God Welcomes All the Nations

ON HIS first trip to Mali, John was touched by the warm hospitality shown by Mamadou and his family.  As John sat on the ground and clumsily ate from the common dish, he wondered how best to share with his host a most precious gift-the Kingdom good news from God's Word, the Bible.  Though he knew French, a language spoken in Mali, John wondered how he could communicate with a family that had a totally different religion and way of thinking. 

Not surprisingly, John thought about the Bible account of the city of Babel.  There God confused the language of the rebellious people.  (Genesis 11:1-9) As  a result, populations with different languages, religions, and thinking patterns  have sprung up in various parts of the earth.  Today, as a travel and migration become commonplace, many face a challenge similar to the one John face, even in their own neighborhood:  How to share their Bible-based hope with people of a different background?

Next time:God Welcomes All the Nations - An Ancient Example

The Watchtower, 2002