I leave today for Los Angelos to visit an old friend. Nelufar is originally from Sri Lanka, but for many years now, he has lived and worked in L.A. He is a great guy and a highly successful businessman. The two of us were close friends at Florida State, where we worked hard to earn our MBA degrees. For the record, I worked harder than Nelufar. He was a lot smarter than me!
It’s been over forty years since we’ve seen each other, but I have no doubt that the chemistry between us remains, and our bond will be as strong as ever. I’m also excited to meet his children and wife and for him to meet my wife.
Nelufar is Muslim. He was raised in a Muslim family, just as I was raised in a Christian family. But this has never been an issue in our relationship. I don’t expect it ever will be. My father gave Nelufar a Bible one Christmas when he spent the holidays with us. I’ve shared my faith with my friend, as well.
But let me be clear about something, and the best way I know to say this is to quote my Evangelism professor from seminary many years ago. In fact, I had to memorize this quote for an exam - “Evangelism is sharing the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results up to God.”
That’s it. And it’s enough.
I have no doubt that some religious discussions will take place during my time in Los Angelos. Nelufar’s daughter is working on her Master of World Religions at the University of Chicago and will be home for the holidays. He’s already told me how excited she is to talk with me about my faith. I share her excitement.
But I’m not headed to Los Angelos to see my old friend worried about convincing him or his family of the truth of the gospel. I’m going to Los Angelos to renew an old friendship, and hopefully, to demonstrate how even two people from distinctly different cultures and religions can not only get along but be the best of friends.
This unity-in-diversity is the heartbeat of “Church on the Edge.” Learning to love and to live with others, whoever they are, is one of the greatest strengths of disciples of Jesus. Or it should be. We are called to be peace-makers, mercy-givers, friends of sinners, and people of loving and contagious spirits, shining as lights in a dark and divided world.
We are lighting Advent candles in our churches and homes this Christmas season. Those candles remind us of the Light of the World, who calls us to let our light shine before others that they may glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
This Christmas season, let your light SHINE!
In Christ,
Dan
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Dan, I cannot think of a better ambassador to represent the grace, peace and unconditional love of our Savior. We are praying for a great visit for both families!! Semper Fidelis