This week I was given the opportunity to plan the entire church service—including the message. I chose to speak on the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. One of the central messages of this parable is the importance of being prepared.
That raised a question for me: prepared for what—and how?
It reminded me of those old “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. The story unfolded based on the choices you made. As we move into February and March, it feels like we are standing in one of those moments. There are significant seasons coming up in the lives of people around us, and we get to choose how we will respond.
This term, there are three adventures awaiting us, each centred on a people group God has already placed among us. You do not have to do all three. Which one(s) will you choose and how will you prepare?.
Adventure 1: Friends Who Celebrate Lunar New Year (17 February - 3 March)
Lunar New Year is celebrated across many cultures, including people from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond. It is a deeply relational season—about family, blessing, and hope for the year ahead.
Prayer
I have prepared a guided prayer journey specifically for Lunar New Year. It helps us pray intentionally for friends and families by name, asking God to open hearts, deepen trust, and bring spiritual conversations naturally.
Resources
There is a simple Lunar New Year website and invitation card designed to help start conversations. These resources are meant to support ongoing dialogue and can naturally lead into Discovery Bible Study as you journey together through Scripture.
Adventure 2: Hindu Friends Preparing for Holi (3 - 4 March)
Holi is a significant spiritual and cultural festival for Hindus—a time of colour, renewal, and reflection on good and evil.
Prayer
While I could not find a ready-made Holi prayer guide, I adapted our Deepavali prayer journey so it can be used meaningfully during this season. It focuses on praying with understanding and respect for Hindu friends and their spiritual longings.
Resources
Indian-focused invitation cards and conversation pathways are ready. These are designed to help move beyond surface-level conversations and into Scripture-based discovery together.
Adventure 3: Muslim Friends Entering Ramadan (18 February - 19 March)
Ramadan is a season of fasting, prayer, and spiritual focus for Muslims. It is one of the most important times of the year in the Muslim calendar.
Prayer
There are established prayer resources available for Ramadan, which I have linked. These help us pray daily, thoughtfully, and compassionately for Muslim friends and communities.
Resources
Resources for engaging Muslim friends are being finalised, including pathways that invite ongoing conversations and Discovery Bible Study. A dedicated website for this will be released soon.
Bringing the Adventures Together
Each of these adventures looks different, but they all share the same heart:
- Preparing beforehand, especially through prayer
- Choosing specific people, not vague intentions
- Walking with people over time, using Scripture as the foundation
The parable of the ten virgins reminds us that readiness matters. Opportunities often come unexpectedly, but preparation allows us to respond with peace and confidence rather than hesitation.
So as we look ahead to the coming weeks, the question is simple:
Which people group will you focus on—and how will you prepare to walk with them?
Grace and peace,
Bob