Mohammad Abdul Hassan came down the steps of the Science Building and got a text. He looked his phone. Just 10 past. He had plenty of time.
Abdul Hassan looked around and noticed two students at the next building. They put up a poster and walked away. He walked over to have a look.
He couldn’t believe his eyes!
It was a picture of a young Middle Eastern student. Or someone from Syria or somewhere. A neat black beard. A cap, jeans, Nike shoes. He was wearing a suicide vest! At the top it said, “They look like Refugees. But they’re not!” At the bottom it said, “Keep our country safe. Keep them out.” Abdul Hassan couldn’t move. He was absolutely shocked!
Three girls came up beside him, to look at the poster. But Abdul Hassan didn’t notice them. He felt like he had been run over by a truck. He felt angry. He felt confused. He felt alone.
One of the girls glanced at him. She looked at the poster again, then back at Abdul. And she asked him, “What do you think … of this?”
Abdul tried to speak but the words didn’t come out. Now all three girls were looking at him. He felt tiny beads of sweat break out on his forehead.
He took a big breath. He said, “Next year I’m going to graduate as a chemical engineer. When l do, I’m going to get a shovel and dig a hole. A deep, deep hole. And I’m going to bury colour and religion!”
After the story
Did you like that? Was it interesting? Was there something particular that was interesting? Do you know of situations like that? What do you notice in the story that is true about people? Some stories will show us something about who God is or how He interacts with us; did you see anything in this story like that?
The Scriptures
“I have never turned away a stranger but have opened my doors to everyone.” Job 31.32
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done his have entertained angels without realizing it.” Hebrews 13.2
“The Lord is close to eh brokenhearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34.18