What? An interfaith meeting at a Mosque? 

I had never been to a mosque or an interfaith meeting before, but my Christian friend Carol invited me and others, saying it would be a great opportunity to connect with women of other faiths and potentially build friendships. So, I decided to go.  

I sat in the back, listening to a panel discussion featuring representatives from four different faiths: Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, and Unity. While I was initially disappointed by the absence of a Protestant voice, I remained open to hearing their perspectives. 

The discussion unfolded as I anticipated—a respectful exchange on tolerance, provided no one preached their faith. My heart, however, was boiling fervently, as I wished I had been part of the panel. All I wanted to do was proclaim Jesus because the essence of being a Christian is to testify about Him—His sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection. A fire was burning within me to share how much God loved every single one of them and how Jesus had died to reconcile us to the Father and give us eternal life. 

Suddenly, the event organizer asked the question that changed the course of the event. She said: “Do you have any comments or questions for our panelists?” Right immediately, apprehension washed over me as I wondered how to engage them in a meaningful exchange about Jesus. With my heart racing at a hundred miles an hour, I stood and said: “Yes, I have a question: “If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?” 

The room got silent; you could hear a pin drop and yet she responded: “We can’t hear you ma’am. What did you say?” I repeated the question and this is when she said “Ma’am, we can’t hear you. Come to the front and speak to the microphone and tell us your question.” 

I could hardly believe my ears. In that moment, I felt as if an invisible garment of boldness drape over my shoulders. As I walked in slow motion toward the microphone reserved for the panelists, it felt as if I was walking down an imaginary red carpet laid out just for me, with a legion of angels escorting me forward. Standing before the microphone, I asked, loud and clear: “If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?” 

Unbelievable! God had brought me all the way to the front to join the panel. I listened respectfully to their responses before boldly sharing the hope that lies within me. I proclaimed Jesus and shared the gospel.

There will be times when we are sent to the most unlikely places where our voices as disciples of Jesus will need to be heard. We are called to courageously proclaim Him, in every season. As 2 Timothy 4:1-2 reminds us: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

My dear brothers and sisters, when the occasion arises, courageously stand up and boldly proclaim Christ—this is our calling!