Dear Family,
She came into Homework Club with her head hung low. This usually excited little girl had a depth of sadness and shame in her eyes that no child should know. What she failed to realize was that everyone could see her shame, not only in her beautiful eyes, but also in her new piece of clothing, a hijab. A hijab is a headdress worn by women who profess Allah as their god. Zoe is not Muslim, but her mom’s boyfriend is. Her grandmother is a follower of Christ and brings her grand kids to everything offered at Highland House. Zoe is stuck in the middle, wearing a hijab, and not understanding why.
Zoe has an older brother, Ryan, who is full of frustration and questions. He is desperately trying to sort out the truth from the lies. He memorizes Bible verses and sings songs to Jesus with Highland House and then goes home and prays to Allah with his mom and her boyfriend. He is confused. The options are too great for a ten-year-old. He knows that eternal security rests in one of these options, but which one? The name of Jesus is being whispered in Zoe and Ryan’s ears; Jesus is welcoming, loving, and waiting for them to see the truth.
While this goes on, I watch, dying to see the smile that Zoe is known for, to hear her giggle, and to see the spark in her eyes. And yet, the fizz in the soda is gone. I tell her that she looks cute today, and she gives me a halfhearted hug and rushes away. Ryan is growing angrier; he hates not understanding. And I am growing weary of not knowing what to do. Prayer and love are enough, but some days I wish there was more . . . then I remember that God has this all taken care of and I must rest in that truth.
Every day the stronghold of Islam is growing in Chester. It is seen in two innocent children and in the chaos of the street. New mosques are being built and appearances are being altered while confusion and questions settle into the minds of those who watch. Please join with us, the Chester staff, in prayer for our Muslim neighbors. Pray that the love of Christ will overpower all lies. Pray that peace will nestle into the hearts of Zoe and Ryan. Pray that God will give us wisdom as we learn about Islam and how to love our neighbors.
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