For 8 years now, an Aglow Transformation Team has served at the Arab International Festival in Dearborn, Michigan, assisting the Arab Chamber of Commerce.
Cheryl Erbes, Transformation Coordinator writes, I am happy to report that this year’s Dearborn project was very successful. Approximately 80 folks did service projects throughout the city upon request from the Arab Chamber of Commerce. Much of this work was for HYPE, a YMCA-type facility. We also helped a former Chamber employee who needed assistance at her home.
Other teams were involved with walking the streets, greeting people, and passing out bracelets. In addition, we prayed throughout the neighborhood and at a strategic park. We found the people to be very friendly and open. Many valuable conversations occurred.
As always, we learned and received as much as we gave. Many commented how much they enjoyed the leisurely pace at which we were able to proceed, as opposed to working at the Festival when every minute was scheduled.
We found that several of the folks we spoke with were aware of our previous labors there, and recognized us as the "good" Christians. In fact, when our group was mentioned, the owner of a local restaurant said that we were not just good people, we were angels.
Another businessman recognized the T-shirt and commented how he had given water for the work last year. He expressed how much he appreciated us. He also said that if we needed anything next year to please let him know since we treated his people so well.
We were able to meet and talk with many of the business and religious leaders there, either starting new relationships, or building existing ones. We were invited for a meal at the local mosque which is the largest one in America. Our leaders were able to talk with the Imam. Then later in the week part of the group went to a different mosque where the Imam gave a flower to each woman in the group and bought ice cream for all. It is our hope that relationships of trust with one another will continue to grow.
Cheryl concluded, God has a plan for that area and it takes many of us doing our part to bring it to fruition.
In 1991 a prophetic word was given to Aglow concerning Islam. Since that time, we have worked diligently to provide education concerning the radical side of Islam and to promote love for the people of Islam. For more information visit http://aglow.org/get-involved/ministries/israel-islam
Our vision in Aglow is to carry the truth of the Kingdom in such a way that people are restored in all their relationships – with God and others. This truth will break the tyranny of oppression and bring freedom and empowerment to all mankind.