Presentations Highlight Theme of Reconciliation

Abbotsford, BC – Through his amazing ability to weave the gospel story, personal experiences of interaction with Muslims all around the globe and a firm commitment to the teachings of Christ, David W. Shenk challenged his listeners to more fully witness to Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.”

Shenk made presentations at churches and colleges in late January as part of a tour sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) BC to address the theme of interfaith bridge building. He was received with great enthusiasm everywhere he went. A global missions consultant with Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM), Shenk has served as a writer, mission leader, educator and interfaith conversation partner with Muslims while serving with EMM. He has also co-authored a book with Bedru Kataregga titled A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue , copies of which are available through the MCC BC office.

Inter-faith bridge building is a means to mutual understanding and respect rather than having religious views used to foster violence.

“This is not a process of watering down our faith, it is an expression of our faith and Christ's call to love others,” says Wayne Bremner, MCCBC Executive Director. “We believe that Jesus Christ is the only son of God. We don't minimize our differences with other faiths, however that should not prevent us from working and living together in peace, and building respectful relationships.”  

Sharing stories from his experiences in Indonesia, Iran, Kosovo, Somalia, Israel and Palestine, Shenk inspired his audiences with real life examples of committed peacemakers making a difference on both a personal and international scale. Many commented on the story of the gentle persistence of an Indonesian pastor who shared many cups of tea with a Hizbullah commander. The commander was so moved by the pastor's respect and genuine love for him that he now calls Christians his “infidel friends.”

Elsie Goerzen attends Sardis Community Church in Chilliwack where Shenk presented in their Sunday morning service.

“It was an enlightening, energizing, stimulating and hopeful time,” she said. “I realized how uninformed we are about the Muslim faith and how much we have in common.”

Shenk also spent time at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford as part of their Missions emphasis week. He spoke to students in class and gave a public address attended by nearly 200 people.

Dr. Naiyer Habib, a cardiologist in Abbotsford and former president of the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan and Muslims for Peace and Justice, attended the evening address because he has a desire to see all religions reconcile with one another. Habib was encouraged, calling Shenk's presentation “excellent” because it helped Christians see their own teachings on peace making in a practical way.

“Mutual dialogue between Muslims and Christians is necessary as they form the majority of the world. We should invite one another to learn from one another,” he said. “(My dream is) to see that Muslims and Christians get actively involved in bringing morality, justice and peace across the world.”

Stewart Reimer, a CBC student, said that Shenk's presentations made him “proud to be an Anabaptist.” For Bryan Born, Director of Intercultural Studies at CBC, Shenk's abilities as a storyteller and the way in which he embodied what he taught was a highlight of the week.

“His stories challenged and inspired us to see past the heated rhetoric of much Christian-Muslim interaction, and see the hope a Jesus-centered message can bring into this world,” Born said. “His humble, unassuming, even powerlessness provides him with opportunities to share boldly the reconciling message of Jesus. Those are the kind of missionaries I want to see going out from our College.”

Copies of the book A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue are available from the MCC BC office, call (604) 850 6639, toll free 1 888 622 6337 or email peace@mccbc.com . The evening presentation at CBC was also videotaped and copies of this are available through the college. Contact Jeremy Vis at jeremy.vis@columbiabc.edu