(some journal thoughts and questions from a few weeks ago) I need to visit my Muslim friends this Friday at the Mosque. Muslims are my friends and I need to stand with them in these times. I’ve got many questions. “Do they fear now more for their lives, their families,Continue Reading
Do you ever get goosebumps when something happens that indicates the feeling of God smiling on you? On the corner of Michigan Ave (the Magnificent Mile piece) just above the Chicago River this guy was “randomly” playing Great is Thy Faithfulness!Continue Reading
One of my greatest joys in my work is the human connection with my Muslim friends. During prayers in the mosque recently, this cute girl wanted to crawl on daddy’s back. Don’t kids do that in any culture? I received permission from Dad to show this. We laughed from deepContinue Reading
I’m giving thanks in alllll things tonight. Usually that means something difficult is going on, at least the way it’s often used in church parlance. Here are a few new facts in my life: 1. I’m moonlighting, driving for Uber. 2. It’s a lot of fun and I get toContinue Reading
Attending a very important conference in Portland on “Seeds of Hope in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict.” My friend and media guy pitched the story of our documentary on Peacemakers in the Holy Land to local radio and we scored an interview!Continue 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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