible stories on our hands (in henna) and read the story in the Bible so she could practice listening and then she read the story to practice pronunciation. Dawn seemed so open and eager to talk about her faith and listen to us talk about our faith.
It seemed like Dawn wanted to keep a copy of the book of John, so we left it with her. Later that evening, we got a phone call from an Arabic woman, but we couldn't understand what she was saying. While we were still trying to understand her, an Arabic man took the phone from her. I realized the woman was Dawn and the man was her husband when he said, "I saw the book you gave my wife." Our hearts sank as Dawn's husband continued to tell us he appreciated what we were trying to do, but he did not wish to continue the program. He was respectful, but very clear that we weren't welcome back in his home.
We had felt like Dawn was open and receptive to Jesus. It is so hard to not be able to see her again. I have over-analyzed our decision to leave the book of John with her a hundred times. I am struggling with not resenting her husband. It is so easy for me to forget that our battle is not against Muslim men, flesh and blood. The battle being fought is between Jesus and Satan and we know who has the victory.
I will miss meeting with Dawn and talking with her, but I am resting in that we were able to share Jesus with her. We were able to tell Dawn about the real Jesus, who is Savior and not just another prophet, and we know that the word of God does not return void. It is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts and draws people to the Lord. We are called to obey, go, tell, and love, not save. Our hearts hurt for Dawn, but we are rejoicing in that salvation depends on Jesus, not us, and that the Lord can work any situation for His glory.
Prayer Requests:
-that Dawn's husband's heart would be softened and he would allow us back in his home
-that the Lord would continue to work in Dawn's heart and draw her to Himself
-that Jesus would reveal Himself to Dawn and her husband through dreams and visions
-for wisdom in what we say and do