A year ago, March 2018 we were preparing for our trip to Palestine to help with a couple multi-narrative tours of the Holy Land. Later in our time I had the opportunity to teach a class on peacemaking in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for North Park Theological Seminary. Also, as a newlyContinue Reading
Years ago I stumbled across St. Ignatius when I was taking a class on the Reformation in college. I was drawn to the Jesuit order and to the spirituality of St. Ignatius almost immediately. It was a bit counter intuitive because I grew up in the Protestant tradition and shouldContinue Reading
If we don’t situate our contemplative life here and now, in the real, in the exigencies of life and the world we live in our practices are merely ethereal, otherworldly, made for ghosts but not real people.Continue Reading
From my journal, March 1st, 2016 It’s snowing outside my hostel near the Reykjavik airport at 8 am but traffic and life are bustling as the day begins. Kids going to school in the cold (its 23 degrees F) and dark of winter (sunrise this time of year is aContinue 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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