GlocalNet

Yesterday I received 2 emails and thought I’d share them.  I get many emails - good and bad - praising and blasting.  Last week I was speaking at Georgetown and there was some media coverage on it which evoked a lot of response.  I received emails from Christians, Jews, and Muslims - as well as secular humanitarians thanking and encouraging me and others for loving all peoples, not everyone was positive - but then they never are.  I try to train young pastors to see the world more through God’s eyes and his kingdom than just the American flag and our predispositions. This is an email from one young church planter that I mentor here in Texas that wants to work in the Middle-East . . . 

“Bob,
Just wanted to relate a story.  We had a couple visit our first home group for the last three weeks. . . .  Last week I shared my heart for going to Bethlehem.  The group was overwhelmingly positive with the exception of the husband.  He explained to the group for several minutes (unsolicited) why Israel was chosen and why they should be protected.  I very kindly explained that I agreed but also thought that the Palestinians should be able to hear the Gospel, and that we would best help the peace process in the Middle East by doing nation building through Christian proclamation. 
He was very quiet the rest of the night and this week informed us he would not be returning.

To be honest, while my feelings were a bit bruised, I was relieved to see him go.  He didn’t understand our mission, and he would have hated it.  Funny to say, but his decision to leave has only increased my resolve and passion . . . “

Here is another email I received from someone in the West Bank,

” . . . . I read with great pleasure the article and I was very surprised and moved that not all Evangelicals “hate” the Palestinians . . . there are actually many true followers of Christ who love every single human being regardless of his race or religion. . . . I’m sure you were attached and labeled . . . please be assured that we are with you and support you, and we expect more Evangelicals, Baptists, Pentecostals to support peace and justice . . . in Jesus Land.  Thank you from Palestine.”

Regardless of your views on the second coming of Christ - we as evangelicals have done a great disservice if not sin to the hundreds of millions of Arabs and Muslims in the Middle-East by giving them the impression that we don’t love them or care about them.  As someone who believes in Jesus and the Great Commission - God forgive us and God help us live the Gospel and share our good news to people in such a way that it is a blessing to them - and not a sword, bomb, or prejudice based on race. 

I remember someone once saying - everyone gets criticism - the only choice you have in the matter is what they criticize you for.  Some things are worth taking heat over - church planter - sweat it out - the heats ok - those toxins need to come out.