Roselle, Ill., May 26, 2021 —

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 1- ESV

On May 22, Messiah for Muslims (MFM) hosted its second retreat for converts and seekers at Walcamp Outdoor Ministries, Kingston, Ill.. The number participating increased from twenty-five at the April retreat to sixty.

There were immigrants from Egypt, Haiti, Jordan, Kurdistan (Medes), India, Iran (Parthians), Iraq (Mesopotamia), Lebanon, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Sudan, and Syria as well as a Messianic Jewish speaker and brothers and sisters born in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. What a beautiful modern-day Pentecost!

Teaching focused on Pentecost in the Jewish traditions, the foundation of the church by the Holy Spirit, and the importance of worship.

Speaker George Koch recounts impressions of the retreat and the focus of his talk:

What a wonderful privilege it was to be in the company of people from the Muslim community – from around the world – who have awakened to the life, ministry and message of Jesus. He had been killed on a Friday afternoon, and rose from the dead on the following Sunday. Not by coincidence, it was a Jewish celebration day, the festival of FIRST FRUITS for the barley harvest. That is, the One called “the first fruit from the dead” became just that on the celebration of first fruits! There are no coincidence with God!

And then, fifty days later, when Jews from all over the world were in Jerusalem for the sacred holiday of Shavuot – the second festival of FIRST FRUITS (for the wheat harvest) – the Holy Spirit came in power and anointed the followers of Jesus who were gathered there, praying. And that same day, another 3000 of the Jews from around the world became followers of the rabbi from Nazareth, Jesus, and were baptized. The first fruit of His good news became a part of the Kingdom of God on that day. Again, no coincidence!

I was able to share this wonderful story from the Bible, and explain how it connected the Jewish holidays to the life and ministry of Jesus. The people present there were warm and kind, and shared hospitality, conversation and a tasty dinner with me. I was blessed!

Muslims attending marveled at how God’s plan of salvation is water-tight and irrefutable from the Old Testament to the Resurrection of our Lord and His Ascension into Heaven.

The day concluded with a delicious barbeque dinner organized by the Khamisi family, immigrant converts from South Iran/ Iraq who descend from one of the Israeli tribes which stayed in Mesopotamia after the Babylonian captivity.

The date of our next free Muslim-friendly day retreat (12 noon to sunset) is to be determined later. You are welcome to join us as an observer, teacher, or learner. Please encourage any seeker to have this great experience. There is ample space for families with children, but no childcare is offered. At Walcamp Outdoor Ministries, weather is not an issue. Walcamp’s facilities include a main lodge; two cabins, an adult retreat and nature center; and a 34-site campground with six camping cabins.

You are welcome to donate online for this event as MFM shows Christ’s love toward our neighbor through the teaching of the Word and hospitality.

For Christ and His Kingdom,

Rev. Hesham Shehab, Founder and President

www.messiahformuslims.org

(Photos John Ross)

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Hesham Shehab

Educator, Journalist, Columnist, Islamic Expert, Muslim Expert, Human Rights Activist, Pastor at Salam Christian Fellowship | Website

Adjunct Faculty at College of DuPage, Formerly Adjunct Faculty at American University of Beirut and Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church Lombard, IL Name pronounciation: HI-shahm SHI-hab  Hebrews 12: 4 & Philippians 1: 29