One of the things I keep running into when I speak to Christian audiences, especially when dealing with our Muslim neighbors is fear. This hearkens back to the nearly universal response to 9-11 when I was a pastor in a church. I found people in the pew at church willingContinue Reading
My friend and senior broadcast analyst Gregg Hersholt said I came across eloquently. Yikes. I’m really grateful to Gregg and my media friend, John Yeager, who has coached me in this media avenue. Never thought I’d be on the radio or television. Continue Reading
I took this photo after a wonderful and potentially ground breaking gathering recently at my Muslim friend’s home. We were Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Secular guests of the Khaki’s who shared over “3 cups of tea”. The 3 cups represent first, listening to each other, then learning and finally, respectingContinue Reading
I just completed a long season of ministry travel–speaking, engaging, bridge building, supporting and learning from other peacemakers. My travel took me to the Middle East 2xs, Canada 1x, the East Coast 3xs as well as several churches in the Puget Sound region. I was in several mosques, homes ofContinue 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.”
Website