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If you heard the interview on my previous blog with Prince Turqi then you may recall that at the end he said, “Bring this camera along, I have many questions for you.”  Our relationship started with questions and it will continue in them.  I ask him just as many questions as he asks me - the same of my other friends like Shamil, Suhail, Zia, Long, Oliver (a real live Catholic!) and a host of others.  I think one of the reasons people stay in their own sub-groups is because the more you get to know someone, the more vulnerable you are to their questions.  There is a level of politeness that, if I don’t know you that well, then you shouldn’t ask me any potentially controversial question - and if you do - I don’t have to answer them. 

How do you deal with all the questions?  First, stay calm and listen to the whole question.  Second, don’t feel like you have to give a dissertation.  In the early days I gave way too much material way to fast.  The simpler and more succinct the better.  Third, don’t be afraid to say I don’t know, or I’m not sure but will get back to you on it.  Fourth, be as prepared as you can be before you meet with people.  If I’m going to a new part of the world, I read books and visit with people from that part.  You’re never the first to meet with people - someone has already been where you are.  If you can meet with them and ask them questions it helps.  Fifth, have a spirit of adventure and a love of learning.  It will not only give them answers, but you will grow as well in your own understanding.  Finally - be honest in your answer - but also kind.  Truth is known not in arrogance but in humility. 

Here are some questions from the last week:

Do you really believe Jesus is the only way?  from a Muslim friend

What do you Christians believe about the second coming?  from a Muslim

Am I not worthy or have enough faith to see my daughter healed?  from a mother

Can God really forgive someone like me who’s done so much bad?  from a young man debating the question of Jesus

What is your opinion about the young man who became a Christian from a Muslim family whose father is a leader in Hamas? from an irish catholic

Why are so many evangelicals Christian Zionist?  from a secular European

How would you start an American ethnic church planting network?  from an Indian church planter

How can I pray for you?  from an elder

What would you like to order?  from a waiter

How do you do all you do?  from a young pastor

What would you do differently if you were starting a church from scratch?  from a young church planter

How do I explain the Trinity?  from a new christian

What’s for dessert?  from me to my wife!

Would you pray for me?  from an older man seeking God

Do Americans get the world?  from a Turkish driver

Did you pack your bags and have they been with you?  from airport security

Why?  you can finish the rest of the why did . . . . I get tons of those every week

Do you have hope?  from a diplomat

What is your hope?  from a diplomat