This past weekend was the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, and with the exception of all the FDNY guys in uniform and National Guardsmen in the transit station, you would have never known it was a significant day. Something is wrong with our country... But something else is wrong with the church.
Besides a few churches protesting the "clergy free" aspects of the 9/11 ceremonies, many made little effort to use the events of 10-years ago to promote God's glory to the world. Instead, the day was all about Patriotism and the evils of radical Islam. Nothing wrong with talking about those two issues, but there is something greater: JESUS.
At FHCC, we committed to make the day all about the God of Life, not the false god of terror and death. Instead of promoting a country, we are going to promote an eternal Kingdom. We're going to redeem 9/11 for God's glory! And when you commit to a promise like this, you know God is going to honor it...
The very next day, as I was riding the train into Manhattan, I noticed that three young fundamental Islamic men were sitting right behind me. Immediately, I turned around and said "hello" in Arabic. Turns out they were all on holiday from the UK and visiting NYC for the first time. They wanted to know all about City and what to see. Sensing an opportunity, I mentioned some cool sites but was also quick to point out the great sins of the City. I told them that as a Christian, I often have to look down or break into prayer when I am in NY; there is just so much that offends God. Immediately, these young men were hanging on my every word because they have never heard a Christian speak like this before.
As I continued to share my story about church planting, pastoring and being a daddy to three small boys, the guys became even more animated. Next thing I know, the whole train car is blatantly listening in on our conversation (one guy was hanging over the seat)! At that point I knew it was time to talk directly about Jesus (Isa in Arabic).
While the Koran makes much of Jesus, many Muslims know very little about the truth of who He is and what He said and did. I informed the men that they should read the Gospels because not only did Mohammad claim that he did, but also because of the wonderful way that Jesus explains God. Rather than only promote the justice and power of God, Jesus also communicated the LOVE of God.
To God's glory, the conversation ended with the men committing to read the Gospels and thanking me emphatically for talking with them. They had learned so much about Christians, Jesus, and the never before heard topic of God's love.
