Why Christians are Converting to Islam…Pt.2
by Gabriela Phillips
What follows is the conclusion of a previously published piece about Islamic-Christian engagement. It would be most beneficial to read part one and then return to this piece.
3. Now that I got what Michael told me right, it’s time to go a bit deeper putting the spotlight on the positive values that will address his heart needs. Michael was afraid, needed order amidst chaos, and needed to tap into the divine power. Note what Michael is not asking/ needing. He is not seeking intimacy with God, for example, later I will find out that he has a father’s wound so connecting with his heavenly Father is not appealing. I need to meet him where he is.
Let me add a word about values. When we think of our values, we think of what is important to us. Values are a type of beliefs that motivate people to act. Michael was looking for safety, order, power and went on to find it. When values are activated, they become infused with feeling. People for whom independence is an important value become aroused if their independence is threatened, despair when they are helpless to protect it, and are happy when they can enjoy it.[1] He did not find this in the church, but in Islam. Yet, we know that deepest fulfillment of every heart is Christ. And this is where we have to go. Not a theological Jesus, but the Christ that heals both inside and out. But you can start with OT stories, after all the OT Yahweh was the pre-incarnate Christ. I start with the OT (depending on the person), if Jesus is too conflictual since its associated with Christianity as religion.
Michael’s values are safety, order and power, and about that I will want to speak with Michael. Keep it simple, not preachy, give him stories and promises and trust that the Holy Spirit will open his mind and heart to receive the healing that God offers. Why do you think Michael will listen? Because is relevant.
“Brother, I can see that safety, order/ structure, and good power are very important to you, right?
“Yes, also honesty.”
“These are important to me too and are important to God. So, he has much to say, not in terms of a religion, but as guidance for life. Because his word is like a lamp into our path that guides our feet.”
4. Speak to Michael the man, not Michael the Muslim. Think of a story that could address more than one value at the time.
Can I tell you a couple of stories? I am choosing Daniel’s friends. Daniel’s friends were three young man who were taken out of their land by force, his families killed, and they were forced in chains to walk from their city to a faraway land. And now, the new King wants them to bow down to him, and in front of them there is an enormous furnace, with fire so, so, so hot, that the guards near it die from the heat. Do you think they were afraid? Well, is natural to fear danger, but they remembered what they had learned as children, that God will be with them everywhere. That he had to power to do things that humanly speaking were impossible. Daniel’s friends decided to ask God for help, and guess what? In the middle of the most horrible and intense fire, God not only protected them from burning, but he come to be with them in the fire.
The King was shocked, who is that fourth person? Is the same one who promised that he will be with us in the valleys of shadow and even unto death, is the one who has the power to even bring us back to life. Where the brothers can’t go, God will go with us.
“What do you think Michael?”
“Would you like this in your life?”
Remember as agents of reconciliation our role is to enable the Holy Spirit in doing his work. If you speak too much, you take the place of the Holy Spirit, so best ask questions.
5. Pray right there.
“Would you like to ask God for that kind of presence in your life? God promises that if we ask and it will be given, that if we knock and it will be open… do you believe it?”
-Yes.
- Would you like to pray right now?
- Yes, but I am not sure how?
- Speak to God, whatever is in your mind and heart and at the end say Amen.
Michael wanted to hug me; he was so happy. So, I said, brother, will you like to come back for more stories? But we never did, he is back in jail… I am praying that the God of the furnace may give him order, safety and power.
Let’s summarize, 1) Listen with your heart and mind. 2) Repeat back what you heard. 3) Identify the values (what is important). 4) Speak to the human before you, not a religious entity. 5) Invite the person to pray right there.
What if you are not sure what to do? Then follow step 1 and 2 and thank the person for sharing their story, that you want to think about it. Pray, ask God to impress you to see what He wants you to see. And go back and pick up the rest of the steps. “Michael, I had been thinking about your story, and it seems to me that… “
Don’t be afraid, Satan keeps us trapped in the fear that “I will offend someone,” love does not offend, it heals.
Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1116
Gabriella Phillips serves as Director of Adventist-Muslim Relations for the North American Division of SDA.
