There was a flurry of EU activity in Lakemba during the Muslim month of Ramadan. What were around 40 EU students and graduates doing amid thousands of Muslims and other visitors during this time?

Every year for the last few years a group of Christians organise the Peace Tent mission outside the Uniting Church at Haldon St in Lakemba during the Ramadan Night Markets (11 March – 9 April). During the month of Ramadan Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. At night many of them come to the Lakemba Night Markets to break their fast and socialise.

Many other non-Muslims also attend the festival and many end up coming into the Peace Tent where they are offered a hot beverage, a Bible story is shared (memorised by the volunteers), and respectful conversations happen. There are so many multitudes of different people groups who enter the Peace Tent and hear the gospel that it feels like the Great Commission is being fulfilled in reverse. Instead of going to them, they are coming to us! Every night around 20-25 volunteers are needed to ensure the Peace Tent mission happens. So around 140-175 volunteers are needed in total. 7 teams were created so that volunteers only needed to serve for one night per week of the month.

Over the last few years, the Cousmin team has been encouraging and equipping EU students to engage with people of other faiths – especially Muslims since they are the least reached group not only overseas but within Australia. One of the ways they can put their training and the LRLR vision into practice is through the Peace Tent ministry that runs annually. Over the last 3 years, the number of volunteers from the EU Cousmin ministry has doubled each year from around 10, to 20, to 40!

The grads and students serving this year all reported having encouraging conversations with many different types of people where the gospel was shared. EU grad Eve said she was excited to serve in the Peace Tent because

“It is an amazing opportunity to share Jesus with all sorts of people who come to the Lakemba Night Markets and who are very open to talk about their faith during Ramadan.”

EU student Erick shared an exciting conversation he had with a Muslim about Jesus where they exchanged numbers and they have been able to keep that conversation about Jesus going!

Likewise, EU student Bronte shared how she got into a wonderful conversation with a girl from Saudi Arabia who she also met again outside the Peace Tent for another long conversation and hopes that they will continue meeting in the future.

We are seeing not only students embrace the LRLR vision but also the lasting impact of this vision and the ministry of Cousmin beyond graduation. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry

– Moussa, EU Senior Staff