Q: What is Generation Salaam?
A: Generation Salaam seeks to bring together people from the East & West and Christians & Muslims for friendship and conversation about peace, the Bible and the Qur’an, and the Kingdom of God. In Arabic, “Salaam” means “peace.” And peace doesn’t just happen; it’s made. Generation Salaam is a community of people who are committed to connecting with, befriending, and pursuing projects for peace with Muslims all around the world.
Q: What kind of projects does Generation Salaam do?
A: Some of our longest ties and deepest relationships are in our nearby community of Clarkston. We go to multiple apartment complexes there to befriend refugee families from around the world. We have also engaged in dialogues and service in other parts of the country and the world. The most established element of Gen Salaam is our kids program. We have four different kids’ programs where refugees children come to do crafts, play games, watch skits, and learn about the straight path to God! We also offer English classes for adults; we do job-skill trainings such as business classes; and we have seen several joint business ventures empower some of the refugee families to earn some income–most notably, Peace of Thread, our sewing project. We put on a number of events throughout the year such as a back-to-school celebration, Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas parties, and kids’ summer camps.
Q: Why do you do these things?
A: As followers of Jesus, we respond to His “Great Commandment” to love God and then love our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40). These wonderful neighbors in Clarkston (from all over the world) have become our dear friends. And as with all friends, we want them to know and understand the full picture of God’s love displayed through Jesus!
Q: What is the goal of Generation Salaam?
A: The first goal of Generation Salaam is to form genuine friendships with these wonderful families. Our hope is to serve them in whatever way possible. Also, the families we befriend are from all over the world and have a variety of faiths – we’re friends with people who are Catholic, Protestant, Hindu & Muslim. In all of our friendships, we hope to advance the conversation with our friends about Jesus, the world’s true Mercy and Word from God.
