Webinars Designed to Equip the Church for this New Day in Missions
As career missionaries, when we first left for the field about 23 years ago, our communication consisted of snail mail and a rotary dial phone. Snail mail, if it made arrived, took weeks. The phone was so expensive to use that we talked with family only once a month. Now communication technology affords us the privilege of not only staying in close contact with family and constituents but it is helping us equip the church in North America for this new day in missions.
We have been offering churches the opportunity to join us in webinars on a variety of subjects. By far the most popular subject has been Islam. A progression of four webinars dealing with every thing from the basics of Islam to an understanding of women in Islam has helped a number of individuals become more comfortable in building relationships with their Muslim neighbors.
We have been encouraged as we have listened to the stories of those who are using what they are learning. One young woman is now in dialogue with a fellow student from Saudi Arabia. Another gentleman stated, “I’m so happy to have heard what you have to say. I have learned that I have been doing this right as I relate to my Muslim friend.” A retired woman is building a relationship with a young Jordanian woman from her gym. Another woman states, “Thank you. This has changed my life. I will invite my Muslim neighbor to my home.” There are many such stories.
The next webinar which will be a round table format is scheduled for February 21st at 1:30 p.m. Anne Raybon who works with International Exchange Students will facilitate a discussion how hosting Muslim Exchange Students can be a very positive experience. During the month of March we will host the series on Islam on Wednesday evenings. For more information on the webinars or to see subjects currently available, go to www.cbfinternationals.org or email nell@cbfinternationals.org.
College Student from South Carolina with a New Friend