Building Bridges

"On a trip to Sante Fe, New Mexico...I was struck by one of the most stunning sculptures I have ever seen. This piece of art had two interrelated scenes back to back, separated by a door. On one side was a Native American man in a fierce snowstorm, knocking at the door of a log cabin and pleading for refuge and warmth. On the other side of the door was a warm room with a terrified mother holding a shotgun while the woman's frightened three-year-old daughter clung to her dress. The terrified mother was refusing to open the door."* 

Similar emotions keep Muslims and Christians apart. 

Rick Warren and Saddleback Church in California went the distance to bridge the gap between them and 170,000 Muslims in their County. For 12 years Warren has lived next door to Yasser Barakat, a Muslim from Syria. They were friends for years before Barakat realized he lived next door to a world-famous Christian pastor.** 

Saddleback Church decided to invite Muslims to a picnic in the park and a soccer game with 2 teams, youth against leaders from both the Muslim community and the church. It was greatly appreciated by all who participated. The effort initiated by this prominent Christian culminated in a dinner at Saddleback attended by 300 Muslims and members of Saddleback's congregation.

At the dinner, Abraham Meulenberg, a Saddleback pastor in charge of interfaith outreach, and Jihad Turk, director of religious affairs at a mosque in Los Angeles deemed this approach as "a path to end the 1,400 years of misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians."

The men presented a document that affirmed that both Christians and Muslims believe in "one God" and share two central commandments: "love of God" and "love of neighbor." The document highlights three commitments: making friends with one another, building peace and working on shared social service projects.

Understandably these events caused quite a stir among Christians and accusations that Rick Warren had compromised. Saddleback later clarified the statement "believe in one God" was simply an affirmation that both Christians and Muslims are monotheists. Pastor Warren and Saddleback also affirm that Jesus is the One and only Savior of the world. The point of the discussion between the two groups was to highlight similarities, not differences...in order for the two groups to tackle issues, side by side.

In the opening story, the Native American's only hope of survival was the warmth of the log cabin. But fear kept the young mom from opening the door. Similarly, we have the saving message of Christ that Muslims need to hear and understand. From experience we know the best way to deliver this message is to open the door of conversation by showing hospitality...to put our fear and prejudice aside and show love to our Muslim neighbor.

Lord Jesus, help Christians to love their Muslim neighbors and gain the right to be heard. Amen.

At the exit of a church: Your Missionfield Begins Here

*The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross (click for promo video) by Nabeel Jabbour   

**2 articles about Rick Warren is a Bridge Builder,  Even with Muslims