#27. So You Want to Start a Ministry to Muslims?

Dr. Fadia Farag unearths some of the reasons Christians are hesitant to reach out to Muslims and Muslims are hesitant to follow Christ. Reflecting on more than ten years of experience with the Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship Center in NYC, she considers why it’s important for the church not to ignore Muslims in our communities or to be fearful of ministering to them.Dr. Fadia looks at some of the practicalities of ministry and provides tips on how to start an outreach where you are. What You’ll Learn :About overcoming obstacles that Christians have to engage MuslimsSome of the obstacles for Muslims to follow Christ7 Tips on how to start a teaching ministry to MuslimsAbout the Guest: Dr. Fadia Farag presently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship Center (BAAFC), an outreach ministry to Muslims in New York City. She is also a co-founder of the ministry. Prior to this role, she served as the organization’s executive director for more than a decade. Raised in a Coptic family in Egypt, she became a medical doctor before migrating to the United States. She worked successfully as a pediatrician, got married and had two children. In 1990, she moved to the United States. In 2003, Dr. Fadia was led to co-found a teaching center for Muslim immigrants. The BAAFC opened a year later in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Free ESL, citizenship and computer classes are offered at the center. It is also a source of physical, emotional and spiritual support for the Muslim community--especially Muslim women. During her tenure as executive director at BAAFC, Dr. Fadia has witnessed the power of prayer, healings, revelations and lives redeemed. Her theme is “love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8). Dr. Fadia is a sought after speaker. She primarily focuses on teaching Christians how to reach out to Muslims. Dr. Fadia has spoken at area churches and many times at the annual Heart for Muslims Conference.Scripture Related to Episode:1 Corinthians 13: 8; Love Never FailsJohn 3: 16; Christ’s Love for the World1 Corinthians 3: 5-7; Only God Converts PeopleThe Book of Jonah; Not to Be Like Jonah1 John 4: 15-19; Perfect Love Casts Out FearJohn 15: 12-17; Jesus ChoosesJeremiah 1: 17; Faithfulness Despite FearExodus 17: 11-13; Aaron and Hur Hold up Moses’ Arms Links Related to Episode:Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship CenterSend a Message to Dr. FadiaShow Notes:01:03 - The Importance of Friendship in Sharing Christ with Muslims02:04 - Welcoming Muslim Immigrants after September 11, 2001 02:40 - What about Street Evangelism?04:06 - Where Is the Need?06:29 - Why Should Christians Care?07:53 - Community Impact after September 11, 2001 in NYC08:34 - The Importance of Patience in Witnessing to Muslims10:44 - 4 Major Obstacles for Muslims as they Learn about Jesus13:14 - Combating a Worldview about Conversions 14:18 - Common Fears of American Christians 15:56 - Fear and Absence of Love18:00 - 7 Keys to Consider When You Start a Teaching Center in Your Area20:25 - Pray, Pray, Pray!21:40 - Loving Jesus through the Generations