We received this encouraging letter from Mark’s friend, Betsy Brown, and wanted to share with you a story where this kind of new understanding and journey allowed for real spiritual fruit!

Mark,

I just returned from Turkey and N. Iraq. I have to tell you something that happened on the plane to Iraq. A young couple sat on my row on the plane. I thought they were a couple but it was brother and sister. The woman made sure she sat by me to practice her English. She asked what I do and I told her I do a lot of Humanitarian work and explained the Iraqi refugee thing and added I had been deeply involved after the tsunami in Indonesia. She said, “You are such a good person” to which I replied, “No, any good in me is God inside of me.” Later the flight was bumpy and she was nervous. I patted her and comforted her and told her God would protect us. She touched my arm and said, “Betsy, you are such a good Muslim. Do you understand what I am saying?” I said, “yes I do; thank you so much.” Because of my pilgrimage I knew that the word “Muslim” means “One who is submitted or devoted to God”. It was so sweet and the highest compliment she could give me. Years ago I would have been so defensive and would have been highly offended. Thank you, Jesus, for grace and growth!

Betsy