Muslim Arabs in Australia

Did you know that one-fourth of Australia’s population is foreign born ? Such a situation can cause some tense dynamics between the « locals » and the newcomers. And if you are familiar with the beach culture, the dynamics can become especially nasty.

In December of 2005, a group of Arab youths attacked two lifeguards at Cronulia Beach, Sydney. No one knows why they did it. Assuming the attacks were racially motivated, some Australians violently retaliated. According to a Feb. 2, 2007 article in « BBC News, » « In the minds of many protesters, the [Arab] youths had attacked an almost sacred Australian icon-the Surf Life Saving clubs, a bastion of White, Anglo-Saxon, working class traditions and values. »

Fortunately the issue was resolved through a compromise-18 Muslim youths were trained to be lifeguards, something that was once « unthinkable » according to the same article. An Australian clothing designer broke down one last wall that would have prevented Muslim women from joining this exclusive club-with the « burqini, » women’s swim wear that allows Muslims to retain their traditional modesty.

Pray that as cultural walls fall down in Australia, between the White majority and the Muslim minority, that another wall will also fall-the wall that separates Arab Muslims from Jesus as savior. Pray that Christian Lebanese Arabs will share the glories of Christ with their Muslim neighbors.-KC

Colossians 4:17

« See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord. »

Paul’s words, addressed to one Christian worker, are also applicable to today’s church. God aims at closure, finishing the task of world evangelization. The job may sometimes seem too large for us to complete, but God intends that it will be finished. When He declared to Abraham that « in you shall all the peoples of the earth be blessed, » He indicated that the task would be completed-all the families of the earth would hear. Today, as never before, we have the knowledge of what the completion of the task may involve.

Father, fill our minds and hearts with faith so that we may press on to finish the work You have given us.

© GPD

http://www.spcm.org/Journal/spip.php?breve1738