Muslim #1
Fast Facts
One in four people worldwide, identifies as Muslim, while one in three identifies as Christian.
Currently, more Muslims are turning to Christ than at any other time in history.
Muslims are distributed across various regions:
Currently, more Muslims are turning to Christ than at any other time in history.
Muslims are distributed across various regions:
- East Asia: China is home to twenty-five million Muslims, boasting the largest mosque in Asia.
- Pacific Asia: Indonesia and Malaysia collectively house almost three hundred million Muslims.
- South Asia: India hosts fifty million Muslims.
- Central Asia: the Stans (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan).
- North Africa and the Middle East (the Arab world).
- Sub-Sahara Africa (tribal Muslims).
Study
Read Acts 16:11–15. (Part 1 of 2)
Paul's journeyed to Philippi, a key city, for ministry. What is the strategic importance of traveling to global urban centers to reach Muslims? Discuss then read some answers below.
Paul's journeyed to Philippi, a key city, for ministry. What is the strategic importance of traveling to global urban centers to reach Muslims? Discuss then read some answers below.
Additional resources:
- Watch Why Cities Matter (2:40)
- Watch Multiply New York (5:22)
Watch
A Muslim Woman Discovers True Peace and Identity (6:34)
- What were the key elements in her conversion?
Resources:
- Amani's Story (22:11) Longer but powerful.
- A Muslim Man Trades Uncertainty for A Life of Peace (5:56)
- A Muslim Man Risks Breaking the Law to Access the Gospel (5:52)
Discuss
All excerpts are from Samuel Zwemer: The Burden of Arabia by Janet Benge
- “God asks us to give up the good for the best." (Chapter 3)
What good is God asking us in North America, to give up? What "best" awaits those who do?
- “When Sam heard him sing [the song] for the first time, it brought tears to his eyes." (Chapter 4) Summarize the meaning of the song.
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"There’s a land long since neglected.
There is a people still rejected, but of truth and grace elected, In His love for them. Softer than their night winds fleeting, richer than their starry tenting, stronger than their sands protecting, Is His love for them” |
Learn
View
If you have not done so, view REACH an overview of the resource you're presently going through.
Pray
Reflect on what you have learned in this meeting, and let it guide your prayer as you pray together as a group
Answers from above.
Firstly, the unprecedented global trend of people flocking to cities, with an expected rise to twenty-three mega-cities by 2050, makes urban centers unparalleled in population density. This urbanization phenomenon, led by mega-cities like Lagos, Nigeria, and a substantial Asian presence in the top rankings, positions cities as the epicenter of human activity.
Secondly, urban dwellers, liberated from the constraints of traditional communities or tightly controlled family structures, find the urban setting conducive to discussing spiritual matters openly. In this environment, gospel discussions thrive, breaking free from the taboos that might persist in more secluded settings.
Thirdly, urban centers serve as global meeting points, attracting people from diverse countries within a relatively compact geographic space. This unique gathering of cultures creates a hub from which the gospel can radiate in every direction, influencing the world at large.
Lastly, the disillusionment experienced by migrants in urban settings, grappling with issues like unemployment, crime, loneliness, and hopelessness, creates an environment ripe for spiritual openness. The cross-cultural stress they encounter contributes to a receptivity to the hope, joy, peace, power, and purpose found in the gospel. Urban centers become crucibles where the human condition meets the transformative message of the gospel.
Secondly, urban dwellers, liberated from the constraints of traditional communities or tightly controlled family structures, find the urban setting conducive to discussing spiritual matters openly. In this environment, gospel discussions thrive, breaking free from the taboos that might persist in more secluded settings.
Thirdly, urban centers serve as global meeting points, attracting people from diverse countries within a relatively compact geographic space. This unique gathering of cultures creates a hub from which the gospel can radiate in every direction, influencing the world at large.
Lastly, the disillusionment experienced by migrants in urban settings, grappling with issues like unemployment, crime, loneliness, and hopelessness, creates an environment ripe for spiritual openness. The cross-cultural stress they encounter contributes to a receptivity to the hope, joy, peace, power, and purpose found in the gospel. Urban centers become crucibles where the human condition meets the transformative message of the gospel.