09/12/2024 Southeast Asia (International Christian Concern) – In a well-lit, funky little barbershop in a large city of a predominantly Muslim country, barbers risk their lives every time they cut someone’s hair. The danger isn’t found in the styling of hair or the trimming of beards — it’s found in the conversations that occur over the intermittent buzz of hair clippers and the steady stream of music.
A small local Christian ministry launched the barbershop a few years ago to share the love of Christ with local Muslims. The shop’s owners and barbers are part of an intricate network of believers who conduct secret gatherings and Bible studies. They also seek to have intentional conversations about the gospel despite the real threat of danger to those involved.
An International Christian Concern (ICC) staff member recently visited the shop and received his own stylish haircut from one of the shop’s several skilled barbers. As he sat in the barber chair, he overheard the hushed yet rich conversations about everything from the debate over whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“ICC has been blessed to partner with and support the local ministry that started this barbershop over the last few years,” the staff member said. “We were also blessed to recently visit with the ministry staff, pop into the shop for a haircut, engage in the NBA ‘G.O.A.T.’ debate, and connect ICC’s donors and supporters to brave ventures like this barbershop.”
Even in the barbershop setting, any discussion of Jesus or the Bible instantly puts the business and the ministry behind it in danger. If locals were to uncover the purpose behind the barbershop, there would be consequences for everyone involved.
Christians who make their faith known in this country can expect persecution. Numerous believers have been beaten or kidnapped in recent years, and many church buildings have been destroyed. The preaching of the gospel is heavily restricted, and Bibles are kept from Christians. The situation is more dire for Muslims who leave Islam to follow Christ.
“We praise God for the large numbers of Muslims choosing to surrender their lives to Christ,” an ICC staff member said. “But when they do become followers of Jesus, often they become victims of intolerance, discrimination, and violence in this nation.”
Still, despite these known risks and dangers, more innovative and creative ministries, like this barbershop, are emerging in restricted nations to effectively share the gospel with all people.
Those who engage in dangerous ministry work reminded the ICC staff member of those who risked their safety for the sake of the gospel, according to Acts 15.
“These local missionaries and workers are similarly risking their lives in a dangerous environment,” the ICC staff member said. “Praise God for the courage of these saints, and for their willingness to go and fulfill Christ’s Commission from Matthew 28:19-20. Please pray for their efforts and pray for those involved in similar creative yet dangerous ministry for Christ globally.”
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