As many of you know, or have seen from my photos I have been growing my beard out this year. Now most of the time my this is meet with odd stares or joking remarks in languages that I cannot understand but the pointing and laughing usually gives it away. The most common things people have said to me are 1. You must be hot, why don’t you shave? 2. You look like Jesus (thank you Hollywood) 3. I think I found your beard hair in my food! While at least two of those are true, the perception is finally changing!
This month we are in beautiful Malaysia, a country I like to call the “sleeper” because I have never heard anyone say that they have been, wanted to go, or were excited about going to Malaysia. Why, is something I just can’t figure out yet. Malaysia is an Islamic state and the first predominantly Muslim country that we have been to. This means prayer calls at 6 in the morning, the most modest women you will ever meet, a struggling pork market, and, on a more serious note, laws that make it illegal to convert from Islam.
Now instead of the normal questions about my beard, people just don’t ask and even sometimes assume that I am a Muslim. The other day two friends walked in our house as I was stroking my beard and studying the Quran (I had a little explaining to do). Sometimes I even think I earn a little respect. As I pass another bearded man on the street and we make I contact, I can’t help but feel that have a silent conversation that says “Hmmm…nice beard!”, “Thank you, you have a nice beard as well.” , “Interesting, you look like a tourist, but could you be a Muslim?”, “I know I look like it but I’m just a tourist.”
Sure, things have changed a bit. While we still have the freedom to worship and go to church, we
don’t have other freedoms such as passing out tracts (can’t say I’m totally bummed about that one) or openly leading someone to Christ. Nevertheless I’m looking forward to see how our God once again is unchanging regardless of our changing circumstances.
