Last Tuesday, Fatima* invited my wife and me over for afternoon tea. We knew it was Ramadan, but she needed advice on selling some used appliances, and we weren’t available after sundown when she could break her fast.

After she made coffee and we were sitting around the table, I asked if I could share a story about Jesus (or Isa) and hospitality. She agreed, and I told the story of the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears.

I knew the theme of hospitality would resonate—Fatima is one of the most hospitable people I know. But I wondered how she’d respond to the moment when Jesus forgives the woman’s sins and the religious leaders ask, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

She listened carefully while I told the story. She wasn’t offended—quite the opposite.

"Bob," she said, "would you and your wife come to my sister’s wedding in December?"

I paused when she mentioned the timing—just after Christmas. Then I asked where it would be.

"In my home country," she said. A country where 90% of the population are Muslims.

Wow. She knows I’m a Christian. She’s heard dozens of Jesus stories from me over the years. And she still wants us to come—for 17 days. She’ll take care of everything except the airfare.

As Fatima* shared the plan I grew more and more excited.  Here is an opportunity to talk with her extended family about Jesus in a relaxed setting over several weeks.  How could we refuse such a wonderful offer?

As we left her house, I asked my wife, “Why do you think she wants to honour us in this way?”

My wife looked at me like I’d missed something obvious. “Because for over 10 years, we’ve walked with her through family struggles. She knows we’ve always had her back. She considers us family.”

And that’s when it hit me: opportunities to talk about Jesus don’t just come from clever conversations. They grow in the soil of trust—over time, through love, presence, and patience.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9

Let's pray:

"Lord Jesus, show us how to build strong friendships with the non-Christians around us. Give us opportunities to meet needs so that people know we have their back. Let us take the opportunities You give us to share Bible stories and Gospel presentations, so that more and more people come to faith in You. We want to see Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen."

Have a great week encouraging people to know Jesus.