Cross-Cultural Connections in Northern Africa

James and Grace* are TeachBeyond members currently serving in a country whose population is over 90% Muslim. While that number might seem challenging to Christian ministry, it means there are many people who have never had the chance to hear the Gospel. While James and Grace are active members of a Christian school in the country, it is the Muslim holiday of Ramadan that has given them a new chance to connect with their host country.

Ramadan started on March 22nd this year: it is a special month every year when Muslims are expected to fast during daylight hours. According to Grace,

"During Ramadan, many Muslims where we live will use the time to be more serious about their spiritual practices. For others, they will say they are fasting, but not actually do it- the appearance is all that matters for them. For us it has opened the door for spiritual conversations. There is a belief that the good works you do during Ramadan count extra towards your salvation. We have talked with friends about if you had a scale, you could put all your good deeds on one side and bad on the other. And how Christ came to get rid of the scale."

While the devotion of people in their country may vary from person to person, it is a time of spiritual alertness in the country: a time for prayer, spiritual conversation, and sacrifice. For James and Grace, it has been a time for deeper spiritual conversation with their neighbors and North African friends, and an opportunity for prayer that God would break down the barriers and obstacles that prevent their adopted community from hearing the word of the Gospel.

Every year, they are part of a campaign which covers their country in 24/7 prayer for the whole month of Ramadan (March 23rd-April 21st). And in this way, this Muslim holiday becomes an opportunity for Christians to also refocus on the power and importance of prayer. It has been a chance to celebrate the way God is working in their country, including recent conversions and small victories in the hearts and minds of the people they are reaching. Let’s join them and praise God for the work of these local missionaries and let us pray for continued reach into their community.

*Names changed