In his Great Commission Jesus instructs his disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations” and we in the EU seek to take this instruction seriously. There is a great emphasis on giving the students a global vision and to consider seriously those parts of the world that are less reached and less resourced with the gospel. One of the great things about living in Australia is recognising that God has brought the nations to us.

This was particularly evident to a number of students who decided to venture into Lakemba during the month of Ramadan when Muslims fast during daylight hours and then celebrate into the night hours by breaking their fast. Many of them gather to do this in the streets of Lakemba (considered the heart of Islam for many Muslims in Australia) which offers Halal food amidst a festive atmosphere. Indeed many Muslims come from all over Australia for this event.

Each Ramadan a number of Christians gather to set up a Peace Tent outside of a church located on Haldon St Lakemba to share something of the peace that Jesus offers with anyone willing to enter it. About 10 EU students volunteered to help out in the Peace Tent. They were encouraged to memorise at least one Bible story where Jesus offers peace to someone or a parable that illustrated the peace that Jesus offers such as the Lost Son and share it with those who came into the Peace Tent.

Many Muslims came in and heard a number of stories, some were keen to hear more, some were not, while others wanted to argue the virtues of Islam. We were encouraged to not argue or debate. We wanted the time to be peaceful. If Muslims were wanting to debate or to find out more then we exchanged details with them and offered to meet up another time to continue the conversation. Many Muslims were keen to do just that.

For some students, including a number who visited during this time, the experience was an eye opener to how God has brought many people from many nations to Sydney and the incredible opportunity we have to fulfill the Great Commission here in Sydney.

For me it was exciting to see a number of students willing to overcome their fear or nervousness, sit down next to a guest and share a story with them and proceed to converse with them about the peace that Jesus offers. All of the students who volunteered got an opportunity to have a conversation and share a story. They were all excited and encouraged by the experience and were keen to return and do more in the future. For some students, including a number who visited during this time, the experience was an eye opener to how God has brought many people from many nations to Sydney and the incredible opportunity we have to fulfill the Great Commission here in Sydney.

Student story

Before I came to the Peace Tent, I was incredibly nervous. What would it look like, what people would I meet, and would I remember the Bible story I had practiced? Praise God, because the Peace Tent ended up being a really encouraging experience for me. It was amazing to see how many people came into the Tent eager to have conversations about Jesus and open to hearing Bible stories. I got the chance to share the story of the Sinful Woman and Zacchaeus with many different women and often their children too.

I asked one lady if she was surprised that Jesus had told the sinful woman that her faith had saved her. She said she knew that God looked on the inside, not the outside, so he saw that the woman had a good heart. I was able to share with her that even when our hearts are sinful and broken too, we can still come to Jesus, because nothing we do cannot be forgiven by him. I am so encouraged that God could use me in my nervousness and weakness to share his good news with many people from all different religions and nations.