Fruit Trees, Soccer and The Gospel

Yonathan is an Arabic-speaking Christian, the son of a pastor.
 
Telling me about his home in Cairo, there were fruit trees right outside his door. He reminds me that here in Dallas, they lack open spaces for soccer, except for the turf at school and parking lots at home. He is not upset though - he wins his soccer games no matter the terrain. His father continues to pastor a church in Egypt from afar as they get situated here in Dallas.
 
Every day in the Vickery Meadows neighborhood, kids are out playing tag and soccer. On Sundays, families are out doing laundry. And, on Thursdays in the Northwest Community Center, we are inside practicing reading. Yonathan is incredibly competitive and intelligent, and he is determined to learn. When I get distracted, he is quick to say, “Let’s get back to work!” We practice things like reading comprehension and English vocabulary. We also learn goal setting, how to stay motivated, and most importantly, about Jesus.
 
Most of the kids in Reading Circle are learning English on top of an additional one or two primary languages. This challenge, on top of the challenges they may face at home or school, can seem insurmountable without some help from a friend or mentor. As some of these students encounter God for the first time, having a one-on-one relationship with someone who cares about them is essential to unpacking these complex topics. Yonathan knows God, and already speaks very good English. It is a privilege to mentor him as he grows further in his understanding of the Gospel, and as he reconciles the customs of his new home with that of his old one.

As Easter approaches, I am reminded of God’s plan to redeem the world. Jesus’s life on Earth was full of challenges, trials, and temptations. I frequently find comfort in knowing that anything I am struggling with, Jesus volunteered to struggle with it first.

“6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  [b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8)

While studying the Bible with Yonathan, I have been struck by Jesus’s life in an entirely new way. The stories I relate to in the abstract, Yonathan has lived. In the New Testament, Jesus himself was a refugee when his family fled to Egypt to escape persecution (Matthew 2:13-15). Yonathan’s family similarly fled to Egypt to escape persecution. Jesus came down to Earth to live and beat the trials we would someday face.
Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on their spiritual journey, and to make changes and sacrifices in their lives to grow closer to God. These sacrifices are intended to help us recognize the things that are distracting us so we can refocus on Christ. As I reflect and pray, God is pointing out to me all the people in the world who do not know Him yet.

This passage in Philippians goes on to mention that every knee on earth will one day bow in worship of Jesus:

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

God's plan for redemption applies to all people. When I look around at the world, I notice that Islam is growing quickly, and people around the world are learning Arabic to recite the Qur'an. Who will introduce Jesus to the Arabic speakers of the future? I believe this could be Yonathan and his friends. Just like other refugee students, Yonathan knows two cultures, speaks two languages, and knows one big God. He is positioned to grow into a leader of people, and through reading circle, I have the privilege of discipling him in faith and mentoring him in English.

Refugees are so clearly being used by God to reach the world. They have relationships with parts of the world that we may never get to visit. Kids have whole lives ahead of them to experience and share God's love. And, they relate to cultures and communities that are otherwise inaccessible to you and me. For many refugees, Lent takes on an even deeper meaning as they sacrifice everything to retain their faith. They have fled their homes and communities and struggle daily for survival and security.

Hanging from a tree on a hill in the Middle East two thousand years ago, Jesus died for the sins of humanity. Then, he was raised from the dead, so that everyone could have a chance at redemption, hope, life, and joy. As you prepare for Easter and practice Lent, consider how much Jesus sacrificed for you during his life and in his death. Identify ways you can sacrifice the unimportant and refocus on God. Finally, consider the invitation you have to participate in God's global plan to redeem all humanity. Just like in Matthew 28:19, Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations." God loves you and is offering you the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in His plans to bring heaven to earth. A life spent doing that and following Christ is a life well lived, and the joy is eternal!


Written by: Elliot Omohundro
Edited by: Kendra Smith