7/13/98: We walked downtown to do several errands: obtain visa for India, confirm flights, use internet cafe, drop off film…
NOTE: The screen captured photo above shows the website front page of Life Challenge Africa.
7/13/23: We had thought about taking a city bus or a mutatu (a shared taxi), but our guidebook map suggested it was close enough to walk. It took us only 45 minutes, and it was a more pleasant way to experience the city.
When we got back to the SIM compound, I went next door for a meeting with Stefan H. of Life Challenge Africa (LCA). He teaches theology for LCA, an apologetics ministry that seeks to share the Gospel with Muslims all over Africa. Apologia (ἀπολογία) is a Greek word that literally means “speaking in defense.” Broadly “apologetics” refers to the art of defending a position in public debate, but for Christians relates more specifically to “defending the faith.” That definition suggests attack and parry, as if there is a war of words, or a verbal fight going on. To be sure, there are lies and liars in the world that need to be countered. There are many passages in the Bible that describe such a scenario. 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 says: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” Titus 1:5-9 says a pastor or elder must “encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” Colossians 2:6-8 says: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Taking those key verses alone, the principle of Christian apologetics seems to have a strident tone. However, when you read the larger context of those passages (click the links!), the apparent “fighting” posture is actually couched in an exhortation to be humble and respectful in how one proclaims the Gospel! Christians need not, ought not, approach every conversation as if in a full, frontal attack! Take the Apostle Peter’s winsome description of our call to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
“Live such good lives among the Gentiles that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” —1 Peter 2:12
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” —1 Peter 3:15
Peter learned these things from Jesus’ own example of apologetics as demonstrated in Mark 12:13-37. This passage shows four vignettes in which Jesus “defends” the Scriptures against hypocritical religious leaders who are trying to find a way to trick Him into saying something that will make people turn against Him. But Jesus’ responses agilely surprise his debate partners, while profoundly explaining true interpretations of God’s Word and also foiling their attempts at tripping Him up! Their guile is their downfall and their deceit exposed, not because Jesus blasts them, but because He pleads with them from the simplicity and clarity of Scripture. The lesson is, even if people try to misuse God’s Word, it will always accomplish His intended purpose. Check out Isaiah 55:1-13, and be further encouraged.
All of that is why I was excited to work with Stefan and the apologetics ministry of LCA, who engage Muslims with winsome dialogues about faith in Jesus Christ. Besides being a teacher of theology, Stefan was doubling as LCA’s graphic designer, creating and publishing materials for their ministry. After getting to know each other a bit, he gave me a list of several things I could help him learn or understand in graphic design and desktop publishing. I took a stack of the literature already produced to look it over and offer a critique, and we planned to reconvene a few days hence. This was work for which I had come prepared and equipped, having worked in graphic design and publishing for several years!