After 3 flights, touching 3 continents and 7 time zones, we arrived safely in Morocco the night of the 14th. Our host, Connie, was gracious to pick us up at the airport and drive us to the hotel, becoming a much-needed interpreter as well as a taxi driver. The room here is small, yet affords us a spectacular view of Rabat (the capital city) and the Atlantic Ocean, which I saw for the first time today even though I am U.S. born and raised.

This morning we ventured into the Medina (Inner City), more specifically the sukkah (marketplace) where we were able to experience the cultural life flow of the Moroccans. Instead of focusing on the differences between life here and life at home, which are many, I decided to look for the similarities. Here are some of the things I noticed.

Small Business Entrepreneurs (aka street vendors) endeavored to sell their products to the masses with the hope that they will sell enough to pay the rent, eat, and perhaps better themselves along the way. Children smiled, laughed, ran, rod bikes and played games in the streets. (Somehow the smile and laughter of a child looks and sounds the same in any culture and it looks and sounds beautiful.) Teenagers with backpacks and cell phones pursued their educational dreams. Satellite dishes, cars, and yes, Phoenix, even a light rail system were prominent in the city.

I could go on and on, but one distinct similarity stood out. People here desperately need to know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

The commission of Christ to His followers to make disciples of all nations and teach them to follow His ways echoed in my mind as we meandered through the city streets, knowing full well that the harvest here is great but the laborers are few. The great commission is local, it’s regional, it’s global and it is NOT optional. How dare we claim to be followers of Jesus and refuse to take his charge seriously?

Here’s a challenge. Tomorrow when you encounter Entrepreneurs trying to best their competition, a child smiling, laughing or playing; a teenager on their phone or someone riding the light rail with you into the heart of the city; take a second look and recognize their need to know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Take it seriously. The similarities will jump out at you and hopefully capture your heart.