Muslim Ministry in France: Christian Hospitality Opening Gospel Doors
Allen and Jennifer serve with SIM USA in France, where there is a large population of Muslim international students and immigrants. Through friendship and hospitality, Christians in France can introduce people from Muslim-majority countries to the love of Jesus.
“If Christians are there to welcome them, invite them into friendship, and show hospitality, then it opens huge doors for people from places where they may never have met a Christian in their home country,” Allen said.
Each month, Allen hosts a discussion about the Bible and the Quran for students in the area. He brings Christian and Muslim students together to explore the similarities and differences between the two faiths. They ask questions, share their perspectives, and continue their conversations over snacks afterward.
As friendships develop, Allen and Jennifer invite the students into their home for dinner. Around the table, conversations deepen, and relationships grow. Through these personal moments of friendship, Muslim students experience Christ-like love and hospitality. They have the chance to learn and ask questions about the gospel, often for the first time.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6
A Prayer for Christian Presence Answered: Sharing the Gospel in a French Mosque
When Allen and Jennifer first moved to France, they heard about a Christian-Muslim dialogue event being held at a local mosque. The conversational event encouraged Christians and Muslims to openly discuss their faiths. It was a unique opportunity to share the gospel and answer questions about Christianity in the heart of the city’s Muslim community.
Allen attended the event and quickly realized he was the only Protestant Christian there. The other attendees were Catholic or Muslim.
As he participated in the event that day, Allen saw the potential for Christians to be involved in these spaces.
“God, help me get Christians present here,” he prayed.
The answer to that prayer came gradually. Over the years, Allen led the Bible-Quran discussions with students. He built relationships and created space for conversations about faith. He eventually saw Christian students become interested in sharing the gospel with Muslims.
Then, this year, he saw the fruit of that long-term investment.
With permission from the imam, Allen brought 20 Christian students from his Bible-Quran discussions to the mosque. They gathered with Muslims to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations about their faiths.
The 20 Christian students broke off into small groups with Muslims and presented a passage from scripture:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
One of the Muslim participants was fascinated by the phrase, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“What does that mean? How does that work? How does that happen?” he asked.
Allen and a Christian student explained the gospel and sanctification to him. They shared how transformation begins when a person chooses to follow Jesus.
“It starts when you put your faith in Christ, and the Holy Spirit comes into you and begins to transform you,” they said.
“That was a gospel opening,” Allen later reflected. “Sitting there in the mosque, we could explain the gospel.”
Allen realized that his prayer from years earlier had been answered: Christians were present. They had shown up in the mosque, ready to engage in conversations and share their faith.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
How a Refugee Gathering Became an Opportunity to Share the Gospel
On another occasion, a non-profit organization hosted an event where refugees were invited to share their stories. It was not a Christian event, but a secular gathering open to people from all faiths and backgrounds.
When Allen and Jennifer heard about the event, they immediately thought of Arwa, their Christian friend who had immigrated from the Middle East. Allen suggested that she attend and share her testimony of faith.
Arwa agreed. Her father, a Christian pastor who had immigrated with her, decided to attend too. Together, they entered the gathering, where refugees from different backgrounds had come to listen and share their experiences. Among those listening was the imam of one of the city’s largest mosques.
Arwa stood in front of everyone and proclaimed her faith in Jesus Christ. She shared how Jesus had changed her life. Then, her father joined her and began preaching the gospel to all in attendance.
Allen and Jennifer watched in awe as the gospel was proclaimed clearly in the mosque to a community of refugees.
“I just thought, ‘In what other secular context could the gospel be preached so clearly?’ Everyone was there, trusting each other and appreciating the spirit of it. It was incredible,” Allen said.
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” Psalm 66:16
Serve Muslim Immigrants and Students in Europe with SIM USA
Ministry in Europe offers many opportunities for Christians to build relationships with people from Muslim-majority countries. Gospel conversations happen from simply showing friendship and hospitality.
“Most folks love to talk about God,” Allen and Jennifer said. “They may disagree with you, but it’s an open topic. You can bring it up freely.”
Faithful presence and friendship are bearing eternal fruit in Europe. Gospel conversations are happening, and hearts are opening to Jesus.
Are you interested in serving immigrants and international students in Europe? Connect with a SIM USA mission coach and attend a Connect event to learn more. There are many opportunities to share the gospel with those who may never have heard it before.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Names have been changed for the privacy and safety of our workers, ministry partners and those we serve.
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Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a content creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.