Where There Is Hunger, There Is Hope

Ramadan changes the rhythm of life for Muslims around the world. Days grow quieter as they fast from food and water while still pushing through work, school, and family life. But when the sun sets, everything shifts. Homes fill. Tables open. Community deepens.

For Global Gates missionaries, Ramadan often creates natural openness to spiritual conversations.

“Ramadan is an excellent time for spiritual conversations,” one missionary shared. “Muslims are seeking God more deeply and sincerely than at any other time of year. They’re praying more, thinking more about repentance and forgiveness, and asking God to reveal the truth.”

That openness often begins with simple curiosity. “Sometimes it’s just saying, ‘I heard Ramadan is this month, are you fasting?’” another missionary explained. “I’m a follower of Jesus, and we fast too. Why do you fast?” From there, conversations about prayer, faith, and longing for God unfold naturally.

Evenings become especially important. “Iftar is full of celebration and hospitality,” one missionary said. “It’s very normal to ask if you can break fast with someone, or even ask a mosque if they have community iftar meals. Those moments create space for real connection and deep spiritual conversation.”

During the day, missionaries are intentional about kindness. “Muslims are fasting from food and water while still doing all the normal American things,” one shared. “Be extra gracious, especially early in Ramadan when people feel weak or get headaches. Small respect goes a long way.”

Across contexts, missionaries describe Ramadan as a season of heightened spiritual sensitivity. “Every Ramadan, I hear of several Muslims who sense God telling them that Jesus is the truth and that they should follow Him,” one worker said. “That’s why it’s so important we share the hope we have in Jesus.”

Another missionary pointed out that many Muslims expect God to speak during Ramadan. “Asking if someone has had a dream from God can be a great segue into spiritual conversation,” they said. “That often leads naturally to opening Scripture together.”

Some of the fruit missionaries have seen during Ramadan has been remarkable. “A few years ago,” one shared, “we saw more Muslims come to faith, and even get baptized, during Ramadan than during the previous four or five months combined. Muslims were seeking God, and He drew many to Himself.”

But Ramadan can also be hard. One missionary reflected honestly: “Ramadan is such an all-encompassing event in Muslim culture that it can pull new Christians who came from Islam back into fear or confusion. I’ve seen seasons that felt like major setbacks.” Yet they added, “I’ve stuck around long enough to see those setbacks overcome by the steady grace of the Gospel. Ramadan is hard, but it’s not the end of the story.”

So how can I approach Ramadan as a follower of Jesus?

Christians don’t need to affirm Islamic beliefs to see this season as a powerful opportunity to love our Muslim neighbors and point them to Christ.

Missionaries consistently point to posture first. “Engage with genuine care and curiosity,” one said. “Be a learner. Be open about your faith. Tell them you’re grateful for their friendship.” Another shared, “The mindset should be the same as every season — intentional pursuit of relationships that lead to studying Scripture together.”

Prayer is foundational. “During Ramadan, Muslims are sincerely seeking God,” one worker said. “Pray that God would reveal Jesus to them through Scripture, dreams, or loving Christians.”

Hospitality matters. “Ask if you can break fast with them,” a missionary encouraged. “That simple step often opens doors to meaningful spiritual conversations.” And kindness matters. “Check in on them. Ask how they’re feeling. Show extra grace during long fasting days.”

And when the time is right, missionaries urge believers to share Jesus clearly and gently. “Talk about His compassion, forgiveness, and sacrifice,” one said. “Offer to read a Gospel story together. And trust the Holy Spirit to do the work.”

Across every story, one truth remains constant: Ramadan reveals deep spiritual hunger, and Jesus alone satisfies it. For followers of Christ, this season becomes not one of distance or fear, but of prayerful presence, faithful witness, and trust that God is already at work in hearts that are searching.

If you’re encouraged by this story and want to learn more about partnership opportunities, reach out to us at connecting@globalgates.info.