Whether it be 9/11, ISIS or the countless terrorist attacks across the world in the past decade, some Americans have developed an Islamophobia towards Muslims without even realizing it. Hatred, fear or even dread may form in one’s heart as they encounter a Muslim at the grocery store, at work, school, or other public settings. Few can say they have the audacity to open a conversation with a Muslim. However, one would be surprised to find the bridges that can be made between two cultures, two people, when time is given to listen and understand.

This weekend I attended Crescent Project’s 2017 national conference in Apex, NC. Crescent Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to give every Muslim the opportunity to respond to the Gospel and become a follower of Christ. Through praying, equipping, and mobilizing believers to reach out to the Muslim community, the ministry of Crescent Project is incredibly powerful. As I listened to the founder, Fouad Masri, share his heart for sharing the love of Christ with Muslims l was encouraged to hear how the Lord is bringing Muslims into His kingdom.

One of Crescent Project’s goals in equipping believers, even Muslim converts, is through bridging the gap. What is it that bridges the gap between Muslims and Christians? The love of Christ. Muslims believe in God (Allah), but they believe they must earn the love of Allah by doing good works. When Christians show that Christ loves them just for who they are and not for what they do, it can change their life.

Yet, we often hold back from sharing the gracious love of Christ with the Muslim community. How are Muslims supposed to see transforming love when we are not engaging them through conversation? By seeking to build relationships with Muslims, the gap can be bridged.

Maybe you do not know any Muslims or do not live in an area where Muslims reside. Crescent Project connects Muslims who may live in closed countries to Americans through their Embassy resource. Embassy uses online resources, such as Skype, to appeal to Muslims. For example, Americans can sit from the comfort of their home and teach conversational English to a Muslim in the Middle East.

One of the most practical tools that I was equipped with this weekend is using the art of storytelling. While on Earth, Jesus taught through stories to communicate His truth. Christians can share the love and truth of the Gospel to Muslims without even opening a Bible. One of the speakers demonstrated this simple task by re-telling the story of Cornelius’ conversion from Acts 10. Choosing stories that relate to Muslims while weaving in the love of Christ speaks volumes.

One speaker shared that the top two reasons for Muslim conversion is by God’s powerful, authoritative Word and the testimony of Christians. Christians who believe that God’s love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18) can intentionally build relationships with Muslims near and far by sharing Bible stories and their own life story of redemption. This bridges the gap for Muslims to come to a faith in the one true God and Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Of course, Christians must remember that is the Lord alone who brings salvation. We are to be obedient for sharing His love and truth to all people groups. Paul encourages believers in Galatians 6:9 that they should not grow weary in doing good for in due time, they will reap a harvest by not giving up.

I find hope in seeing Muslims come to know Christ by reflecting on the words of Habakkuk 1:5:

“Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”