A Simple Invitation

Christmas is a great time to invite someone to your church!

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“Can you go to any church you want?”

It wasn’t the question Sandy* expected that afternoon in her car as she drove a couple of adult English students home after a Christmas tea party at their teacher’s home. The two women were interested in how Sandy’s family celebrated the holiday, and Sandy mentioned that they always went to the Christmas Eve service at their church. ​

That’s when the question arose. Back in their home country, only certain people could go to certain mosques, so Hera* couldn’t imagine just walking into any church she saw. Sandy invited Hera to come to her church while it was decorated for Christmas. She went on to share the Gospel with these two women. The other woman listened out of respect for Sandy, but Hera clearly wanted to know more and agreed to visit Sandy’s church before she got out of the car.

The next Sunday morning, Sandy picked up Hera and her toddler-age son. It was their first time to enter any place of worship because Hera wasn’t allowed into the local mosque in her home country. Sandy goes to a church where women with covered heads occasionally show up, so Hera didn’t get too many strange looks.  She stood and sat with everyone else as the service began, but after about 20 minutes, they stepped into the vestibule so her son could roam a bit. Then it was time for Sandy to take them home.

Hera didn’t want to talk about her experience as they drove away, but that’s okay. Sandy and Hera stay connected through Facebook, and when she’s ready, Hera will take that next step toward faith in Jesus.

“Everyone has a little fear of the unknown,” Sandy said, “but most internationals are friendly and willing to do things—more than Americans. It just takes a simple invitation.”

READY TO GET INVOLVED?
Christmas is a great time to share your faith with someone from a different culture because everyone is interested in the holiday. Don’t worry about “success.” Just extend an invitation to an hour at the park,  a cup of coffee, an online service through your church, or the next special observance at your church. You’ll be surprised how positively your international friend will respond! Then let us know how it goes.

*Names have been changed for privacy.