Recently, I read a story of friendship between a Christian and a Muslim that began at a bus stop. A few years after they’d met and their friendship had deepened, the Muslim man told his Christian friend that while he was on that bus ride, he had prayed, “God, help me to find a friendly American today.” He added, “God answered that prayer when I met you.” His Christian friend had tears in his eyes upon hearing that intimate detail.

When I hear this story, I think of the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus used the story of the Good Samaritan to illustrate exactly who that “neighbor” could be. As you probably know, there was no love between the Jews and Samaritans, so the story probably held some shock value to its hearers.

I don’t know about you, but my literal neighbors look and act a lot like me. Yet that’s changing. As people move throughout the world, my neighbors will continue to look increasingly diverse, in race, religion, or both.

May 13-15, 2021 online.

Are you ready to reimagine evangelism and discipleship in a world changed by COVID-19? Do you feel the need to reignite your congregation’s passion for mission? This conference will be a place for learning, networking, and hearing stories of what others are doing to live into God's mission and imagine innovative ways to engage and embrace our local communities that are becoming increasingly diverse and global.