At My House

~ by Rhonda Martin of Redlands, California

On April 14, those of us who are looking forward to the Faith House Manhattan project have organized an awareness event at my house. My husband Bob and I thought it would be a good way to show support by making our large backyard available. I had no idea how richly blessed I would be by the evening.

People poured through the house to practice music, arrange flowers, set tables with programs, place AV equipment . . . a party was unfolding. And as guests began to arrive a creative energy began to form in the air. The evening was sweetened by the testimonies of two couples moving with the Selmanovic family to Manhattan this June (Rose and Al Poblacion and Sarah and Sam McCash) and by wonderful music that included classics about New York and a Jewish prayer, Hine Ma Tov.

Samir’s daughters and their friends performed a skit, “Dad’s Bad Idea,” exploring the difficulties the family will face in New York planting this congregation. It was a riot. Samir’s commitment to the Faith House strikes me as a clear act of obedience—obedience to a call from the Holy Spirit to go to New York and love people, across all boundaries, the way Christ did.

Among the noted speakers that night was Imam Mustafa Kuko of the Riverside Islamic Center here in California. He began by saying that he had stepped inside my house at sundown to say his evening prayers. He prayed for Samir, for the Faith House project, and for each person present that night. His words sent chills up and down my arms. I was utterly shocked at how profound it felt to know that this Muslim leader had prayed to his God in my house. All I could think is that his prayers and blessings were now in the walls of my home and how fortunate we were for it.

I am not trained in religion. I do not have a great knowledge of postmodern Christianity. But I do adore my Savior Jesus and believe we are all His children. And I believe that this ministry will honor Him and bless those who come to the Faith House just as this Muslim leader blessed me. My God is big enough, and I believe that He will claim all good as His own.

Comments

[Andy]

Rhonda: Thanks for posting this moving story. I've heard a little bit about The Move from Samir and his family but this was another great perspective. I'm looking forward to some chilling experiences of my own at Faith House progresses. If you are ever out this way (NYC) it would be great to meet you. Andy Padre