Zaiya* was sitting across the dinner table looking troubled.

"Bob, what do I do if my friends make fun of my faith? How do I tell them about Jesus then?" she asked.

I paused to collect my thoughts. I knew I needed to get my words right.

The day before, I had spoken to her and the rest of the church members about the MyFriends Lifestyle at their Easter church camp.

"I hear you. It is not easy when people make fun of your faith. I've been there. Remember yesterday I said there are three things you can always do:

• Respond to God's love
• Pray
• Care — meet practical needs

No one can ever stop you from doing these things."

But this does not give us permission to say, "People will see my good life and want to follow Jesus." People may see your good life and conclude that you are a vegetarian, or part of any other alternative lifestyle, unless at some time you let them know you are a Christian.

At some point, you will need to recheck their openness to hearing more about Jesus. You might:

• Invite them to watch a movie with you and then go to a cafe to discuss what they enjoyed about it.
• Give them a link to a website that deals with a problem they are facing.
• Tell them something you learned from the Bible that had an impact on your life.

People's openness changes. At one time, I was into Western Hinduism and was not the least bit interested in hearing the Gospel. But my openness changed during my second year of university.  A friend came into my room and invited me to a prayer meeting.  There I heard how Jesus was changing the lives of other students.  That very night I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.

Who do you know who seems resistant to the Gospel? Here is a prayer you might consider:

Prayer for a Friend Who Does Not Want to Hear About Jesus

Dear God,

Thank You for my friend.
You love them even more than I do.
I know You are patient and kind.

Sometimes my friend does not want to hear about You.
But I believe You are still working in their heart.

Please give me hope, even when I cannot see change.
Help me to love my friend with Your love.
Help me to be patient, kind, and full of peace.

When my friend is ready to hear,
please help me to see the signs.
Give me courage to speak at the right time,
and wisdom to know what to say.

I trust You, Lord.
You are powerful.
You can open any heart.

Please bless my friend.
Please open their heart to You.
Please use me to show Your love.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.