When we arrived at the Fathima Pharmacy College in southern India, they were still cleaning the auditorium where we were to meet. While we waited, we were invited into the manager’s office where he very graciously offered us delicious nuts and dates in the Arabic tradition.
The Fathima Pharmacy College is run by Muslims, and the students come from various locations, even as far away as Sudan and Yemen. Included in the student body are many Muslims and several women. Dr. David was to speak to them on bone health, specifically about the new drugs that are available to treat osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Soon after our visit with the manager, we joined the students in the auditorium. We noticed that all the Muslim women were wearing burkas. Everyone was very friendly and attentive as David talked about bone health and integrated the specific issues that India and, in particular Indian women, experience. David concluded with the analogy that just like our bones, our spiritual lives give us strength. Just as our bones need care to be healthy, our spiritual lives need care also. He said the foundation of our spiritual lives is God’s Son and must be nourished with prayer, reading the Bible and meditation. Ghuna then took over and also emphasized God’s grace, mercy, and love.
Although they were both careful not to mention the name of Jesus in order not to offend and take advantage of our host’s hospitality, the students and staff knew very well of our faith in Christ and the person of Jesus was still lifted up. It was a powerful time to think that young people from Sudan and Yemen were interacting with followers of Jesus in ways that would not be possible in their home countries. Afterwards the students and staff were very interested in talking to us and getting to know us. David was also able to provide some medical advice to a staff person who had degenerative bone disease and wanted some practical advice, and he was extremely appreciative.
The hospitality continued as the manager asked if he could take us all out to lunch. This was amazing in itself as in most cases the colleges and physicians want us to provide lunch or even pay them for David to come and speak. Even thought we did not really have time, Ghuna graciously accepted their invitation, and we spent another hour getting to know these very open and humble people. Who knows how God will use our time with these sincere people as the Spirit continues to work in their hearts and they know first-hand the mercy and love of our Lord Jesus. It reminded me of 1 Peter 3:15. Check it out!
