Just entered a photo contest hosted by Mercy Corp. And this photo is what I submitted. Here is my commentary on the photo. Stereotypes abound today, especially of peoples in places we don’t know, or worse, fear. This photo was taken in Hebron of the West Bank where I servedContinue Reading
Here is a shorter version of my video that is catching media’s eye. But you know what? In our media saturated, ego driven, entitlement culture I like to speak like a grand poobah about the need for justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict when many Palestinians, and Israelis, on the groundContinue Reading
While I was busy in study and reflection last month at Overseas Ministry Study Center, I had the wonderful opportunity to dip in and out of some wonderful conversations at the OMSC. One lecturer, who is a visiting professor of Islamics at Yale Divinity School, gave a lecture on “WhyContinue Reading
“Hoping (and working) for Peace in the Holy Land” Photo Gallery documenting the Israeli / Palestinian Conflict: (This show will travel. Invite me to share the photos and the stories of courage, peacemaking, and hope in the midst of conflict. Write me at: andy.larsen@peace-catalyst.net FMI or to schedule a showing)Continue Reading
It has been a rough news cycle recently when considering the Muslim world. But way too often we allow this kind of news to color our image of a large swath of humanity that number close to 1.6 billion, or 23% of the world’s population. We extrapolate, generalize, draw faultyContinue 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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