The Used Car Dealer

One interesting development since our arrival has been our developing relationship with the man that sold us our car. What started out as a business relationship is turning into a friendship. And I once again love God's sense of humor - the friendship is with a used car dealer!

For those who know me, I am not known for my mechanical abilities, so I really have to rely on others with more experience and knowledge when I look to buy a used vehicle. Coming into a brand new country with limited relationships I was very anxious about this aspect of getting settled. But God obviously had this particular scenario perfectly orchestrated.

After the completion of our business transaction for the vehicle, the dealer awkwardly asked if he understood correctly that I was a doctor. I said yes and waited for the "do you mind if I ask you a medical question?" I didn't mind (I rarely do), and he explained that he had diabetes and did I have any way to get a hold of a new "American" glucose monitor that he could buy. I said that I could probably arrange such and that I would let him know.

Well, I made arrangements to receive one from a colleague back in the US. It arrived this week. I knew that the car dealer would want to know how much it cost, but since my colleague sent one "gratis", I decided to barter with the gentleman. I had learned that although he was Kenyan by birth he was of Asian (India) descent and was from Mombasa. I also learned that he was a Muslim. I asked him if it would be possible to meet with him on a periodic basis to learn more about the country, the culture, and the different religions. He said that was a good deal.

We decided to meet for lunch today. It was more than a "cultural experience". It was the beginning of a friendship. We talked about his family and my family. We talked about where he was from and where I was from. We talked about Kenya and the US. We talked about Islam. We talked about Ramaddan (their holy month). We talked about their special feasts. Best of all, we enjoyed getting to know one another. We have arranged to meet at his house the next time. And this time I am to bring Marti. And his wife will prepare us a meal. And in the Muslim culture, this is very special, to meet together in a home.

Comments

[John Carney]

Another great story. I am really enjoying your accounts. Even though my amateurish efforts as a short-term missionary don't compare to what you're doing in real long-term mission work, it's a wonderful connection to be able to remember the sights or sounds of Nairobi as you talk about your experience. If you ever get the chance to meet Rev. Paul Mbithi of New Life Restoration Centre in the Kibera slums, please do it. He's a remarkable man of God.

But I'm getting off-track. Your post about the Muslim used-car dealer reminded me of something that happened on one of my airplane flights on the way to Kenya -- I honestly don't recall whether it was Chicago-to-London or London-to-Nairobi. Our LEAMIS short-term team were all on the same flight, but we were scattered around in different seats. There was also some other Christian group on the plane.

I was sitting too far away to see this first-hand, but I heard about it in one of our team meetings later: a young Christian from this other group tried ham-handedly, and defensively, to proselytize a Muslim man right there on the airplane. It was one of those cases where you just cringe and hope people don't blame Christ for some of the bad actions and attitudes carried out in his name.

Anyway, one of our LEAMIS team members happened to have an assigned seat right next to the Muslim (unlike his would-be evangelist). Later, after the conflagration had calmed down, she had a much more loving and civilized conversation with the man, who it turns out was smart enough not to paint all Christians with the same brush. She didn't convert him, but he ended up asking her to pray for him!

God works in mysterious ways, as they say.

[Francis Wachira]

Greetings!

I thank the Lord Jesus for this moment, time and opportunity. I embrace God devine way of how people meet sometime. see! I was browsing looking for a locally manufactured car (Landlover) preferably 1994+. Only to find myself reading your story. Help me Jesus for I'am touched by the unfolding majesty.
Prepare my heart to appreciate that person who is part of my story by the time I get my car, if i will ever get it, through Christ Jesus I pray. Amen!