Ethnic Minorities

Blog Entries

Ramadan and the Gospel

When we celebrate with our Hui friends, let us not treat remembrances of either our God or theirs as quaint cultural relics, but as points of connection to God and his gospel. These are powerful gospel prompts.

Blog Entries

Interfaith Dialogue in a Chinese Village

A few years ago when we were living in China, I “accidentally” ended up having an interfaith discussion with two imams which was actually very helpful. Here’s the story of one of those discussions.

Blog Entries

Sober Optimism

Opposition and Opportunity

This conversation did raise for me, two important questions. How do we view the world around us, and particularly its political and social institutions? And how will God’s redemptive plan, God’s kingdom, be ushered in in all of its fullness?

Blog Entries

Sharing the Good News with Hui

Know Thy Hui Neighbor (9)

What not to do and suggestions for getting started.

Blog Entries

Hui Disciples of Jesus

Know Thy Hui Neighbor (8)

A look at three threats to Hui disciples and three paths they might take as they follow the Lord.

Blog Entries

Hui Weddings, Funerals, and Other Rites of Passage

Know Thy Hui Neighbor (7)

Rites of passage are supposed to be passed through—they serve as gateways to the next stage of life. Yet too many of our Hui friends see them as closed doors, barriers to entering new life in Christ.

Blog Entries

May They Dream of Jesus

Know Thy Hui Neighbor (6)

This is the time of year when Muslims are most in tune with spirituality and when Christians who love Muslims pray most fervently for God to reveal himself to them in the person of Jesus the Messiah.

Blog Entries

The Two Eids and Other Hui Celebrations

Know Thy Hui Neighbor (5)

This month, our Hui neighbors observe Ramadan—the Muslim month of fasting which culminates with Eid al-Fitr. Yet even for Hui who do not fast, it’s a special time of increased spiritual awareness. Let’s look at four annual festivals and how they might lead to gospel opportunities.

Blog Entries

The Princess Bride and Ramadan

If you’ve ever read or seen The Princess Bride, there’s a character who responds to every assertion the other characters make with “Inconceivable!” And this is just how my Muslim friend responded the other day. She said, 不可 思议 which my Chinese dictionary translated as “Inconceivable!”

Blog Entries

Hui Food, Clothes, and Greetings

Know Thy Hui Neighbor (4)

How did you feel the first time you visited a “foreigner’s” home? Were you nervous? Did you find yourself wondering what to wear, what food would be served, and whether to bring a gift? Perhaps you are more often the host. How do you help your cross-cultural guests feel at ease?