CENTRAL ASIA: Facebooking the Unreached

Source: Lausanne Global Analysis, November 2018

“Noor” was used to dangerous living after several decades in a highly volatile region he likes to call the “Middle Earth” of Central Asia. Now back in Canada with his wife, he did not want his years of experience and insight to go to waste and fade into retirement. Why not put a new strategy for the kingdom in place using Facebook, something his adopted people group use in great numbers?

Now Noor found himself back on the familiar dusty streets of the bazaar on a short visit, looking to meet up face to face with “Ahmad,” a new friend who had contacted him via the Facebook page saying “I am like you, let us meet!”

Naturally, suspicions were running high on both sides, but the obvious risks were worth it. There was no doubt Ahmad knew that Noor was a follower of Isa al Masih and was using his online presence to share Jesus and his teachings with members of a people group who are particularly hard to engage with the gospel in their home country, as well as countless others displaced abroad.

Via Facebook Messenger voice and text chats, the plan had been set in motion for Noor to meet Ahmad at his shop located in one of the busiest markets in the entire nation. Now the time had come, and Noor was barely noticeable, bearded and dressed in the local way, as he looked across the street at the place Ahmad had arranged.

“Ahmad?” he asked of the gentleman in the local language as he stepped into the small, poorly lit shop. A young man looked up and replied, “No. What can I do for you?” “Just tell Ahmad that the old guy came by to say hi. The guy that does the Facebook.”

With that, Noor took his leave and could not help but notice the assistant’s eyes following his every move. Was he recognized as a foreigner? Did the assistant suspect ill intention against his employer? Was this stranger simply just crazy?

A half hour passed until Ahmad phoned with further instructions. “Let us meet in the tea shop; it is not good to meet in my shop.” A fascinating hour of deep, spiritual discussion ensued, partly from Scripture. Eighteen months later, Ahmad began to testify, “I believe what you say about Jesus.”

What joy it is for Noor and Ahmad to be journeying together, as well as with hundreds of others in various stages of exploring the claims of Jesus. Noor sees himself as a simple servant and messenger of God who risks his life and is willing to forego his sleep schedule and comfort to post, engage, and eventually meet those who appear most interested in the Good News in a time zone that could not be more opposite.

» Full story explores opportunities and obstacles to social media outreach. Interesting stuff.

» See also How to Implement a Media Strategy to Reach Diaspora Peoples (Missio Nexus) and another article about a social media strategy helping Muslims engage with God’s Word (Frontiers).

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