Bob is a favorite conductor among commuters on the Long Island Railroad. He has great rapport with the regulars, but occasionally runs into a problem rider.

One passenger, for instance, seemed irritated at having to hand over his ticket to be punched.

"Where are you going today?" Bob asked, smiling.

"Well, what does the ticket say?" replied the traveler sarcastically.

"Um, it says you're on the wrong train," Bob informed him.

"What am I supposed to do now?" asked the flustered passenger.

Returning the punched card, Bob replied calmly, "Ask the ticket."

"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:13-14).

God’s goal for all of us is Christlikeness, or spiritual maturity. When He saved you, He put everything necessary for this process inside you. But maturity takes time. Growing up and becoming a spiritual adult is a process, not a single event.

Spiritual adulthood is the process of God bringing us to the place where we are consistently living life from the perspective of the Spirit rather than the perspective of the flesh. Maturity in Christ means you normally look at and react to things from a spiritual perspective. God wants us to get to this place of maturity, to live as we were created to be. But many of us are not yet living the Christlike life, which means we are immature. If we are living like that, we are children, tossed here and there by every new fad that comes along.

Becoming a mature believer takes time. You don’t become mature overnight. A baby doesn’t hop, skip, and jump into adulthood. The Bible tells us that maturity is a process: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). In a very real sense, this maturing process will go on for the rest of your natural life, but there is a point you can reach where you are consistently responding to things from a spiritual perspective.

One Minute Please

Rate multiplied by time equals distance. God has made maturity possible for every believer, but what you do with your time determines the rate of your progress in arriving at the destination of maturity.

Watch Online Videos of Dr. Tony Evans and The Urban Alternative at LightSource.com
and
Listen to Dr. Tony Evans Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.

When all is said and done, life goes on for all of us. We get caught up in the transactions that affect our lives, and time gets away to reach out and touch others.

Our home was quite and peaceful. I am giving Melvine an antibiotic for possible infection in her urinary tract. Our family doctor prescribed it without ordering a catheterization to get a urine specimen from Melvine's bladder. That disturbs me greatly. I believe in doing the scientific tests prior to a diagnosis. I hope our family doctor is right.

Melvine needs your prayers. She is having difficulty processing her thoughts into words. I have to guide her in taking a bath, putting on fresh clean clothes, putting on socks, and using her rollator walker. She tends to walk without it. I do not want her to fall.

Melvine's physical therapist came today and put Melvine through the paces. She got Melvine out of doors. It was a lovely day, and the sun was bright. Melvine walked to our mailbox and picked up our mail, and placed it in the glove compartment of her walker. She had to stop and rest, but that was fine.

Julie, our physical therapist is a born again Christian and is a member of a very good Baptist church. Melvine loves her and follows her instructions. Julie is an excellent teacher.

Anne Graham Lotz's devotion for today is one I needed. I am not always patient. I am flunking the course in 101 Patience.

I gave Melvine her breakfast and today I prepared Eggo Waffles with blueberries and honey from bees near where we live.
Melvine would not eat lunch, but did drink an Atkins for protein.

Melvine loves Chili from Wendy's. I got her a large container of chili with saltine crackers, and a loaded baked potato. She ate some of it. Her appetite is not good.

I have given Melvine her medications and she has now gone to bed. Before she retired to our bedroom she asked me where Greg was. She thought he was here in our home. I had to assure her that Greg was in Grove Town, GA in his apartment and would not be coming home until Friday.

I would like to ask that you pray for Greg. He has written a letter to his landlord to be released from his contract since he will not be returning in the fall to teach music at Thomson-McDuffie Middle School. He is asking to be released from his contract without any penalty or fees. God delights in granting favor and success to His people. Greg will finish up this month and can vacate his apartment on 31 May. Greg will need a job near home. He is trusting God to provide something other than teaching. 

It remains to be seen whether Melvine and I can go to the funeral service for Inez Hart on Thursday. If we can go, I will need help. I can't manage all of this by myself.

We would love to see all the people at Flatwoods, and to be with Brother Phillip Hart, Gloria, Greta and Pat.

Thank you for your prayers.

Your friend in all seasons.

Hugh H. Morgan

Thoughts With Dr. Dough Beacham

IPHC General Superintendent Doug Beacham will launch a new podcast on Thursday, May 2, 2019. “Thoughts with Dr. Doug Beacham” focuses on Christian life, ministry, and leadership, as well as the IPHC and Arise 2033.

In the first episode, Bishop Beacham challenges us to remember that “God has called us to know who we are—a Place of Hope; and what we are called to be—a People of Promise.” Find out what this means for us as Christians and how we are to exemplify this vision in our lives and ministry.

To listen to the podcast, subscribe to “Thoughts with Dr. Doug Beacham” on iTunes, Google Play, or visit iphc.org.
​

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward'"(Exodus 14:15, NKJV).

The Israelites finally were allowed to leave Egypt and return to their homeland. But as they made their way home, they arrived at the Red Sea. Talk about an insurmountable obstacle. There was no way they could cross it. Then they turned and saw the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. What did they do? They started praying.

I love what God said to Moses: “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea” (Exodus 14:15–16, NKJV).

There’s a place for the practical, and there’s a place for the spiritual. There comes a point when we should stop praying and start doing. We have to find a balance. Yes, it’s good to pray. But what is the plan of action? What’s the first step?

Maybe you’re praying, “Lord heal my marriage. It’s unraveling. My spouse is so messed up.” Hold on. What about you? Pray that you would be the husband or wife God wants you to be. Husband, are you loving your wife as Christ loves the church? Why don’t you just start there?

Maybe as a wife you’re praying, “Lord, change my husband. He’s such a loser. He’s such a disappointment.” Maybe that’s part of the reason your marriage is failing. When is the last time you showed him a little respect? When is the last time you complimented him or thanked him?

Yes, we should pray about it when trials come our way. But let’s make sure we’re doing our part. There’s a place for the practical, and there’s a place for the spiritual. They both work hand in hand.

Copyright © 2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and Biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

Obituary for Inez Campbell Hart

Mrs. Lelia Inez Campbell Hart, 91, of Dr. George Ward Road, Elberton, GA wife of 69 years to Rev. Phillip Lee Hart, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at Elbert Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. 

Mrs. Hart was born in Clemson, SC on April 15, 1928, daughter of the late William Marcus Campbell and Ellen Miller Campbell. Along with being a homemaker, she co-pastored, along with her husband, the Flatwoods Pentecostal Holiness Church in the Fortsonia Community of Elbert County for 57 years before their retirement in 2015.

Before marrying, at the age of 19, she began full-time evangelistic work as a licensed minister in the Upper South Carolina Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. Later as she and Pastor Hart began to pastor, they transferred into the Georgia Conference of the PH Church. Over the years, she inspired many through her preaching, singing, and accordion playing. She brought joy and laughter to many as she told and retold accounts of her life experiences. She loved to crochet and has created a multitude of beautiful centerpieces for many to enjoy and cherish. Her other favorite activity was fishing - which she didn’t get to do nearly enough. She loved to catch bream (she smaller the better!), clean them, fry them, and eat them. 

She is survived by her husband, Rev. Phillip Hart; daughter, Gloria and Dr. Tony Moon; sisters: Greta Campbell and Pat Welch; grandchildren: Larry Ray Hart, Jr., Laurie and Jacob Combs, Georgia Hart, and Matthew Moon; great-grandchildren: Taylor Hart, Gracie Minyard, Isabella Moon, Caroline Combs, Harrison Kashlon, Madison Combs, and Savannah Hart; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Rev. Paul and Wanda Hart, Gary and Brenda Hart, Willie Mae and Paul Duffell, Ella Ree and Pete Gibson, Pauline Moore, Betty Campbell, Judy Campbell, and Bonnie Hart; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Dr. Larry Ray Hart, Sr; siblings: Elizabeth and Roy Wardlaw, Rev. Arthur and Angeline Campbell, Willie Campbell, and Rev. Mitch Campbell.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, May 2, at 2 o’clock at Flatwoods Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Bobby Dunnaway, Bishop Tim Lamb, Dr. Tony Moon, and Rev. Phillip Hart officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Paul Hart officiating. 

The family is at the residence and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, May 1. 

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Flatwoods Pentecostal Holiness Church. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of EIberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Leila Inez Campbell Hart.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Inez Campbell Hart, please visit our Tribute Store.

[Editor's comment: It has been my privilege to know and love both Phillip and Inez Hart since 1986 when I became the senior pastor at Tarkenton Memorial Church in Athens, GA. I remember getting to know Inez by my daily visits to St. Mary's Hospital when she was very sick. I remember she suffered greatly, but kept looking up and trusting God to deliver her. It was during those visits that I had time to get to know the son of Phillip and Inez, Larry Hart, MD. He was a brilliant and talented physician who demonstrated love and compassion for his patients.  He not only knew the science of medicine but also the art of an outstanding physician. He was a blessing in my life.

Over the years Melvine and I developed a strong relationship with the Harts. Inez was very active in Women's Ministries, and Melvine was the Director of Women's Ministries for the Georgia Conference. They always enjoyed the annual retreats and staying up all night as Inez would entertain them with real life stories full of fun and laughter. She knew how to touch your tickle bone.

We were privileged to go to the Holy Land with Greta Campbell and Phillip Hart as our tour hosts. Some 17 people were in our select group, and that gave me extra time to get to know Inez better. Glory, their daughter, was on that tour. She was always bright and cheerful and had on a new outfit every day. Her optimism and affirmation of the Word of God was a daily encouragement to everyone in our tour group.

Melvine and I often traveled from our home in Winder to Flatwoods P. H. Church for special events. The church was always packed and it is little wonder that the people loved Phillip and Inez Hart. Phillip was noted for his altar calls at he close of every service where he invited all to come for prayer. He had a sense of God's presence and had learned to be patient and allow the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of all who were present. I have seen miracles of healing in that altar.

Inez could play both the piano and the accordion. We loved to hear her sing, and one special number was entitled, "God Gotta a Hold of Me." She could fire up a congregation with the fire in her soul. We have enjoyed visiting in their home near the church. Greta Campbell, her sister, and her trio would sing for those special services and Greta would bring a stirring and relevant message that touched everyone present. Patsy Welch added a distinct blessing by her gifted playing of the piano not only for the Greta Trio, but for the congregational and choir singing.

We always loved to eat Sunday dinner (dinner-on-the-grounds) in the fellowship building with the good people at Flatwoods Pentecostal Holiness Church. Those ladies are the best cooks in the known world.

Melvine and I hope we can drive over to Flatwoods the other side of Elberton towards South Carolina for the funeral service on Thursday.]

"Those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" (1 Peter 4:19, NIV).

If our kids always behave

and our boss is always pleased

and our home is always orderly

and our bodies always feel good

and we are patient and kind and thoughtful and happy and loving, others shrug because they’re capable of being that way too. On the other hand, if

we have a splitting headache,

the kids are screaming,

the phone is ringing,

the supper is burning,

yet we are still patient, kind, thoughtful, happy, and loving, the world sits up and takes notice. The world knows that kind of behavior is not natural. It’s supernatural. And others see Jesus revealed in us.

Blessings,

Anne Graham Lotz

Copyright © 2014 Anne Graham Lotz (AnGeL Ministries) Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved www.annegrahamlotz.org.

Southwestern Christian University is the church owned institution of Higher Christian Education by the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. May I, as the editor of Hugh's News, and a former president of this great institution encourage you to take a tour of the university online: https://swcu.edu/

Dr. Tom Murray is the president

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee
Bishop Randell Drake - Chairman
Wayne Kirby - Vice Chairman
Rev. Justin Blankenship - Secretary
David Light - Business & Finance
Jo Ann Johnson - Institutional Advancement
Rev. Neil Barlow - Student Development
Rev. Max Barroso - Governance
Susie West - Academic Affairs 
Pamela Muse - Enrollment Management
Bishop Thomas McGhee - IPHC Liaison
Dr. Tom Murray, President


Full Board  
Bishop Greg Amos
Bishop Gordon Atwell
Bishop David Avila
Rev. Charles Boyd
Bishop Scott Hampton
Stephen Hanscom (for Larry Herrera)
Daniel Ice
Chaplain Jerry Jones
Bishop David Moore
Rev. Jerry C. Morris
Bishop Manuel Pate 
Bishop Stuart Sherrill
Gary Shockley
Samantha Snipes
Evelyn I. (Deedee) Springer
Bishop David Salazar
Rev. Norman Wilkie
Rev. John Youell, Jr.
Dr. Doug Beacham Jr. - Ex Officio

Southwestern Christian University students in the Cross-Cultural Communication class had the privilege of touring Tinker Air Force Base under the guidance and mentoring of Chaplain Kory Capps (Captain) and Tinker AFB Chaplain Core Commander Chaplain Christopher Reeder (Major).

Professor Owen Mannin, who is retired military, knew the air force base would have a rich multicultural community and initiated contact with the Chaplain office to find opportunities for his class to broaden their exposure of cross-cultural communications.

Mannin said he was grateful and overwhelmed by the extent the Chaplain office embraced the learning experience for the class.

“We visited the 552 ACW (552nd Air Control Wing). Their mission is to provide airborne radar coverage of airspace for the interception of nonfriendly aircraft/missiles and to guide US forces to intercept them. They also participate in electronic warfare to "jam" enemy radar and radio transmissions,” Mannin said.

​National Day of Prayer 2019

Bishop Garry Bryant and Evangelism USA are joining with WIN Prayer Ministry to call the IPHC to participate in the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2, 2019. “The United States of America is in great need of God’s help. Prayer is heaven’s answer to our desperate condition,” says Bishop Bryant.

This year’s theme is based on John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” For promotional resources, tools, and information, please visit National Day of Prayer.

Please join us as we call upon God to heal our nation!

Romans 15:13  Don't let go of your hope . . . it will pay big dividends . . . Hold on!

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
NIV

++++++++++

Romans 15:13 You can brim over with hope!
​
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

​My elderly Jewish grandmother was giving me directions to her apartment. 

“You come to the front door of the apartment. I am in apartment 4012."

"There is a big panel at the front door. With your elbow, push button 4012. I will buzz you in. Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with your elbow, push 4."

"When you get out, I’m on the left."

"With your elbow , hit my doorbell.”

“Grandma, that sounds easy, but, why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?" 

“Vaat . . . . . You coming empty handed?”

Thank the Lord . . . there were no doctor's appointments on Monday. 

Melvine slept in until almost 11 o'clock. This is most unusual for her. She missed her favorite TV show, Perry Mason. I am sure she had seen it, in fact, I think she has seen some of the programs many times. However, she never gets tired of this mystery program.

It was apparent from the get-go that Melvine would enjoy being lazy, staying quiet, and enjoying the freedom to relax and spend the day without any pressure or stress.

On the other hand, there is never a let up for my responsibility to care for Melvine's every need. And I do that out of love and respect for her for more than 58 years of marriage and the years prior during our courtship and engagement.

At 9:08 a. m. on Monday, I called our family doctor's office. I spoke with Dr. Alice Edwards nurse, Kay. I conveyed to her my concern about Melvine's tendency for inability to process her thoughts into appropriate words, some confusion, and a lack of orientation. I asked for Dr. Edwards advice and guidelines. About 12:30 Kay called and told me that Dr. Edwards had called in an antibiotic to take care of any infection. She said if Melvine is not better in 24-hours, to call her back and take her to St. Mary's Emergency Clinic.

I prepared Melvine's breakfast, lunch, and supper. I took care of her medications and her vital signs.  I have the data recorded in my computer for a print out at any moment.

Tonight, I had to encourage Melvine to go to bed. That has never happened. She normally tells me she is going to bed.

Melvine is aware of the news about the death of Inez Hart, and expressed as desire to attend the funeral on Thursday. It remains to be seen how she will function on Thursday.

The Harts are some of our dearest friends, and I want to be able to attend the funeral too.

Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.

Have a blessed day and week.

Your friend in all seasons,

Hugh H. Morgan

​Hugh's News has become a daily Bible school for me. I am learning and relearning Biblical truths that mean so much to me.

At the age of 90, I am privileged to sit at my computer and drink from the fountains of Biblical and theological studies that enrich my life. I am eager to see what a daily Hugh's News will provide for all of us who love to read what Hugh Morgan continues to produce from his small office in Winder, Georgia. He does it with joy and in addition to the heavy responsibility he has daily in the care of his wife, Melvine, whom we all love and appreciate. She is a marvelous Christian lady and one of the finest female soloists I have ever heard. 

Hugh and Melvine Morgan have served the IPHC as pastors of four outstanding Pentecostal Holiness churches, have enjoyed a great ministry to the men and women and their families of the United States Air Force as Hugh was an Air Force chaplain, as the President of Southwestern College, now renamed Southwestern Christian University, the director/endorser of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC, and now as the editor of Hugh's News & Commentary now for over 22 years. I look forward to reading Hugh's News every day. I often forward it to my family and friends as well as encourage them to subscribe to this newsletter that serves IPHC ministries and the body of Christ worldwide.

Hugh Morgan continues to be one of the most connected men in the IPHC. Because of his longevity in the number of years he has lived and positions of leadership in the church he knows just about everybody. He and Melvine make it a practice to remember the names of people they meet. People are important to them. They endeavor to make people feel important to them.

Lonnie R. Rex, Spring, TX

[Lonnie and Betty Rex are two outstanding pianists. In addition, Lonnie can play pipe organs and he is a master of playing Hammond C3 Organs. He plays organ solos for the Glorious Way Church in Houston on Sundays and Wednesday nights. Lonnie and Betty are noted for their twin concert grand piano duets. Lonnie directed the now famous 100 voice choirs and orchestras for our General Conferences and Sunday School Conventions. Betty was always at the piano with her gifted Pentecostal style of playing the piano. She furnished our music at the Chaplains and Spouses Retreat in Greensboro a few years ago prior to General Conference that year.
​
I have been to their lovely home in Spring, TX, and listened with joy as Betty played her concert grand piano in their home for me. I have known them since 1954 when I met them in Washington, DC at the National Pentecostal Holiness Church when I was a young Marine at Quantico, VA.]

Most of us are familiar with the Scripture recorded in Matthew 18:19-20, where Jesus taught His disciples to pray. He gave this specific promise that God would hear and answer:
​
19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." 
NIV

It was on Sunday afternoon when I talked with Ronald Q. Moore concerning a need he and Doris had for a specific Rehab facility only 4 or 5 miles from their home. We took that Scripture seriously, and prayed that God would give them favor and success in getting accepted to this facility. On Monday, God answered our prayer. It will be either Wednesday or Thursday that Doris will be moved to this new facility for rehab. 

Doris had a good day. They gave her a bath and exercises to strengthen the right ankle as well as to enhance balance and strength. May God continue to bless and heal Doris Moore, our sister in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ronald and I want to give testimony that God's Word and His promise to us is valid and God still answers prayer in the Name of Jesus. We give glory to God!

YOU MATTER!
Your support is the means by which we continue the daily ministry of producing Hugh's News. We depend on you our readers. There are no little donors –- every gift counts. Especially, the gift of your prayer.

I carry a daily burden to see that we have the necessary financial resources to meet all of our obligations to those persons and companies that support our efforts to make this daily newsletter come to you each day.  The delivery of Hugh's News to your inbox each day at 6 a. m. or a little after 6, reminds me of the days the dairy man would deliver fresh milk to our front porch in a milk box. 

You can experience the joy of blessedness by giving today to help Hugh Morgan to continue producing Hugh's News. There is no church or other organization that supports Hugh's News. We are dependent upon the gifts of our readers. 

Hugh has never taken a salary for his many hours of work in producing Hugh's News for over 22 years.

​To assist you in knowing how to give via a Credit Card or by sending a check via our postal service, please Click Here.

Thank you for your generosity in giving. May the Good Lord bless you abundantly.

Islam is a fast-growing religion, especially in the Western world. Christians increasingly need to be aware of Islam and, most importantly, how to engage its adherents with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here are 10 things I learned about Islam during my 20 years as a missionary in a Muslim-majority country.

1. “Muslim” and “Arab” are not the same thing.

“Muslim” is a religious term. A Muslim is someone who adheres to the religion of Islam. “Arab,” on the contrary, is an ethno-linguistic term. An Arab is a member of the people group who speak the Arabic language. It is true that Islam originated among the Arabs, and the Qur’an was written in Arabic. However, some Arabs have historically been part of the ancient orthodox Christian churches. On the other hand, Islam spread far beyond the Arab world, and today most Muslims are not Arabs. This includes the Turks, the Kurds, the Iranians, the Pakistanis, other South Asian Muslims, the Malaysians and the Indonesians, almost all of whom are Muslim but none of whom is Arab.

2. The word “Islam” means submission.

A Muslim is someone who submits to God. The Islamic conception of who God is, and how he is to be worshiped and served, is based on the teaching of Muhammad. Thus the Islamic creed is: “There is no God but God, and Muhammad is his prophet.”

3. There are two major denominations of Muslims.

The two major denominations of Muslims are Sunni and Shi’a. Sunnis are the vast majority, at 85 percent of all Muslims. The split occurred in the first generation after Muhammad’s death and was based on a dispute over who should succeed him as leader of the Islamic community.

4. Islamic theology could be summarized as belief in one God, his prophets, his books, his angels, his decrees, and the final judgment.

Islam teaches that humans are born spiritually neutral, perfectly capable of obeying God’s requirements completely, and that they remain this way even after they’ve personally sinned. The need of humanity, therefore, is not salvation but instruction; hence Islam has prophets, but no savior.

5. Islam teaches that Jesus was a great prophet.

Islam affirms that Jesus was born of a virgin, that he lived a sinless life, that he performed mighty miracles, and that he will come again at the end of history. It even calls him a word from God. However, it explicitly denies the deity of Christ and repudiates the title “Son of God” as blasphemous. It also (according to the majority view) denies he died on the cross, claiming that Jesus’ visage was imposed on someone else, who was then crucified, and that Jesus was taken up into heaven without tasting death. Islam explicitly denies the possibility of substitutionary atonement.

6. Islamic practice can be summarized by the Five Pillars of Islam.

These are composed of the confession of faith (“There is no God but God, and Muhammad is his prophet”), prayer (the ritual prayers said in Arabic five times a day while facing Mecca and performing the prescribed set of bowings, kneeling, and prostrations), alms (taken as a tax in some officially Islamic countries), fasting (the lunar month of Ramadan, during which Muslim believers fast during daylight hours but can eat while it’s dark), and pilgrimage (the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim believer should make once in his or her lifetime).

7. The vast majority of Muslims are not terrorists.

In fact, normal Islamic religious law forbids the intentional killing of non-combatants in battle. It also forbids suicide. It’s a small minority view that allows these things, and it’s a small minority who engage in terrorist activities.

8. Muslims can be some of the friendliest, most hospitable people on earth.

They make great neighbors and great friends. No Christian should be afraid to build a relationship with a Muslim.

9. Muslims need salvation through Jesus Christ.

They are lost exactly like any other non-Christian—neither more nor less than anyone else. Furthermore, Muslims do come to faith in Jesus Christ. It usually takes time, and extended exposure to the Word of God and the lives of Christians, but more Muslims are coming to faith today than at any other point in history.

10. God loves Muslims, and so should we—even those few who are our enemies.

We should love them enough to befriend them, love them enough to make them welcome in our homes, and love them enough to share the Gospel with them.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2013 issue of Southern Seminary Magazine.

Zane Pratt serves as vice president for global training for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.