Daily Topic for September 17, 2010
Those who reach out to the Arabs need to be aware of Muslim customs and abide by them, if they want to win Arabs to the Kingdom. Otherwise, the Muslims will disregard their efforts. By not taking Muslim sensitivities seriously, workers can easily cause Muslims to not take Christ’s Kingdom seriously!
Pray that Sri Lankan Arabs will be drawn to local believers who have a willingness to dress modestly, honor Muslim dietary restrictions, and most importantly, obey God’s Word.
by PD
“We came from South Africa to help you, but you are teaching us!” Mohammed, a Muslim volunteer, was impressed with the Muslim outreach programs in Sri Lanka. Abdul, a local Arab (also known as Moors) Sri Lankan, commented, “This country has been through so much with civil wars and climatic disasters. All of this just increased the desire of our people to help everyone on the island, even non-Muslims. I remember attending a huge Islamic meeting in 1983 in which over 90 percent of all Muslims here attended. There were even groups of Muslims who went house-to-house inviting the families to the meeting. From that time on we developed our centers, schools and mosques.”
The Arab Sri Lankans trace their ancestry to Arab traders who moved to southern India and Sri Lanka some time between the 8th and 15th centuries. They speak a form of Tamil that contains some Arabic words. Many can read the Qur’an in Arabic. They are devoted and have drawn some Sri Lankan Hindus, Buddhists and a tiny number of Catholics into their religion. Many of them remain active in trading and business.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray that God will prepare the hearts and minds of His children to reach out to the Arab Muslims of Sri Lanka. Pray that these Arab Muslims will be open to God’s Word and His mercy. Pray that the teachings of Jesus will change their lives for ever.