Over the past couple of months Syria is gaining more and more attention in media outlets. This is not the only problem or difficult situation in the Arab world. Its just the main one in the media right now. I am asked on a regular basis about how Americans are received in the Middle East. Believe it or not, its a pretty simple answer. Arabs usually love American people but hate American Government. I know what your thinking, how can that be? But, Arab people see things are a little different than those of us from the West.

Generally Arab people desire relationships with what we call "Westerners" usually referring to people from the UK and the US. They want people in the West to know that not all Arabs are terrorists, or extremists. Yes, some people are Muslim and they do attend the Mosque for prayers. But most want to live in peace if at all possible. When I am asked about the situation in Syria from my Arab friends I usually respond with, "It is a terrible situation in which the only winner is war. I want peace if at all possible." This gives me the chance to talk to them about peace and eternal life. It is much easier to start a spiritual conversation with someone from the Arab world than those in the West because Arabs still use spiritual language in the everyday conversation. For Example: I would say, “Good Morning" or "How are you" to an Arab and he would say back, "Good Morning, Praise the Lord" or he might say, "I am good, thanks to God". This allows you to go one step further and share a reason or two why you are praising God today. Or it allows you to ask them why they are thanking God. Keep the conversation going, keep the focus back on the gospel. I recognize that you can do this in the West it just usually takes a little longer to get there.

For those "Westerners" that live in the Arab world it is your responsibility to be Light among these wonderful people. It is your responsibility to share with them what you believe and how it continues to change your life. It is also your responsibility to show the Arab world that not all Westerners are lost sinners that only care about themselves.

Be Light... Wherever you are.

Tags: Missionary, Churches