In a country like Albania, which is primarily muslim, there are a lot more mosques than churches. So, one thing I really wanted to do was talk to someone who was a practicing muslim to see what their perspective of Christians are and how they feel about their own faith. Little did I know that my team and I would get that chance.
Photo taken by: Renee DePhillips
(These were the flowers and scriptures we gave to local women we had met)
During one of our ministry days we had the idea of passing out flowers with scriptures attached to the ladies that we had already spoken to. We loaded up our supplies and we hopped onto the bus and headed to our favorite coffee shop. While working on our notes at an outdoor table so we could enjoy the pleasant weather that day, some other ladies sat at a nearby table. They were there nearly as long as we were and we were there for several hours. My team leader Kat felt the Lord tell her that she needed to make a few extra notes for those ladies. When they were about to leave Kat went to them and handed them the notes and it turns out they speak English!
Photo taken by: Renee DePhillips
Their names were Kamila and Diane and they were both university students working to become Albanian language teachers. They are both practicing muslims and they offered to take us to a nearby mosque. We walked with them and learned a little about Kamila’s family and their history.
(This is one of the oldest mosques in the city)
Once we arrived at the mosque Kamila taught us a lot about Islam and what she believes. She expressed that muslims have a certain level of respect for the prophets of the Bible and that muslims respect Jesus specifically. She was saying all of these things with love and then gave us a small tour of the mosque. She showed us where the men would go to pray and where the women would pray. She told us that reading a physical version of the Quran required a certain level of spiritual and physical cleanliness.
After 2 hours of speaking with Kamila and Diane I learned so much. I learned more about both Islam and the culture that it is paired with. I learned that even though Islam is coupled with shame and oppression that there is also a lot of respect and honor sewn into the fibers of the people who practice it. These women were nice and respectful of our beliefs but, I also know that they are also desperate for a God that loves them unconditionally and he will fight for them.
“The Lord your God is in your midst — a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17
This day went differently than my team and I had thought it was going to go but, clearly the Lord had better plans like always). And I know that the Lord has plans for those women as well. He loves them more than I could ever try to and I know that the Lord has plans for them. I pray that they come to know him and see that a relationship with the Lord is better than anything the world can try to provide but never will.
“But you, my Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy; you are very patient and full of faithful love.” — Psalm 86:15
I just love the idea of notes attached to flowers; such a nice way to honor these ladies. And look what it led to. You got to talk to Muslim ladies who told you more about their faith. Katie, it sounds like you were also very loving and respectful to them-thank you for your boldness.
I love this! What a beautiful story of answered prayers, being a vessel for the Holy Spirit, and testifying to the faithfulness and goodness of our God. Joining you in prayer for the seeds that have been planted in these relationships!