MWR : Africa worker urges relations with Muslims at home

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Feb. 11, 2008 issue

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Africa worker urges relations with Muslims at home

By Lynda Hollinger-Janzen Mennonite Mission Network

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GOSHEN, Ind. — When 120 people gathered Jan. 19 to get a taste of what God is doing in Senegal, they also received a mission imperative to cultivate friendships with their Muslim neighbors close to home.

Adam Fleming shows son Jonathan a slate used in Quranic schools in Senegal during the Friends of the Wolof banquet. — Photo by Lynda Hollinger-Janzen/MMN

Silverwood Mennonite Church hosted the annual banquet that helps Friends of the Wolof, or FOW, connect North American supporters to followers of Jesus in the West African nation of Senegal.

Jonathan Bornman, who has more than a decade of ministry experience in Senegal, emphasized the importance of understanding between Christians and Muslims worldwide.

Bornman told the audience there are four Islamic centers within 30 miles of Silverwood.

“Don’t wait for Muslims to come to you, but reach out to them,” he said.

Bornman suggested ways to begin relating to Muslims, including invitations to meals or special events and visiting mosques.

“Christian-Muslim relationships may be the biggest story of our time,” Bornman said. “Why are we so antagonistic when we share so much?”

Some prophets and holy writings belong to both religious traditions, Bornman said, as do the importance of prayer, a concern for the poor and a desire for our children to inherit a better world.

Despite the significant commonalities shared by Muslims and Christians, the good news that FOW has been called to live out resides in the differences, Bornman said.

“God incarnated in Jesus absorbed violence and hatred through his death on the cross, and he forgave,” Bornman said.

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