Rudy*, a Kurdish friend of ours, has been out of the country for a couple months. When he returned, he contacted me and wanted to hang out. We met up at his friends’ apartment where he is staying in the meantime. These friends, Adam* and Gary*, are also Kurdish and from the eastern part of Turkey.
We sat and chatted for a while as his friends prepared their evening meal, and Rudy mentioned that his friend Adam is very religious and would probably have some questions for me.
When his friends came back, we chatted for a while, and then Adam started asking me questions about Christianity and what we believe. This led to a long and deep conversation, where he questioned and challenged a lot of what we believe as Christians, but he also asked some great questions. All three guys listened carefully to what I had to share about Jesus and the truth of the gospel.
As we ended the conversation, we agreed that although there are some similarities between Islam and Christianity, the place where there is a clear difference is that Christians believe that we are helpless to save ourselves, and we need a savior and that Savior is Jesus Christ. Muslims, however, believe that they are able to earn salvation through their obedience and good works. I told Adam that it is good that he can see this very big and important place where we do not agree and that I will be praying for him. Will you join me?
*NOTE: Names changed for security reasons.
