Released: September 13, 2004

Churches in Southeastern Virginia Unite to Carry the Gospel to Muslims Living in the United States

DEARBORN (MI): In August, Accelerating International Mission Strategies (AIMS) partnered with four churches in Southeastern Virginia to accomplish one single task: to help one Michigan church share the love of Jesus Christ with the largest Muslim community in the United States. For the 39 teenagers, young adults, and youth leaders who participated, the short-term mission trip changed their lives, but for the few pastors and missionaries trying to impact a community of nearly 100,000 Muslims in Dearborn, Michigan, it brought renewed hope.

For the past ten years, Pastor Nicodemus* in Dearborn has been trying to reach out to Muslims living in his community. He began to talk with several members of the community, asking questions about their culture and their faith. As he developed relationships with them, he earned their trust. When Lebanese, Assyrians, and other Arabs began to attend church services, the small, 120-member congregation realized the opportunities for ministry within their own city. The church launched a series of outreaches including a massive car seat giveaway during the fall of 2001.

"There was a lot of appreciation shown by the Arab community," said Nicodemus.* "The Muslims were very surprised that we would reach out to them, especially after 9/11."

Since 2001, Nicodemus has dreamed of partnering with churches around the country to reach this Muslim community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For the next three years, none of his attempts succeeded, but in 2004, he had a glimpse of hope: AIMS offered to organize a team of youth from various churches in Southeastern Virginia for a short-term missions trip to Dearborn.

Many of the teenagers who came to Dearborn, August 3-8, had never traveled outside the United States or worked with other cultural groups. After intense training sessions each morning, the youth spoke with people in various Muslim neighborhoods, passing out literature and offering to pray with anyone in need. One afternoon, they organized an outreach in the park with live worship music, puppets, drama, and a moon bounce.

"It has opened our eyes to see that there are a lot of people inside our borders that have never heard of Jesus Christ," said Doug Dowdy, youth director at Calvary Assembly of God. "The nations are here inside our country."

AIMS plans to sponsor another series of short-term missions trips to assist the church next summer. According to Pastor Nicodemus,* the opportunities to minister cross-culturally in Dearborn are endless. The church hopes to establish a regular benevolence program that will aid people in the community. They also hope to establish a coffee house in the middle of one Muslim community. To accomplish these goals, the church needs building space and large truck as well as workers to help carry out the ministry opportunities.

"Our goal should be that every Muslim in Dearborn should hear the Gospel at least one time," said Pastor Nicodemus. "Dearborn is one of the most strategic areas of the world in evangelism right now. If you reach Dearborn, you reach the world."

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* Note: Some names have been omitted or changed to protect the identity of people working in areas that are hostile to the Gospel. Photos of region are available upon request.

Previously published by The Religion Journal (September 20, 2004 online edition) and The Christian World Voice newspaper (October 2004 print edition)

For reprint information, please call the AIMS publication office at (757) 495-5850 or email the editor at aims@aims.org.

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