My eleven-year-old daughter is teaching me about sharing Jesus with Muslims.

My family and I live in a small, rustic village in Southeast Asia.

Most of our groceries come from little hole-in-the-wall shops scattered around the village. They are basic affairs: dirt floors, rickety counters, and some goods hanging on the walls.

We usually go to a store owned by a kind neighbor. The other day, my daughter Emily and I went to his store and found it closed. The shopkeeper was at prayer in the mosque. So we went across the street to another store, even though the owner is often rude and abrasive.

I took Emily’s hand, and as we crossed the road toward the shop, I could see the owner gazing at me with a sour disposition.

But when we stepped inside, his face transformed into a smile. He ran around from behind the counter and called out, “Emily, my friend! Welcome!”

He took her hand and shook it vigorously. He shook mine even harder as he ushered us inside, prattling on about what a kind, special friend my daughter is. As we left, he filled Emily’s hands with candy and demanded we come back soon.

Back on the street, I stared at my daughter, bewildered.

“Everyone here loves you!” I blurted out.

Since moving to the village nine months ago, Emily, my youngest daughter, has made so many friends. Most of our family’s local relationships have been initiated by her.

Many people I meet say, “Oh, you’re Emily’s father!” They smile and tell me what a wonderful, loving child she is.

Emily is wonderful. She’s a welcomer and a friend of Muslims.

A month ago, new neighbors moved in next door. Within 24 hours, Emily knew the whole family and was eating meals with them. She became fast friends with their 15-year-old daughter. Emily introduced me to the father, who is now my close confidant. He and I have had sweet conversations about Jesus.

So many of us turn to books and workshops to learn about ministering among Muslims. Emily is doing it naturally and effortlessly. She shares Jesus from a place of real relationship, accompanied by a natural, genuine love for the people He has placed around her.

• Thank God for using entire field families—children included—to build His Kingdom in Muslim communities.
• Pray that children of field workers will grow up knowing Jesus and treasuring Him as their special Friend.
• Ask the Lord to open doors for Frontiers field workers to share the Gospel with whole families.

**This story comes from a long-term field worker. Names have been changed for security.**

Original article: www.frontiersusa.org/blog/article/my-daughter-a-friend-of-muslims