“Has God ever done anything for you in an undeniable way?” I asked the nearly 20 workers sitting around me on boards and overturned paint buckets.
“No,” Toahu said. “The God of Islam is not like that. He doesn’t interact with people.” Toahu is a giant of a man with a scary crushing force in his hands and legs like pillars. He is kind, dark, loud and always laughing. He loves his family and his cigarettes.
My eyes scanned each face, looking for someone else to answer.
Nima spoke up. “No. I’ve never seen God do anything for me.” I received several other similar answers and nods of agreement.
I have appreciated all the friendly participation from the workers building our house as we meet each morning to pray and discuss our faith.
I took a few seconds to share what God did in my life. He changed my heart from living selfishly in America, where there are smooth roads, and not wanting to live in Cambodia to coming as a missionary and giving me love for people. I also shared how I used to be embarrassed to fundraise, and now I have a beautiful partnership with God and the people who give. I also told two stories of how God had provided in undeniable ways.
“Does He hear you?” I asked. “Does He talk to you?”
“Yes,” Toahu piped in, “but only through the Koran, which I can’t read because it is in Arabic.” Everyone laughed.
I picked up many cultural nuggets from them, such as how, in Islam, men are not allowed to show any leg above the ankles and what the exact angles for their elbows and knees need to be for prayers. I also shared how, in my belief, God is called a father and greatly loves the whole world. I thanked them for working and said I love them all, too.
Now that we are on furlough and our house build is on hold, I miss that group so much. We are praying for those of the group interested in learning what the Bible says about Jesus and teaching others. We confidently expect God to build a vast movement of Great River People coming to Him. It is almost time for Jesus to return.
