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Friendship and Trust in the Wake of Violence
22 February 2011
This home is located in a region of Asia that has been brutally hostile to Christianity. Centuries of injustice and war have created a chasm between Christians and the Muslim people of this region. Trust is a scarce commodity. Kidnappings and murders mar the historical backdrop of attempted ministry. Missions, NGO’s, and foreigners avoid this place, and for good reason. It is a crucible for martyrs. Yet leading this most ordinary activity of baking is a rare woman of God with more than a dash of courage or a pinch of vision. Her steady perseverance and godly audacity have transformed her kitchen table into an altar for evangelism and discipleship. As aromas of chocolate fill the house, the fragrance of prayer lifts from her heart. As beautiful cakes and pastries slide out of the oven, life is shared, trust is earned, mistakes are molded into memories, transparency is stirred into conversations, and the Gospel is introduced one teaspoon at a time. Meanwhile, across town, several men play sports at a local club. But one man plays for more than points or a stimulating workout; he plays to forge friendships that may give way to conversations about the Gospel. The men experience camaraderie on the court, which deepens their respect and trust for each other. This husband and wife team, Ravi and Priscilla,* serve in one of the most dangerous hotspots in Asia. Although other ministry locations are available to them, they sense God’s distinct call to this city and to this ministry of dismantling walls between Christians and Muslims. Through an array of creative activities such as sports, baking, cooking, music, health, and beauty, they have found favor with the local community and have developed rich friendships with both children and adults.
So why would a city so hostile to the Gospel become receptive to this couple? Many reasons may be guessed, but not least significant is that Priscilla and Ravi do not come from any Western or developed country. They are believers sent from a minority Christian community in another country. Their upbringings, nationality of origin, and courageous faith have uniquely prepared them to be the hands and feet of Christ where a Western missionary would not be tolerated. Priscilla and Ravi have not chosen an easy location or strategy. Relationships take tremendous amounts of time, hard work, and love—all in the context of great personal risk. Yet their work has been received with enthusiasm by Muslim community leaders. “They really trust in us to let their children be part of these activities,” writes Ravi. “And we have also now identified seekers that are hungry and thirsty for God’s love.” Priscilla and Ravi have started a project called Developing Friendships of Trust as a way to allow others to help support their ministry. The term “martyr” means “witness”, and indeed, others have born witness to this region and paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. Today, Ravi and Priscilla take the place of those who have gone before, not as martyrs who die, but as living sacrifices. As they invest their talents, time, and daily presence, they need others to invest financially to keep them thriving for the long term. If you would like to help, please contact your nearest SIM office today. We would love to hear from you. Thank you! *not their real names 
 
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