Thursday, July 11, 2019

Continued Trust & Curiosity

At an international student social, Jen met Jill*. Through conversation, Jen learned Jill is from a Middle Eastern country. Despite best efforts, Jen felt as if Jill did not trust her based on body language, so the attempt was to continue spending time with her to build trust. The following week, Jen texted Jill to meet up and get to know each other better. Jill agreed and asked if she could bring a friend. Shelly* and Jen then met with Jill and her friend, Susan*. Immediately there was a physical difference identified. Jill’s hijab covered the majority of her face, only leaving her eyes and a portion of the bridge of her nose exposed, while Susan’s hijab left her entire face exposed. Jen eventually asked about the difference, and Susan explained she believes it is based on how devout a woman is to Islam; the more that is covered, the more devout. 

That day, Shelly shared the Gospel with both women, and Susan explained she had read parts of the Bible. Jen eventually asked what would happen if someone left the Muslim faith. Susan immediately responded with “they are killed” and reasoned it by explaining it is seen as calling Allah a liar. Jill and Susan then quickly had a conversation in Arabic, and Susan  changed her response to “they just leave the country” reasoning there were no churches in their home country. Since that time, Shelly and Jen have gotten more opportunities to spend time with Jill and Susan, as well as another one of Jill’s friends, Dawn*. 


Pray for open hearts, continued trust and curiosity, and safety for these women. 

-P52 Newark
Delaware

*Names are changed for security purposes