Last weekend we were honoured and blessed to be visited by a worker from the Church Missionary Society (CMS) who has been ministering to refugees in the Middle East. We were told about how hearing the Gospel, the Good News about Jesus, has impacted dispossessed people in this war torn and troubled region. We learnt that many people in this part of the world have no idea that Jesus died for them and that He brings the gift of salvation to them in a way that no other type of belief system can offer.
After the 10am and 5pm church service, we were able to enjoy and share a delicious Lebanese meal together. Lamb koftas, falafels, couscous, salads and other delicacies were tentatively nibbled by some and inhaled by others.
The very bravest of the congregation attempted to sample some traditional, tar-black Arabic coffee. We were instructed to pour a small cup, then immediately take a sip of the raw beverage in order to experience the full power and rich flavour of this potent liquid. Only then were we permitted to temper the brew with sugar or milk.
We are certainly blessed to live in a world of so many different cultures, cuisines, and types of people, but we are most blessed that we all have one God and one Saviour in our Lord Jesus Christ.