ARAB CHRISTIANS SEEK UNDERSTANDING FROM THE WEST
AMMAN, JORDAN - In a strategic gathering of Middle Eastern, European and American Christian leaders, Westerners were given an inside view of the Middle Eastern Church's struggle in a war-torn land.
Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding's (EMEU) Sounds of Hope II conference was held in Amman, Jordan on Oct. 15-18.
It was a time for over 70 select individuals from various ministries to hear from 11 speakers with experience in the Middle East Church. According to Dr. Ray Bakke, EMEU chair, the conference was held out of a concern that ignorance in the West was negatively influencing the worldwide Church's ability to support this important group of Christians in need.
EMEU's purpose is to break down those stereotypes through direct dialog and help to build relationships and understanding across different cultures. As Bakke put it, "It's not an organization. It's a conversation." Speakers from Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq shared on everything from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to America's role in the Middle East, to a Christian response to Islam.
Dr. Nabeel Jabbour shared his concern that, as a result of September 11th, some Christians would quit praying for and ministering to Muslims. "If that happens, it will be the biggest setback in the history of missions," he said. "Muslims are about 1.4 billion people in the world. It's predicted that by the year 2020 they'll become a quarter of humanity. If we consciously or unconsciously omit them from the Great Commission, it will become no more the Great Commission. It will be the Great Omission." Jabbour walked attendees through the different belief systems in Islam, explaining that only a small percentage of Muslims are actually radical fundamentalists, but it is the activities of this faction that make the news.
John Sagherian, regional coordinator for Youth for Christ International, said that young Muslims, as well as nominal Christians in the Middle East, are asking the same question when presented with the biblical truth of salvation: "So what?" He said that they need more than textbook answers. "I believe the answer lies in our changed lives and our changed values and our love for each other. They need to see Christians living as Christians. And it would help if there were a revival in the West and the Christian West really became Christian."
While this conflict is extremely complex, understanding the issues involved touches on a person's biblical interpretation, theology, politics, interfaith relationships and method of sharing the Gospel. Author and educator Rev. Colin Chapman explained, "What is at stake over this issue is nothing less than our understanding of God, our witness to the Gospel and the credibility of the Christian Church.The stakes are very high."
Bakke told attendees about a conversation he had with a Jewish rabbi concerning the current existence of modern Israel. "Every people, to be a whole people, must somewhere in their history be stewards of power. We Jews have always been victims of power. The state of Israel is our first opportunity to be stewards of power," said the rabbi. Then with a tear rolling down his cheek, he finished, saying, "If God is just, I fear he will have to remove us one more time for what we have done to the Palestinians in this land."
Speakers asked Christians everywhere to work to understand the religions and politics of the Middle East in order to have a positive influence, to look for ways to partner or offer aid to the Middle Eastern church, and most of all, to pray for those who are hurting in the Middle East.
If you'd like more information, please contact Leonard Rodgers, EMEU Executive Director, via email at exdir@emeu.net
