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Connecting with Muslim Colleagues in Healthcare

Connecting with Muslim Colleagues in Healthcare
by Andy Koon, MD © 2015
July 28, 2015

How do we connect with our Muslim colleagues?
As Fouad Masri says in his book, “Connecting with Muslims”, the process of developing a relationship with people of a different faith requires that we view our role as an ambassador or Christianity. This means that we must accurately represent the Kingdom of Heaven in our words and deeds to our colleagues.^{^[1]}

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled with God.”^{^[2]}

Being an Ambassador of Jesus Christ in Healthcare
Building bridges in our relationships with those of Islamic faith starts with an environment of trust and respect. These relationships often originate from our interactions professionally in healthcare. While working together with our colleagues of other faiths, our goal is to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ’s love.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an ambassador as one who “represents the interests of his or her country to a foreign land.”^{^[3]} Note that an ambassador does not represent his own interests, but is a public servant acting on behalf of their government. In other words, our own desires are not to get in the way of the Lord’s work.

Colossians 3:2-5 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”

Learning the Basics about Islam
Before reading “Connecting with Muslims”, I didn’t know much about Islam or how I could relate my beliefs to theirs. This led me on a personal journey of reading many Wikipedia articles, current events, and watching several Youtube videos. Many other resources are available online and through the Crescent Project: www.crescentproject.org.

Christ’s Authority Goes with Us…into our Workplace!
We must take the initiative in developing relationships with our Muslim colleagues. Jesus Christ calls us to GO to the people of ALL nations which also means the colleagues you rub shoulders with on a daily basis. This would be an impossible and intimidating task were it not for our Lord’s words of encouragement regarding His authority in the matter. In Matthew 28:18 Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” His authority and empowerment by the Holy Spirit goes with us as we represent Him across the street or around the world.

Tips For Connecting with Your Muslim Colleagues:

Pray for your Muslim colleagues and actively seek ways to demonstrate Christ’s love.
Read Fouad Masri’s book, “Connecting with Muslims.” His book provides great background material. After reading this, you will be able to understand the beliefs of the Islamic faith and how you can integrate this into your discussions with Muslims in the workplace.
Watch the Crash Course Islam video on Youtube to learn more about the history of the Islamic faith.

^{^[1]} Masri, Fouad. Connecting with Muslims. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. 2014. Print.

^{^[3]} “ambassador.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2015. Web. 29 July 2015.

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