Farewell

Well just had to pop into the blog and say I had some great sales today, busy day for me. It always amazes me on how people love to stop and talk, must get that coffee machine going at work!

We went round to our Indonesian Muslim family tonight for dinner, they are so loving and hospitable. Its been interesting watching the wife progress with her English. When she came here it was very difficult to get many English words out of her but now, after about three and half years you can converse comfortably with her in English. However it is with sadness that we saw them tonight because Ira, the wife , is returning to Indonesia with their two kids with her husband following in about two months. We have gotten to know them well over these past few years and count them as dear friends. When you share meals and your home with people, you can see past the stereotypes and move through the preconceptions about people that are, on the outside different to us. These folks are Muslim, she wears the scarf head cover and he goes to the Mosque each Friday. They should be trying to convert us to Islam, take over the world. But hey, they are just like us; love their family, want the best for the kids, strive to make ends meet on limited income, and want to honour God.

How does the kingdom come near to them? I could try and argue with them on how their religion is wrong, point out the mistakes, say how violent Islam is etc. No. The kingdom will come near to them as I come near to them, I am Gods representative of the kingdom here on earth. If they want to see the kingdom then all they should have to do is look at me. Although they are leaving NZ soon, our friendship will continue across the seas and we can just keep open the friendship, unconditional and watch for those moments God gives us to speak into their lives. We know that if we get to go over to their home they will welcome us in, even if there is little room. God please do your miracle in their lives.