This department is chiefly concerned with aiding Adventists to build bridges of understanding with their Muslim neighbours, colleagues and friends. We would like to establish a common ground between these seemingly diverse religions; Islam and Adventism.
In a day and age when Islam is a major issue in the world scene, and many people including many Christians view Muslims negatively, it is important to extend our hand of friendship and share the love of Jesus. Muslims seem to have a problem with the general Christianity they see in the West, this is why it is important to project our identity as the People of the Book, who keep the commandments of God and understand the Prophecy (Rev. 12.17 and 19.10). We are People of the Book (Surah 10.94) because we don’t eat that which is unclean (haram) nor do we intoxicate ourselves with wine which none of the true-believers engage in. We are the end-time believers of God who worship on the Day of the Lord (Sabbath) and are waiting for the Day of the Lord (Judgement). This is why, we, together with any other religion can begin a journey of spiritual progression which will lead us to the one and only God and the Truth. We have to begin this journey from where they are in order to begin on a Common Ground.
Within our Adventist Muslim Relations Department, we do this by seminars at different churches, consultation days, Retreat and trainings. Please contact Sophia, Secretary for AMR at South England Conference on svontzalidis@secadventist.org.uk or call 01923 232728 for more details.
Read more about Petras
Petras
Why did you decide to start working for the church?
Personally, I didn't plan to work for the church. However, I became an active First Elder in East Ham church, quite engaged in evangelism and it was at this point that the SEC called me into the Ministry, noticing the work I was already doing in this field. As far as my previous job was concerned, I was actually an accountant in London! However, I was called by God, and so I came and readily accepting His call.
What would you say are the challenges of your job?
I think one of the main challenges is that it's very difficult to help our regular traditional church members to understand the work that we're doing in this department. Although some Muslims are not willing to listen to Christianity, we do, however, have a unique position as Adventists in that we share similar lifestyle choices such as not drinking alcohol.
What are the highlights of your time as director of this Department?
I have found that the highlight is helping initiate friendships and love from those who may have previously been quite intolerable of Islam. When I can show, through sermons and seminars, how effective this work is, that is also another highlight for me. By affecting concepts and perspectives of how we can relate to Muslims, it makes our realisations of God's love apparent in our lifestyles, reminding everyone that God's love is for everyone!
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