The most recent Annual Population Survey found 1.25 million followers of Islam in London – that’s one in eight Londoners.
If, by God’s grace, the gospel is to flourish among these people – Bangladeshis in East London, Arab-speakers in West London, and Turkish and Iranian communities – it will be due to ordinary Christians faithfully and patiently building relationships, breaking down misconceptions, living and speaking the teaching of Jesus.
Sakina’s story
Among the Muslim community the opportunity is vast, and we do not want to miss it. Take Sakina, for example. She grew up in a Muslim family and questioned her faith growing up. Following interactions with Christians, including our missionaries, and an encounter with God through a dream, she is now a follower of Jesus Christ.
‘In 2012,’ said Sakina, ‘my daughter became sick and was in a coma in hospital. A Christian from the chaplaincy came and saw her and offered to pray with us. She prayed, and in that moment, I felt comfort and amazing peace. But later I dismissed it.’
Sometime after this, Sakina came into contact with one of our missionaries and built up a friendship over time. ‘She would offer to pray for me and that was so important because, right then, I was going through a bad time and felt I didn’t belong anywhere,’ explained Sakina.
‘A few years later I had an encounter with God. I woke in the middle of the night. As I opened my eyes, I saw a man standing at the side of my bed. The door was half open so that a light came through from the passage, but the room was dark. I couldn’t see his face. It was just a figure. I wasn’t scared, there was no fear. I closed my eyes for a second and when I reopened them, he was gone. The first thing that came to my head was “Jesus”.’
‘I called one of the LCM missionaries and told her about my encounter with God. I said: “I want to be a Christian.” And that was it. It was like a heavy thing lifted from my shoulders. I love Jesus. I love myself now too, and I didn’t before. It’s light now and before it was dark. I want other people to see that Jesus died on the cross, and I have given my life to Jesus and I think that’s enough for me. He is amazing!’
All of these small seeds led Sakina to experience new life in Jesus Christ. The least reached of London desperately need Jesus, and by working alongside churches to share the gospel in their communities, we rejoice and celebrate as more people like Sakina come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
