Before becoming a missionary, I worked as a nurse in a hospital.

In my first nursing job, I worked the 12-hour night shift. And I loved it! I’ve always been a night owl at heart.

That’s how Ramadan has felt—like working the night shift.

Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. It’s a time set apart for more prayer, more family gatherings, and fasting from sunrise to sunset. Fasting means no water, no caffeine, no smoking, and no food.

Every aspect of life changes during the 30 days of Ramadan. Coffee shops, stores, and restaurants are closed. Hungry, thirsty, caffeine-deprived people are on edge, waiting for the sunset call to prayer that signals the end of fasting for the day. After the call to prayer, there’s a collective sigh of relief as people take their first sips of water and break their fast with a date and some soup.

Every day during this month, I meet up with Muslim friends just before sunset to break the fast with them. It’s an honor and privilege to be invited to share in a special time of feasting with my dear friends and their families.

Together we wait until we hear the call to prayer—and then the eating begins. Throughout the evening we enjoy food, coffee, tea, desserts, and more coffee. Late at night we might go to the mall for ice cream or walk around downtown to see the Ramadan lights and enjoy the cool night air.

We often stay up late for suhoor, a pre-dawn meal eaten before the beginning of a new day of fasting.

Each opportunity to gather with my Muslim friends brings connection and shared experience. As we see throughout the gospels, fellowship was important to Jesus too. He broke bread with his disciples and friends. And before His death and resurrection, He instituted the Last Supper—a feast to be enjoyed with others in remembrance of Him.

Sharing a meal with Muslims is a sacred thing. When I enter a family’s space to dine with them, I’m welcomed into fellowship and friendship. This is one of my greatest joys on the field. In this communal way of living, there is always more room at the table. 

Pray that as I share the Gospel with them, they will discover that Jesus Christ makes room for them at His table too.

**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names and places have been changed for security.**

Main photo by Juan Ignacio Tapia

Original article: https://frontiersusa.org/blog/ramadan-night-shifts