Dearborn, Michigan: Reaching the Nations within the United States

AIMS News: Posted 10/1/2004

In August, four churches in Southeastern Virginia embarked on a cross-cultural journey that took them to Dearborn, Michigan. Their job was clear: to help one Michigan church share the love of Jesus Christ with the largest Muslim community in the United States.

"The philosophy of AIMS was evident throughout this trip," said "Philip" (AIMS' Team Strategy Coordinator and leader of the Muslim outreach to Dearborn, Michigan). "We supported existing ministries by helping them form partnerships with other agencies that have the same goal. We brought in people within our circle of influence, trained them with AIMS materials, introduced them to Muslim ministry, and at the same time, allowed them to make a vital impact."

The Middle East in our Backyard

The community looked like one from another world. Arabic signs lined the streets. Women wearing burkas outnumbered the women dressed in Western attire. Exotic aromas of cumin, sumac, and garlic filled the air. Men, women and children chattered in various dialects as the Middle Eastern melody of the Islamic call to pray beckoned them to the nearest mosque. The scene could have been a main street in Lebanon, Syria or Iran, but this wasnít the Middle East; this was the United States.

Located just outside of Detroit, Michigan, Dearborn is known for its Arabic population and culture. Immigrants from the Middle East settled in Dearborn when the Ford Motor Company began hiring Muslims in the 1930s. Today, nearly 100,000 Muslims live within the city. Several communities on Dearbornís south and east sides are more than 90% Islamic.

When Philip first heard about the Muslim community in Dearborn, his heart was stirred. He called more than a dozen churches in Dearborn and asked if they were actively reaching out to these Muslims. Only one said yes.

The Power of Hands-On Ministry

For five days in August, 39 teenagers, young adults, and youth pastors worked with Harvest International Worship Center in Dearborn. Philip was surprised how young the team was. The average age was 22 years old; one-third was fifteen or younger. But the younger team members brought a youth and energy that was contagious to everyone involved.

"We have to think about training, discipling and mobilizing each generation in different ways," said Philip. "Generations X and Y are hands-on. They have to do it. That really fit well with the model we were using."

After worship, individual prayer, and intensive training on how to witness to Muslims each morning, the team had the opportunity to apply what God had spoken to them and what they learned in training. They split into smaller groups to speak to Muslims on the street and knock on doors in the neighborhood, handing out tracts and offering to pray for anyone in need. One afternoon, they organized an outreach in the park with live worship music, puppets, drama, and a moon bounce. Although they met some resistance, many on the team were surprised how receptive the Muslims were when they talked to them.

Many of the teenagers and young adults who participated in the short-term trip came back changed. One parent commented that her daughterís attitude and temper was transformed. Another young adult decided to commit her life to missions work. Furthermore, two of the youth groups that participated have made plans to begin witnessing in their respective neighborhoods.

"It has opened my eyes that there are other beliefs out there," said "Sara" (14) who attends Bethel Christian Fellowship in Virginia Beach. "I have more of a burden for the Muslim people and for every person I come in contact with that doesnít know Jesus."

AIMS plans to continue working with Harvest International Worship Center in Dearborn next year, offering an opportunity for more churches to become involved in this Muslim outreach.

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