In the aftermath of September 11th and the subsequent wars and violence, mission to Muslims has to become an absolute priority for the Church. But, we need to think carefully about what type of mission we should support. One thing we do know is that there will always be a price to pay for successful mission.
Sam Yeghnazar - Director of Elam Ministries
As the grim reality of September 11th sank into our hearts and minds, we became even more convinced of the absolute priority the church must give to sharing the love of Christ with the world's 1.2 billion Muslims, 100 million of whom are in the Iran Region.
Many church leaders have emphasized the need for Christians to show respect to Muslims. This is wise. All of us have a duty to be sensitive in our choice of words, 'to live peaceably with all, as far as it depends on you' (Romans 12:18).
But Church leaders must also remind Christians of the need to preach the Gospel to Muslims. This should be done in a way that incarnates the message into the Muslim culture. This was how God conducted His mission to us, and this is what brings about lasting church growth. That is why Elam is so firmly committed to training Iranians, rather than trying to recruit others. And that is why we believe Elam Review is important for helping people to understand the Iranian Culture.
But however respectful we are, however incarnate we are, it is naïve to think we can preach Christ to Muslims and not be accused of disrespect. Because the bottom line is that we believe only Jesus Christ can save a man or woman's soul. If this is disrespectful to other prophets - so be it.
In fact we are showing more respect to Muslims when we are honest about the fact that we want them to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. To bend over backwards to say we respect their beliefs, when actually we think some of their theology is dangerously wrong, is to be patronisingly deceitful, even cowardly.
So we trust we at Elam Ministries can help to increase both your understanding of Iran, and your commitment to seeing thousands of Iranians come to faith in Christ as they hear the Gospel preached in word and see it lived out in the lives of trained Iranians who though respectful, are fearless in their proclamation of the way of salvation.