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                               

Making a Difference

"...Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life..." John 6:67&68.

A girl was picking up starfish washed up overnight by waves or left in the wake of the receding tide on the seashore. She would pick up one at a time and toss them back into the ocean in order to give them a 2nd chance. A passerby observed this labor intensive activity in the light of many more on the shore and said to the girl, "Are you really making a difference?" The young girl, not so easily discouraged, replied as she tossed yet another starfish back into the water "For this one!"

Reminds me of a familiar quote: "I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will."

Another year has passed and we're already into 2019! My wife and I both journal about our ministry--recording the activities, conversations we've had with people, and the responses. One of the activities we like to do is to take time to reflect on what has happened and to pray that God would guide our lives in the New Year.

Many of you readers have faithfully been reaching out to individual Muslims or were focused on one particular people group last year. You probably see many more Muslims all around you who aren't being reached. In Canada we're seeing Muslim Asylum seekers and some new arrivals from Syria. The task of reaching Muslims seems overwhelming. Whether they recognize it or not, they need Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Again in 2018 there were more atrocities committed in the name of Islam than in recent history. Muslims repeatedly scrambled to defend Islam. You have to feel for them.

But how do we measure whether one is making a difference in ministry to Muslims? Many years ago I transitioned from working as an Auto-mechanic where my pay check was linked to what I accomplished. Thus the payment received and the hours earned were my gauge of success. It challenged my psyche to move from an environment where I could see progress to something as intangible as relationship building and personal evangelism. There was very little in the way of measuring success or progress. With time, I realized I function best if I include some regular scheduled events each week like an English conversation class or another hands-on type of activity with a Muslim friend.

Some of you have sent updates over Christmas of an individual moving towards faith in Christ, discipleship Bible studies, group meetings and fellowships of believers started this past year. You are making a difference. From scripture we surmise that God would be saying, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

This post marks the 5nd year since this blog's inception. Some of you have contributed with valuable insights that I posted. Thank-you for visiting my blog. I'm looking forward to another year of partnership with brothers and sisters on 'mission'.

Dear Lord, thank-you for sustaining my brothers and sisters in ministry scattered around the globe. Give each of them a fruitful New Year. Amen.

God's Peace Plan

"Now all these things are from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation..." 2 Corinthians 5:18.

Do Something, lyrics by Matthew West

I woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now
Thought, how'd we ever get so far down
How's it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, "God, why don't You do something?"

In an increasingly violent Middle East men, women and children are in complete despair and devastation. Thousands are fleeing their ancient homelands. Even Muslims are rejecting the Al Qaeda, etc. version of Islam where human rights are trampled on, past agreements are disregarded and historical sites are obliterated. How will the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia ever recover?

We know that God humbled himself and lived among us. Jesus demonstrated God's holiness, power, justice, and love for 33 years. And he said "Do likewise..." In answer to his question to God "Why don't you do something?" Matthew West continues, "I did, I made you..." We are his hands and feet. Amazing that God gives us such an important role!

We know that Its man's sin--selfishness, pride and rebellion that has put him on a collision course with one another and with God. His peace plan has you and I in it so that we can proclaim that through Jesus' death and resurrection one can be made right with God and others. We are the 'boots on the ground' to declare and demonstrate this message.

"Nobody wants us" bemoaned a Palestinian family who found refuge in Canada. "Everyone hates us." Another Palestinian woman was overwhelmed when a Christian family met them at the airport and said "Welcome! I felt like I finally belonged." This is what brought her and her family to faith in Jesus.

A creative group of students from my alma matter(Moody Bible Institute) offered 'free prayer' on the streets of Chicago! Praying with Muslims is certainly something we can do. Our words are comforting. Prayer is key since the battle is ultimately in the "heavenly realms", "against evil rulers...mighty powers of darkness..." as Ephesians 6:12 tells us. One thing for sure, what the world needs is peace and we are instructed to pray for peace.

War Memorial, Ottawa

November of this year marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with Belgium, France, Britain and Germany standing together in a spirit of reconciliation. Millions of people died in the brutal war fought from 1914-18. Rather than seeking for revenge, they laid down their arms a long time ago and now live together in peace and harmony. This kind of attitude certainly pleases God.

I have a few believer friends from Muslim background who are often deeply troubled and when we pray in Jesus name, you can feel peace literally settling down into the room. Its like a picture of a contented and soothed baby in the arms of its mother.

Some may ask, "Isn't this dangerous to be involved on such a personal level with Muslims"? Perhaps in some places. Much is at stake if we as a church of Jesus Christ remain unengaged. Now is not the time to retreat and remain idle. I want to be where God is at work.

Dear Lord, please show me what part I have in your peace plan. Amen.