GlocalNet

I don’t know where to begin.  So much has happened.  I’ve been in Syria - both Damascus and Hama the past 3 days.  I spoke at a women’s Islamic Seminary and it was awesome.  There is a reformed pastor who spoke along with me and Dr. Rafaida who started the institute.  Her family is incredible - she is a scholar, her husband is an electronics expert and they have 2 sons and a daugther all in their twenties.  We spoke about the similarities in our faiths and how we can work together towards peace and reconciliation in the world.  Her son Ghiath, is 28, married and a little boy - he reminded me of my own son.  This is a class act family.  I know that our governments may have some differences - but I must tell you, I’ve not been around a sharper family and people than the Syrians - they’re sharp.  When it’s all said and done - we all want the same thing.

  I especially liked Dr. Mustafa Kanaker.  He’s in his thirties - studied at Malaysia - a Phd. and Islamic and media scholar.  I could ask him anything and everything - and I did.  If you’re reading this Mustafa - I’ve read all the books you’ve given me.  I want these people to come see me in the US.  I want my wife Nikki and my daughter Jill to get to know the women at the seminary.  They would be happy to partner with us and build relationships.  I’ve yet to find people who would reject us - the problem is we show up on our terms - not theirs.  We ignore their culture, history, and beliefs without understanding that we have as much to learn from them as they do us.  Furthermore, if we would be students first - maybe they would be open to our ideas.  It’s the old Oscar adage “When the world speaks, she’s on mute - when you speak as an America - it’s like a mega-phone. 

The first night there we went to a Christian/Islamic gathering where they sang songs together.  There was a beautiful song they sang,  “The night is long, but even though alone - I am not lonely I am filled with love.”  I didn’t understand the meaning, so I leaned over and asked Mustafa was this about a man and his lover, “Oh no, he said, it is about a man and his love for God.”  Gratefully he laughed.  We shared jokes - and stories.  One of the best speakers was Dr. Maen, a reformed Syrian pastor - WOW - he brought the house “seminary” down! 

I know there is news of lots of things happening in this part of the world - which makes it mandatory we be here.  But, all is well.  I got a good nights sleep last night and a great run this morning.  I ran in Syria.  There are many many people from Iraq there.  They have and continue to suffer. 

  Jordan - preach good.  Brent - rock the house.  Randy - grow ‘em up.  Mike - keep it organized.  Mark - pay them bills.  Omar - spread it out.  Becky love them kids.  Dustin rock on!!!!