MBBs in Secular Western Societies
Adopting a different faith is a big step in itself, which often results in many problematic consequences for believers with a Muslim background. However, if migration to a secular society is added to this, it can be extremely challenging and even cause MBBs to leave Christianity.
MBBs who have left their home countries for security reasons face enormous challenges. While the immediate pressure of threatened persecution usually fades, new challenges arise. Through migration, MBBs are uprooted and must relearn the art of living. Culture shock can have unexpected effects on the psyche, health and even faith. The challenge of integration cannot be overestimated.
While MBBs generally adapt more easily than Muslims to the secular culture of the West, many still find it difficult to accept the decadence of personal freedoms and to distinguish between true believers and nominal Christians. Some lose their new-found faith in Christ because of the moral depravity they see in the immoral behaviour not sanctioned by society. Other existing moral values such as honesty, industriousness, and tolerance, are not so easily recognised by them.
We help Arabic-speaking migrants rediscover their new identity and calling as Christians in Western society in a programme we offer at the AWM (an academy in Korntal, Germany). The programme aims to help both MBBs and Christian Background Believers to reflect on their faith in order to discover their true identity in Christ. We remind them that they are loved by God, saved by Jesus, and called to a Spirit-filled life.
‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.’ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
We aim to accompany and strengthen them in their process of conversion, integration and discipleship. We also want to help them engage with the European Church to reach out to Muslims in Europe - and perhaps beyond.
One student writes: ‘The study program at AWM not only shaped my personality as a Christian believer, but also gave me the needed tools for ministering to, and evangelising among Arabic refugees.’ Another adds: ‘Throughout this programme, I came to understand God’s character and admire Him more. My image of God now isn’t only based on my personal experiences but on a sound and logical understanding of scripture. Thus, serving people also became based on biblical truth and not only on my passion and love for people. In short, the study at AWM gave me a broader perspective and deeper passion for knowing the truth.’