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I don’t know where to begin - I’m not ready to write yet about this - I’m too overwhelmed and I’m still processing everything.  Here is what I will say - I believe I brought more joy and pleasure to God and honored and glorified him more last night than any time in my life. 

We had a Muslim/Christian gathering event.  It was primarily the followers of the faith - not the religious leaders that did it all.  Kids sang, we did the pledge of allegiance, a lady with a hijab sang the Star Spangled Banner, Imam Zia assured us the majority of Muslims have no idea to create a Sharia state in the U.S.!  A multi-faith children’s choir sang You are My Sunshine.  I taught everyone the new Texas Pledge of Allegiance!  A Vietnamese pastor gave greetings - - - It was incredible.  I’ll write more tomorrow.  The Facebook page at NorthWood is filled with comments - tons of google things.  I’ve been told there has never been a gathering of Muslims/Christians like this in the U.S.  Everybody is wanting to do it again - I need a little break first. 

Here is what I am doing - I got permission to share the following email and then some that were general I’m sharing - just to let you read it.  We will have the program online - you can see it yourself - I’ll write more tomorrow.  Some of the emails came from around the world - thought you might enjoy them . . . 

Hello,

My family attends your church and has for at least the past 5-6 years.  I just would like to pass this message of encouragement on to Bob Roberts, I don’t have his personal email so I apologize if this email goes to someone who is very busy reading emails all day.

Bob’s sermon this past Sunday (Sept. 11th) was very moving and touching as well as encouraging.  I have heard (through typical church gossip) that many members of the church have decided to leave and pursue other churches because of Bob’s passionate pursuit to “Dine with the enemy”.  What I mean is I have heard that many people have been turned off by Bob’s decision to invite people of other faiths and to visit foreign countries and Muslim cultures.

At first I shared the same resentment, feeling like the church’s goals were to assimilate the Christian world with the Muslim world.  Frankly, there are many churches today that are pursuing this venture claiming that there are “multiple ways to reach heaven”; I think it has been called pluralism.  I didn’t like the fact that our pastor prayed with Muslims and invited Imams to our church to worship and pray with us; it just rubbed me the wrong way.

Our family strayed away from Northwood for a while.  To be really honest, our absence was just shear laziness.  The kid’s are sick, I’m too tired from staying up last night, don’t you just want to sleep in?....etc.  We started back a few weeks ago, coming in more regularly, and I am glad we made it to hear Bob’s sermon last Sunday.  I finally was able to see a glimpse of what Bob and the Northwood team has seen and done to reach out to the Muslim faith; not to assimilate but to try to be an example of Christ in hopes of maybe one day, these people can see the truth and the light.

I felt incredibly encouraged that Sunday.  I truly saw Bob’s heart being poured out and I wanted so badly to shout “Hallelujah!!!” but the Baptist in me was too shy to do that!!  I am thankful to be a part of this church and I am very grateful to have Pastor Bob leading us.  I feel ashamed that the church has lost members because of “hurt feelings”.  I think Jesus would say, “GET OVER YOURSELVES!!!”.  Pride is truly one of the greatest sins.  My only regret Sunday was thinking, the people that should be here to hear this message are not; they were probably too lazy to get up that morning or at some church that makes them “feel good”.

Here’s my message to Bob and all of the Northwood staff, “Keep fighting the good fight!”  Don’t be discouraged by the church body that has left but focus now on the future.  This world is full of people going to hell, be they Muslim, Buddhist, etc.  Stay encouraged!  I heard a pastor on the radio yesterday (the context was Christians too afraid to witness to the lost) and he said, “I know you’re scared and timid because this is difficult and you feel inept to take on the challenge, but let me just tell you….Big Fat Hairy Deal!!  You are a child of the most high God, Christ is your rock and God will always be with you!!”

Bob, keep doing what you’re doing and don’t worry about hurting people’s feelings.  In fact, if you hurt people’s feelings, you are doing your job.  Hell will be full of people that were members of churches where the pastor made everyone “feel good about themselves” and always has a “positive message”.  Baloney, people need to hear the truth and Northwood speaks the truth!

May Yehovah bless Bob and his family, the Northwood staff and all who are wise enough to attend the church!

Sincerely,

Bob -
you earned the admiration and respect of Europeans like me, who may not turn to God as frequently but recognize the truth in your courageous initiative. If faith does not allow for that, what is it good for? Thank you for challenging all of us on that path, whatever form it may take for each of us. Fondly.

Congratulations, Bob! This is both moving and encouraging.

God bless you (even Europeans may pray…)

Bob
Thank you for emphasizing the true meaning of the Gospel by hosting the Building Bridges with Fellow Texans event at your church. May it lead to greater understanding among all of God\\\‘s children.—a fellow Christian, concerned more about love than about exclusion

Thanks for sponsoring the Building Bridges with Fellow Texans program! As you know, this is sorely needed in our area. I recently left Tarrant County to move to Austin, so will be unable to attend, but I wanted to thank you for this very valuable community service.
Bob, opposition will always bring out the best in you and in those around you. It is in ‘faith’ language a moment of grace/growth.
As always warmest regards

Bob -
Shukran jazeelan
HRH Prince Turqi-Al-Faisal

Dear Brothers.
I like to express and share,  with you and everyone else, my uncontained pleasure, on the successful event of yesterday. I have been involved in the interfaith activities for the last 35 years in the United States and never saw or heard about any such Muslims Christians event of this nature or magnitude. I dare say. this was the biggest ever, in the USA. nay in the world. ( Please correct me if I am wrong ) 
I heard,  during and after the event,  many comments of praise and admiration for the organizers, place and the program it self.  Some suggested to make it a reciprocities event, annual event or bigger than this.
My personal compliments for the success of this,  to Rev. Bob Roberts ( May call him Bob?  It sounds more intimate and friendly ) for his bold vision, openness and sense of humor.
Thanks to Br.  Azhar Aziz, our rising star, for his talents in many areas,  needed for our community.
and to Imam Zia Sheikh for his eloquence and knowledge.  His admirable personality and approach to serve the Metroplex Muslims and interact with other faiths,  with wisdom and candor.
My sincere appreciation and applause to all our Imams, organizations officers, volunteers and members of our community for their enthusiasm in making events like this a success;  particularly our Imam Dr. Yusuf Ziya Kavakci,  Dallas Central Mosque and Br. Mohsin Mandavia the Chairman of IANT who encouraged every one to understand the need of events like this.
One last thing which I must state to Bob.  Bob ! You owe me lunch or what ever you call it at 6 pm.
Thanks people. Let’ us keep doing these things. 
Sincerely
Mohammad Suliman