the Glocal Trekker Blog

Tribal leader and warlord are words we use interchangeably in the west, but we shouldn't. I've been with one of those tribal leaders this past week in Afghanistan, and what an awesome man he is. No, he is not a Christian, but a Muslim. Yes, he knows I'm a Christian and a pastor. And, yes, we are very close. When I came this time, he was concerned for my safety. It's hard to judge things here. His Father was also recently murdered by Talliban, so he is all the more fearful. Wherever he goes, there are people to protect him. I told him not to meet me in Kabul but I'd get there and see him. When I got off the plane, who is there to greet me but him. I was happy and sad at the same time. He's a significant target. But he told me, "Bob you are my family and I love you. I was not happy you came, but if you come and you die, I die with you." All I could think about was "Greater love has no man than this, that he would lay his life down for his friends." Know this, he loves God deeply and passionately--though we don't agree--I so deeply respect his values and life.

We made the trip fine, but reflecting on this, I couldn't help but think...here is this Muslim willing to die for a Christian trying to obey God. Question. How many Christians love Muslims enough to die for them?