GlocalNet

I am sitting in the lobby of the Sheraton Heathrow in London with my pastor friend from Mombasa, Kenya, Joseph Maisha.  We met 23 years ago when I went to speak in his country, I became very ill, he prayed for me, and God healed me.  It was the only time I know for sure, with x-ray results, of God’s divine healing in my life.  I never saw him again until 6 months ago when he was in the US speaking and someone told me I had to meet him, he was just like me - so they brought him to my house and we couldn’t believe we were face to face after so long.  He started his church, and has over 16,000 every week, along with countless churches he’s also started out of his church.  He also has lots of relationships with Muslims just like me.  We have been meeting with a small group of global pastors who are looking at what it means to serve God, together, collaboratively, globally. 

As we sit here, there is a conference being publicized by SKY news with the British Prime Minister David Cameron speaking on security, talking about how all the faiths have to get along and survive in broader society.  I’ve been with pastors in the UK as well this week, and what I’ve heard is that most evangelicals have nothing to do with the Muslims - but it has to change.  Joseph is in a city that is primarily Muslim; he has learned to get along.  I’ve been through the same sort of thing. 

Here is my interview:

Joseph, do you fear Muslims?  No I don’t fear Muslims. 

Why?  They are human beings like me.  They are also a creation of God.

Do you have friends that are Muslims?  I have a lot of friends even the mayor of the city - he’s a Muslim and even the members of Parliament - even the chairman of the Imams for the country is my friend.

How should Christians respond to Muslims?  They need to love them.  They should show them they also have value no matter how they believe. 

In the early days, you had some Muslims persecute you?  They went as far as burning my house when some people were going to be baptized.

Were you afraid of them?  At that time very much - I thought they would kill me.

What changed that?  I had to make a strong relationship with them and their leaders.  I discovered what I was lacking was love to the Muslim people.  That was a problem!

What is your relationship like with Muslims now?  We can come together and discuss issues concerning our nation and our community without arguing on each people’s faith. 

Do you ever discuss your faith with imams and Muslims?  I discuss with them about my faith and they do the same.  We remain friends because we respect each other’s faith. 

What was it like during the tribal fighting during the last Presidential election and how did it affect you personally?  It was terrible.  Everyone was being asked to go back to his home.  Since I wasn’t born in Mombasa, but in Western Kenya, but very interestingly the Muslims stood with me and protected me.  They had a very good reason for that; I’m they’re good friend, I value them, and I love them. 

You do a lot of city engagement projects - what are some of the things you do?  I have started their school from kindergarten to High School.  Orphanages, compassionate projects, water projects - to serve the community regardless of their faith. 

What would you say to Christians about how to relate to Muslims - especially if they don’t know any but live where they are?  We have to understand that Jesus loves everyone.  The Love of Christ is in our life.  To demonstrate that love we must have a relationship with others. 

Thank you Joseph - more to come later . . . . .