My friend, Stan Friedman, the editor for our church denomination’s new-service joking has called himself over the last week, “The Apocalyptic Reporter!” It does seems like there is a lot of tragedy and heartbreaking news these days. One of my adult aha’s is coming to learn more about lament andContinue Reading
A Lamentation for Gaza Gaza weeps alone. Bombs falling without end her cheeks wet with tears. A widow abandoned imprisoned on all sides with none willing to save her. We who once knew oppression have become the oppressors. Those who have been pursued are now the pursuers. We have uprootedContinue Reading
The colors, sounds, and emotions of the Ashura begin for our group in Baghdad this evening by visiting the Shrine of Imams Kazim and Jawad (the 7th and 9th Imams, or historic leaders) within the Shia tradition. There will be a crescendo through this week and next as we buildContinue Reading
June 13, 2020 — An important development for those who don’t name Seattle as their home. As a photographer this is a disgusting low ball strategy that is unethical as well as dangerous. Just yesterday a certain news outlet was caught doing some fancy Photoshop work to give the wrongContinue Reading
Visio Divina & this year’s Calendar This is the time of year when the shortening of days shrinks our exposure to the sunlight and its healing UV rays. It also seems to be the time when we find a preponderance of personal challenges, even crises of emotional health and familyContinue Reading
A Local Church Pastor
“Through personal storytelling, biblical preaching, and literally getting us out of the church and into a mosque, Andy walked alongside our church with the question, “Compelled by God’s love, what does it mean to love our Muslim neighbor?” Wise, gentle, and prophetic, Andy doesn’t just talk about peacemaking–he lives it.”Website
Lay Church Leader
“Andy spent a weekend at our church recently speaking about his bridge building relationships with Muslims. This approach resonates in contrast with so much media attention to extremists. It was a new message for a lot of our members, but they seemed willing to listen and be open because of Andy’s gentle and non-threatening presence. Now we can discuss this topic more freely and see our Muslim neighbors in a new light, building friendships as God leads.”
Professor of Reconciliation Studies
“We recognize you as an agent of change for reconciliation and an influential community leader. We’d like to invite you to influence the next generation of community leaders here at Seattle Pacific University.”
Pastor
“Andy Larsen recently gave a presentation and engaged our congregation around the question, “Who is our neighbor?” His knowledge and experience as a bridge-builder and peacemaker was evident as he encouraged us to look outside our normal circles of friendships. Andy is well-suited for this ministry as he travels effortlessly between Muslim and Christian communities and invites us to do the same.”
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