I was really inspired by the sharing of David Shenk this past Sunday at our church. He spoke about having an open door to be in conversation with Muslim religious leaders--mullahs--in Iran.
I find it amazing that he has had such freedom in their midst to share Jesus--the one who fulfills the Kingdom of God, the living Word of God, and the one whom God has sent to experience the cross and to forgive.
He believes that this open door has come in connection with his faith tradition --the Mennonites.
He explains the open door by means of Jesus' message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation, chapter 3.
"I know your works" (good deeds)
In 1990, Iran experienced an earthquake and a multitude of blankets were sent by N.
American Christians through Mennonite Central Committee.
The next year, as refugees streamed into Iran from Iraq during the first Gulf War, aid was
again sent. This time in the form of blankets.
This opened doors to more formal contacts and visas to Mennonite representatives in
subsequent years.
You have little strength/power
Mennonites have been appreciated for having no political power or agenda in these
conversations. David Shenk reminded us, "the way of the cross is powerlessness, but the
powerlessness of the cross is the power of God." This is another way to be heard and
respected--humility with a servant's heart
You have kept my word
Muslims tend to respect "people of the word." To know that a person reads, is formed by,
speaks, and stands upon the words of scripture provides an opening of respect and
attention.
You have not denied my name/You love Jesus
Muslims are intrigued by Jesus. What does it mean that he is referred to as "Messiah"
and that he will return at the end of history in their teachings? David shared stories of
Muslims seeking and appreciating authentic conversations about Jesus.
I often think that in our culture, people often shut down at the mention of "Jesus."
How can we live and speak that the name of Jesus becomes a name and a person of
interest and intrigue to know more? Pray that God would turn hearts toward that name
so people would hear us as we share the reason for our hope.

What I am reminded of is that God does not just open doors "out there for us." He also prepares each one of us in our own lives to be an effective witness when the door opens.

How is the Lord shaping my life so that it has these ingredients?
Good Deeds
Powerless humility, respect, and love for others
(love for Muslims or any individual or people group)
Deep understanding of God's word
Committed Love for Jesus

Are you ready when the door opens?