David W. Shenk - Teatime in Mogadishu: My Journey as a Peace Ambassador in the World of Islam

Ahmeds discussion of traditional Somali/Islamic peacemaking and restorative justice methods raises thought-provoking questions on gospel and culture. Ahmeds passion for peace with and within Islam is of huge importance for Christian-Muslim relations.

Dr. John Azumah, Director, Centre for Islamic Studies, London (UK) School of Theology

An inspiring testimony to the tremendous impact of growing up in a loving family of faith, and of Ahmeds choice to live a Christ-centered life. Ahmed is a model of peacemaking in a pluralistic religious context.

Arli Klassen, Executive Director, Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, Pa.

This book, shared in congregational small groups and classes, will help participants understand how Jesus became the way of peace for a Muslim youth. It will also invite others to invite Jesus to guide their life decisions and to step forward with their own peacemaking initiatives.

Elizabeth G. Nissley, Pastor, James Street Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pa.

Devotionally inspiring, missiologically instructive, and spiritually challenging. At a time when Somali and Christian seem like oxymorons in our religious vocabularies, this book is a heartening reminder that with God all things are possible.

Jonathan J. Bonk, Executive Director, Overseas Ministries Study Center, New Haven, Conn.

Ahmed Ali Hailes deep appreciation for his Muslim heritage motivated him to continue serving his people at great personal sacrifice. Faith in Jesus Christ was the reservoir of the compassion, hospitality, and witness that characterized Ahmed over four decades. His legacy will inspire and challenge.

Wilbert R. Shenk, Fuller Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, Pasadena, Calif.

A unique and powerful contribution to the great Somali tradition of storytelling. Simultaneously, it adds a compelling chapter to the contemporary Jesus story that will cheer and challenge the hearts and minds of people everywhere who long for peace and good news in a battered, desperate world.

Richard Showalter, President, Eastern Mennonite Missions, Salunga, Pa.

Ahmed Ali Haile understands the strengths of Islam and pre-Islamic traditions in his development as a Somali and as a global peacemaker. He is also very clear that Christ-centered peace activism is what brings true transformation to individuals and to the social, economic, and even political structures they create.

Barry Hart, Director, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va.

teatime in mogadishu

My Journey as a
Peace Ambassador
in the World of Islam

Ahmed Ali Haile
as told to David W. Shenk

The Christians Meeting Muslims series from Herald Press addresses central themes in Christian-Muslim engagement: dialogue, witness and invitation, and peacemaking. The titles in the series include A Muslim and A Christian in Dialogue by Badru D. Katerrega and David W. Shenk; Journeys of the Muslim Nation and the Christian Church: Exploring the Mission of Two Communities by David W. Shenk; and Teatime in Mogadishu: My Journey as a Peace Ambassador in the World of Islam by Ahmed Ali Haile.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Haile, Ahmed Ali.
Teatime in Mogadishu: my journey as a peace ambassador in the world
of Islam / Ahmed Ali Haile as told to David W. Shenk.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-8361-9557-6 (pbk.: alk. paper)
1. Haile, Ahmed Ali. 2. Christian converts from IslamSomaliaBiography. 3. Christian converts from IslamUnited StatesBiography.
4. Peace-buildingSomalia. 5. Peace-buildingReligious aspectsMen-nonites. I. Shenk, David W., 1937-II. Title.
BV2626.4.H35A3 2011
248.246092dc22
[B]

2011004734

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Quran quotations are from The Holy Quran, Text, Translation, and Commentary, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. Published (1987) by Tahrike Tarsile Quran.

Copyright 2011 by Herald Press, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Released simultaneously in Canada by Herald Press,
Waterloo, Ont. N2L 6H7. All rights reserved
Library of Congress Control Number: 2011004734
International Standard Book Number: 978-0-8361-9557-6
Printed in the United States of America
Cover by Reuben Graham
Interior design by Gwen M. Stamm

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To order or request information please call 1-800-245-7894 or visit www.heraldpress.com.

Dedicated to

My wifeMartha Jean Wilson

who has been my faithful and loving companion, encouraging me in the way of Christ and serving as counselor and partner in ministry while also being a loving mother.

Our childrenAfrahyare, Sofia, Gedi

who bless me with joy, who have deep roots in East Africa and North America, and who have invested generously in my commitments to peacemaking.

My parentsAli Haile Afrah and Hersia Shirar

who nurtured me and loved me and who planted in my soul a yearning to know and serve God faithfully.

Ahmed is a synonym for Muhammad. My parents named me Ahmed in respect for the prophet of Islam. Ahmed also means a person who is worthy of honor. Nearly five decades ago God honored me by calling me to be an emissary of the peace of Christ within the world of Islam, with a special commitment to the Somali Muslim people.