“So the tribune came and said to [the Apostle Paul], ‘Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?’ And he said, ‘Yes.’ The tribune answered, ‘I bought this citizenship for a large sum.’ Paul said, ‘But I am a citizen by birth’” (Acts 22:27-28). I recently accompanied one of our Iranian Lutherans, “Ali,” to his immigration interview. Under dark November skies, asylum applicants from myriad countries were lined up outside. The official at the front desk, who may have been from Africa, asked me for my ID. He noticed my clerical collar but raised his eyebrows when he saw my German passport. (I hold dual citizenship). A middle-aged woman sporting a security badge was sitting on a plastic chair in the drab waiting room. “I just saw your German passport! Why are you here?!” I told her about Ali’s interview. “I have a question… I am Muslim…from Iran. We believe that Jesus is a prophet. Why do Christians say he is God?” “Because He is,” I smiled. “Jesus Christ stated many times that He is God and proved it too by returning from the dead three days after He had been crucified. But He is a prophet as well.” “Ah! Thank you. I’ve always wondered about that… I once went to an Iranian Christian church here in Hamburg and had some questions for the pastor. But he soon became annoyed with me and told me to not come back because I was asking too much. I have not spoken to a pastor since. Here’s another question: My mother is old and I’m worried that she will not go to Paradise, but I pray to Jesus that He would save her. Is that OK?” “I thought you were Muslim” I replied. She laughed: “70% of Iranians are secretly Christian, even though on paper we’re still counted as Muslims.” I said that it is wonderful that she is praying to Jesus and invited her to Zion Lutheran to our weekly Persian services. I also gave her a little Farsi / German booklet that explains what Christmas is about. A few minutes later she came back with more questions. After the interview, she said goodbye to us, cheerfully exclaiming, “See you in church!” This Thanksgiving, I thank our triune God for so many things—including my curious new friend whom Jesus might very well make one of His citizens in heaven.
The Tiews in Germany 