SOUTH EAST ASIA: TEACHING YOUNG CHRISTIANS TO BE BOLD IN THEIR FAITH

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation about your christian faith and YOU ARE unsure of what to say, or how to respond to questions? WE’ve all been there, but Thanks to your prayers and support, local Open Doors partners in South East Asia are a programme to equip young Christians for conversations about their faith with peers and colleagues.  

Fiona* is a young woman who has recently benefited from this training. She was at work when her Muslim colleagues initiated a conversation about religion where they were mocking Christians. Before, Fiona would have kept silent – but on this occasion, she stood up to her colleagues and told them their ideas were wrong.

To her amazement, rather than retaliate, the group quickly dispersed. Since then, Fiona says her colleagues have refrained from mocking her faith. “That day, I started walking in the fear of the Lord, not the fear of men.” 

The need for Bible study 

In the country where Fiona lives, Christians are a minority. They’re considered ‘infidels’ or traitors by the Muslim-majority culture. The challenges that believers – and, in particular, women – face in their daily lives can be overwhelming.

Local Open Doors partners saw a need to equip young Christian men and women (teens and young adults) to respond to and withstand these cultural challenges. More young people like Fiona are gaining a deeper understanding of God’s Word, which enables them to answer questions from their Muslim friends and colleagues wisely and compassionately. 

The goal of this teaching is not to confront, but to help create an environment where questions are welcome and mutual understanding can flourish.  

A safe space 

Before participating in the programme, Fiona didn’t feel confident enough in her knowledge of the Bible to defend her faith, particularly when her Muslim colleagues bombarded her with questions about the Trinity. 

She is thankful for the programme organisers and the profound impact this deep dive into the Scriptures has made on her faith journey. She has found she can rise above adversity and boldly defend her beliefs while fostering a stronger spiritual connection with others. 

Fiona has also inspired a friend who is struggling. Her unwavering acceptance and love for her friend has created a safe space where they can discuss their problems and difficulties. “My friend asked me, ‘Why do you accept me when everyone else pushes me away?’” Fiona shares. “I told her, ‘My faith teaches me to love everyone regardless of their background.’” 

Through your prayers and gifts, Open Doors partners are empowered and resourced to respond to needs of believers and start Bible study programmes like this one – equipping them to be salt and light in their communities. 

*Names changed for security reasons