Pastors Edge

A Cross Among Crescents

-Courtesy of Outreach Magazine-

Muslim women in thinly-woven veils and floor length burkas walk the streets, the corner markets beckon commuters with flat bread, goat cheese and figs, and the chanting of the "adhan" or call to prayer echoes from a local mosque's loud speakers. Is this Saudi Arabia? Try suburban Detroit.

The town of Hamtramck, Mich., home to approximately 10,000 Muslim residents, is one of only three American cities that broadcast the adhan five times daily. It is one of the last places you would expect to encounter a growing Christian community. Yet, Real Church has been thriving since October 2004. In a given week, over 200 people worship and fellowship there.

Whitney Herstein is the Community Director of Real Church, and it is her job to make sure that the church maintains a presence in the community. She coordinates events like "Jump In," a time of games, skits, and Bible lessons hosted in two Hamtramck parks on one Saturday each month. "Jump In is intended for children," says Herstein. "But we have watched it draw hundreds of people of every age, race and religion."

Relational ministry in Hamtramck can be difficult due to the 29+ languages spoken among immigrants from Yemen to Bangladesh. To combat this, Real Church simply speaks a higher language. "I may not speak all 29 languages, but I speak love fluently," says Chilton. "Love is a language that is understood by all people."

What does the language of love sound like? It sounds like hosting community clean-up days, distributing backpacks filled with school supplies to needy children, and delivering fresh baked cookies to the home of anyone who visits the church.

It seems Hamtramck understands Real Church clearly. The church has been presented with official certificates of recognition by both the mayor and city council, and God continues to add to their flock. Real Church has never had a Sunday without visitors and somebody did not accept Christ. "God has gone before us and prepared these people," says Chilton.

Copyright (c) 2008 Outreach, Inc. Used by permission.

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Jonathan Merritt is a faith and culture writer and Senior Editor of PastorsEdge.com You can connect with him at www.jonathanmerritt.com.