Ethnic Minorities
Hui Disciples of Jesus
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (8)
A look at three threats to Hui disciples and three paths they might take as they follow the Lord.
Hui Weddings, Funerals, and Other Rites of Passage
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (7)
Rites of passage are supposed to be passed through—they serve as gateways to the next stage of life. Yet too many of our Hui friends see them as closed doors, barriers to entering new life in Christ.
May They Dream of Jesus
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (6)
This is the time of year when Muslims are most in tune with spirituality and when Christians who love Muslims pray most fervently for God to reveal himself to them in the person of Jesus the Messiah.
The Two Eids and Other Hui Celebrations
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (5)
This month, our Hui neighbors observe Ramadan—the Muslim month of fasting which culminates with Eid al-Fitr. Yet even for Hui who do not fast, it’s a special time of increased spiritual awareness. Let’s look at four annual festivals and how they might lead to gospel opportunities.
The Princess Bride and Ramadan
If you’ve ever read or seen The Princess Bride, there’s a character who responds to every assertion the other characters make with “Inconceivable!” And this is just how my Muslim friend responded the other day. She said, 不可 思议 which my Chinese dictionary translated as “Inconceivable!”
Hui Food, Clothes, and Greetings
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (4)
How did you feel the first time you visited a “foreigner’s” home? Were you nervous? Did you find yourself wondering what to wear, what food would be served, and whether to bring a gift? Perhaps you are more often the host. How do you help your cross-cultural guests feel at ease?
Wahhabi-Inspired Islam in China
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (3)
Having learned a little about Islam with Chinese characteristics, you might wonder if there is any point in studying “orthodox” Islam to help you understand your Hui friends. The answer is yes and no.
Chinese Muslim Mystics
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (2)
To those who have traveled long distances to visit tombs of long-dead holy men and their sons, the news of God sending his son to us sounds good. To those who revere a great man who gave his life to save 70,000 people, the man who died as a ransom for the world sounds, well . . . divine.
Islam with Chinese Characteristics
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (1)
Starting with the Old School (Gedimu), this series introduces the main schools of Hui religious thought and practice, Hui diet, dress, customs, and festivals. Ideas for Christians seeking to better know and love their Hui neighbors in the name of Jesus are also included.
From the Middle East to the Middle Kingdom (Part 10)
The Present
What we Christians really want to know is: how can we share the gospel with such a diverse group? If saying the same, short phrase gets you free food in one place and the cold shoulder in another, how can we even dream of a Hui church?