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
March 1st, 2016. In between the East…. and West….. standing at the seam of the meeting place…. of the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates. This was the place where the Cold War focused… it was a strategic piece of Real Estate in the universe of ideas… It’s snowing outsideContinue Reading
Blessed Are The Peacemakers: One Man’s Journey to the Heart of Palestine Trailer for “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” from Andrew E. Larsen on Vimeo. We’ve finished, for now! Our movie about peacemaking traces my journey to the Holy Land (including Israel & the West Bank) to tell the storyContinue Reading
Last summer I had the opportunity to interview Rev. Mitri Raheb for our movie on peacemaking in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mitri is a pastor in Bethlehem and author of several important books. And he’s a new friend. He is a true peacemaker who as a pastor of the Christmas LutheranContinue Reading
“That’s NOT the Gospel Andy!” I bristled inside as I felt another contrary voice rise up. Many dear friends have sought, with good intention, to re-direct my thinking and efforts back to what I should really be doing as a minister. Apparently peacemaking should not be the main thing, whatContinue 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