|
KUMAR
– A MUSLIM FROM PAKISTAN
As we sat in a South Carolina restaurant we
noticed a tall, thin golden skinned man bent down in conversation with the
couple in the booth in front of us. He appeared very friendly and
animated, occasionally mentioning what we thought was the word, “God.”
We wondered if he
might be a Christian witnessing to the customers.
 His badge identified him
as an Assistant Manager of the restaurant, and his eyes caught our eyes
looking at him, so when he finished with those people he stood and looked
smilingly at us. Our nod to him drew him to kneel at our booth and greet
us. We asked him if he were a Christian, and he responded with a smile,
“No, I am a Muslim from Pakistan.”
We explained how we overheard him
saying “God” several times and wondered, because we were Christians.
This led him to the subject of the religions of the world and the need for
peace between them. Kumar seemed such a gentle and kind soul and almost
pleadingly suggested that if we could all just respect one another’s
differences we could gain peace in the world.
We asked, “What if that
could happen and we did gain peace in this world? Would that also give us
peace in the next world? If there is a place for the righteous and a place
for the unrighteous, which the Bible teaches, then what would decide the
fate of men?” He smiled humbly and agreed that this would be a problem.
When we asked him if he believed that there are some things that are
right, and some things that are wrong, he replied, “Yes, certainly!”
Then, pushing just a little bit further we asked him if there was such a
thing as truth. “Of course,” he replied. “Kumar, the various
religions of the world each believe they have the “truth” yet their
beliefs conflict with one another. Can two conflicting views both be
right? Can two opposites each be true?”
It seemed Kumar realized the fallacy of such an idea yet was reluctant to
face it. He bowed his head and said, “This is a difficult thing.” Yet,
it is only difficult in a world of no absolutes. Any logical thinker can
easily see that each of us can’t have his own “truth” that conflicts
with the “truths” of others. Truth is truth. It is absolute and
unchangeable now and forever. Two opposites cannot both be true at the
same time.
Although we had only
known Kumar for a few minutes, we couldn’t help but feel a love and
compassion for him. He seemed to have such a good spirit, and was so open
to what we were saying. This is when Brother Goodwin put his arm around
Kumar’s shoulder and said, “Kumar, Jesus said, ‘I am the way the
TRUTH and the life. No man cometh unto the father but by me.’ Jesus is
the TRUTH, Kumar… You need to come to know Him as your own Savior. He is
the only way to Heaven.”
What a sacred moment it was when Brother
Goodwin prayed right there for Kumar…with his arm still around his
shoulders as he knelt at our table…a manager of this restaurant…
prayed that Kumar would come to understand the Gospel and that he would
come to receive Jesus Christ as his own Savior and Lord. Kumar smiled and
thanked us as we gave him Gospel literature and left.
|
Reply by Bo
Gilles
SO glad to hear of your faith
in action! God is so mindful of those that are reaching out to
Him, that He allows your path to cross with someone who is SEEKING
the truth. We must let our LIGHT shine!
We have had 2 exchange students with a family at our church. 1
girl from China, the other from (oops! I forgot), she is Muslim.
The girl from China, has no religious ties at all. YET, she is
seeking the truth. We just assume our paths cross to be a light
and message of the Glorious Gospel to these girls. Take advantage
of these opportunities! Thanks for the testimony, it reminds us to
be diligent in our work. I'll pray for Kumar too |
|
412-735-3539
Some of the most excited
people I have met are those who have just returned from witnessing for the
Lord. He that winneth souls is not only wise, but full of joy. Perhaps the
following reports and comments can be used by the Lord to stir
soul-winning fire in those who read them.