International (MNN) ― Fouad Masri, founder and president of Crescent Project, says millions of Muslims in North America need to know about the hope of Christ.
It's a vision he's shared since 1993, when he established Crescent Project. Masri, a Lebanese pastor, grew up in the war zone of Beirut. After his own encounter with Christ, he saw a need to equip Christians to reach out to the Muslim community.
Most Muslim ministries have focused on sending full-time missionaries overseas to Muslim countries. Crescent Project has used an entirely different approach: train the local church to reach out to the Muslims in the community.
They are considered one of the fastest growing and most influential populations, although Fouad notes that the Muslim population is not growing by conversion numbers, but rather by immigration and biological family growth.
Many Christians are intimidated by the unknown, but Masri says the task is manageable. "The way to reach Muslims is to do it the Jesus way: one person to reach one person. Our goal, as a ministry, is to help local believers and local churches reach out in love to their Muslim neighbors and give them a gift."
It's easier than you might think. "Many Muslims in America are pious, and they are open to talk about Jesus because they hear about him. They don't know much about him."
The 'gifts' are Outreach Packets which help move conversation about Christ in the right direction. "It's a packet of material that includes a movie on the life of Christ. It includes a booklet on why Christ died for our sins called 'Adha in the Injeel.' It also includes a book that explains why the New Testament has not been corrupted, along with a card explaining how to receive a free New Testament; individuals can go to our Web site and get one for free."
Crescent Project has mobilized over 10,000 North American Christians to better understand Islam and extend a message of hope to their Muslim neighbors. The Outreach Packet is just one way to do it. Their teams offer more in-depth training, too, but any evangelical advance is really all about relationship.
For
a limited time, the Crescent Project is offering MNN listeners these
Outreach Packets at no charge. If you'd like to request one to give to
your Muslim friends, please e-mail Emily Hall at info@crescentproject.org with your contact information. This offer is for US residents only.
In addition, it is only being offered
until the end of June, so after that offer ends at the end of June,
you can order outreach packs at www.crescentproject.org.
