It’s been 20 years since Torpekai and her husband, Najib, first came to Canada. They serve with Operation Mobilization, and are involved in radio programs reaching Central Asia and all over the world. And out of that ministry, they have ample opportunity to disciple listeners in their journey with Jesus.
Torpekai finds it natural to connect with newcomers in her region. When she’s at the park or in a store, she can strike up a conversation easily. As the connection continues, she’ll offer her help with practical things like taking them to government buildings for procuring documents, or registering for school. Sometimes she can act as a translator.
Having just arrived in the country, newcomers are seeking friendship, community and support from anyone who is willing to give of their time. Many come from very social cultures, and our Canadian culture doesn’t provide as much natural social connection. It can be lonely. Torpekai says “It would be wonderful if we reach out to them. We shouldn’t wait that they come and ask us for something. No, we have to reach out to them… [Asking] how can I help you? How can I do something for you? Or if you don’t need help, can we just come and sit and talk and have a cup of coffee or tea or ice cream or something at Tim Hortons or McDonalds?”
Torpekai continues, “Always they say, why you are helping? Are you taking money for it? You know, these kinds of questions. I say, No, it is my desire. It is my heart for refugees… Jesus said if somebody need help, just go two more miles with him. So I said, I’m helping. People helped me. They helped me and I helped others as well. I’m also Christian.…. And I share my testimony how I became Christian and why I became Christian. Praise God!”
Torpekai brought some special food to a Sudanese young woman living in a temporary home for newcomers. The woman wondered how Torpekai knew about this custom, since she’s a Christian. It gave Torpekai opportunity to share how she followed these customs before she discovered Jesus. The woman shared her concern for how risky that change would’ve been and questioned if she was afraid for her life. Life in Canada is much more free than this young woman knew yet. The young woman asked Torpekai to bring her a Bible and next time Torpekai visited she brought her one in her native language.
“One thing that we clearly speak of [is] our faith and our Jesus. Don’t be shy. Share.”
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