MOSLEMS VISIT FRENCH OASIS

by Richard Kemp

Eight o'clock, and the MEPA team was preparing to leave for a day of evangelism. We were a little more edgy than usual; today we would be preaching in the part of Marseille known as petite Algérie, or little Algeria.

Many people are surprised to learn that, at nearly 8%, Islam is the second biggest religion in France. In fact three out of the sixteen households on our housing estate in Lauris are Moroccan.

This day of evangelism was in collaboration with a group of Arab Christians who meet in Marseille and the mission Arab World Ministries. As we painted and preached we were careful to use illustrations which would not offend Muslim sensibilities. There was no need to introduce spiritual matters gradually, as most Muslims are very willing to talk about God. After each message it was heartening to see most of the seventeen-strong team engaged in conversation with members of the crowd.

Muslims in France have many questions about the immoral lifestyles and blatant racism which are so common in 'Christian' Europe. Christian love can do much to overcome this.

During the afternoon we gathered for a meal. There were forty of us of whom ten were new Arabic Christians and fifteen were Muslims who were interested by the Gospel. After the meal we sang worship songs in Arabic, French and Cabil. This was interspersed with testimonies from the group and Bible stories illustrated with the sketchboard. We returned home encouraged and looking forward to our next sortie into North Africa.