Bible Discussion Thread

Witnessing: International students.

In an earlier posting; I mentioned how men are usually the ones to be approached; particularly with Muslims when we as men are witnessing; but also in other cultures. One of the first things we need to do in this as well as in other situations is to make sure we don't harbor misconceptions. It helps; as with my former roommate that I brought attention to; to go to their church events (such as the Chinese church we used to visit in the area). We should realize that there are those of almost all nationalities who are already believers in this country; who usually are somewhat assimilated into our culture. We should also know proper doctrine; because many of the same errors we find in our churches often occur in their places of fellowship. It is certainly noteworthy to see the Korean churches in particular with their very lengthy commitment to prayer and fellowship that often spans througout most of the day Sundays; along with daily events as well. There are still issues with legalism; as well as concepts of what it means to be saved in those congregations; and others of course particularly from the African churches have seen Charismatic megachurch errors as we see in this nation.

When addressing nonbelievers; of course we need to understand enough of their own beliefs if we are to challenge them on that subject on the Bible being true and other faiths not of God. We should recognize that many Muslims in particular are that way in a cultural or mystical sense; but we need to know the basics of the Koran when it is used against us. Relationships are good; but again that differentiates street witnessing from for instance getting to know a foreigner from a school or work affiliation. We should at least understand their culture well enough as to not for intstance eat foods offensive to them; or greet in a way that is insulting. Knowing a bit of a foreign language can be good when handing out tracts as well.