Thank you so much for your interest in wanting to do something as you wrapped up your study guide series, “From Peacetalking to Peacemaking.” (Context: we meet with a study guide focus group that met each week, working through this series and they wanted to do something. This was oneContinue Reading
For over 50% of humanity and three major monotheistic religions this piece of real-estate matters. We’re talking about Israel-Palestine or what many have called the Holy Land. The world’s Christian and Muslim populations combined are 3.6 of 6.8 billion of the world’s population. While much smaller, the 13-14 million JewsContinue Reading
The city of Hebron represents for me, in microcosm, all the elements of the Israel-Palestine conflict due to its importance to both Jews and Muslims, and the many incidents that have occurred here in the modern conflict. It is a city that is divided up, even to the point ofContinue Reading
I have a couple things to say today about my t-shirt and these stairs that keep showing up in my photos. 1. The artist who does the piece featured on my t-shirt is famous in Bethlehem where this image “melds street-fighting passion and pacifist ardor in his image of aContinue Reading
North American & International Christian Organizations (Under construction…still adding) Churches for Middle East Peace CMEP, a coalition of 27 church communions and organizations works to mobilize US Christians to embrace a holistic perspective and to be advocates of equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all peopleContinue 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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