Ruth Ripken shares insights from over 35 years in missions, 4 ways for Christians to overcome fear, why Christian women must be the ones to reach out to Muslim women with hospitality and what it means to love our neighbor well.She is a veteran missionary who has lived in several countries in Africa, learned about different cultures, ministered to believers in persecution and participated in relief efforts with her husband Nik Ripen. What You’ll Learn:About the importance of hospitality in relationships with Muslim womenFour ways to get over the ‘fear factor’ and not be afraid to say or do the wrong thingAbout surfing the ‘international food aisle’ About the Guest: Ruth Ripken and her husband, Nik are mission veterans of 35 years. Along with her husband, they have done extensive research among believers living in the midst of persecution in over 70 countries. This research has been shared in numerous articles and three books. Nowadays, they spend their time sharing the truths they have learned from these believers in persecution with churches, schools, and mission organizations.One of Ruth’s greatest joys is spending time with Muslim women, listening to their stories and seeing how God can break into their lives. Another blessing is helping Christian women in America to connect and fall in love with the nations in their midst.Nik and Ruth are the parents of three sons, two wonderful daughter-in-loves and an amazing grandson.Scripture Related to Episode:Genesis 1: 27; Humanity Created in God’s ImageLinks Related to Episode:Nik Ripken Ministries ruth@nikripken.comTimestamped Show Notes:03:07 - The Importance of Family04:40 - A Vision for Missions Started in Childhood06:11 - From Home to Malawi06:53 - Relief Work in Kenya07:42 - Ministering to Believers in Persecution07:55 - Why a Special Focus on Muslim Women10:43 - What Does this Outreach Look Like?12:10 - Making Yourself Available13:23 - Why Do We Love?14:15 - Getting over the Fear Factor14:45 - Fear: What if I Say the Wrong Thing?15:43 - Breaking Bread and Hospitality16:25 - Fear: What if I Cook the Wrong Thing?17:08 - Making Friends in the International Food Aisle19:12 - Women in Leadership in the Iranian Church20:38 - Muslim Background Believers Persecuted in the USA21:30 - Christian Response to Hijabs and Niqabs22:00 - Fear: Where is It?24:11 - Persecuted Christians Loving their Persecutors24:33 - Being Welcomed in Muslim-Majority Countries25:30 - Fear: Persecution and Honor Killings27:13 - Honor Killings in the West28:14 - Yes, Muslims Can Become Christian29:10 - Developing Deep Friendship29:57 - Being Welcoming and Practicalities of Hospitality31:51 - When Language Seems Like a Barrier32:38 - Sharing Stories34:47 - Contact Info35:58 - Joke: What about Dinosaurs?Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.comListen to Our Urban Voices