A few months ago I launched a new feature on my blog entitled Wordless Wednesday. This was not an original idea but instead one that I gleaned from another blog that I enjoy reading. Every Wednesday, I post a single photo from among the thousands I have taken on my travels. No commentary — just a photo with a brief notation about the date and place where I took the featured photo. Yesterday’s photo was one I took in 2003 while hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas. This photo in particular has generated some good questions about the “man of peace” we were searching for. So, I thought I would answer those questions in today’s post.
Searching for a man of peace is not something new. Luke’s gospel records the account of Jesus sending out seventy-two of His followers to preach the good news (Luke 10:1-12). He instructed them to travel light and to depend on the hospitality of others to provide for their basic needs, things like food and lodging. Jesus talked about how to identify a “man of peace” or that individual who would welcome them into his home. Searching for a “man of peace” is still an effective strategy for making meaningful connections with people all over the world, especially in places that are hostile to the gospel. Thom Wolfe, the international president and professor of global studies of University Institute in New Delhi, has identified three key characteristics of a man or person of peace. First, the person of peace is someone who is receptive to the gospel. Second, this person has a good reputation in his community. And finally, the man of peace is able to effectively refer those who have come bearing the good news to a larger audience.
With new friends in Bangladesh. | 2000
I have had several memorable experiences searching for a “man of peace” on my travels. In September 2002, HomeLife magazine published “In Search of a Man of Peace,” my story about searching for a “man of peace” in Bangladesh. My experience in Bangladesh convinced me of the effectiveness of walking slowly among the people and connecting with individuals who are receptive to the gospel. Since then, I have had the privilege of meeting many persons of peace on my travels — people who welcomed me into their homes, offered me their hospitality and protection, and opened doors for me to share the good news about Jesus with a larger audience. To learn more about the “man of peace,” please read “Biblical ‘Man of Peace’ Approach is Key to Effective Outreach” by Erich Bridges, one of my favorite writers.
Go Beyond 
Love this. It reminds me of Alexander Maclaren’s commentary on John 10:16 “Darkness may cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but if we look upon it as Christ did, and as He would have us to look, we shall see lights flickering here and there in the obscurity, which shall burst out into a blaze. The prophetic eye, the boundlessly hopeful heart, the strong confidence that in every land where He is preached there will be those who shall hear—these are what He gives us when He says, ‘Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold.’” – Alexander Maclaren
By: Matt Bullen on June 9, 2011
at 9:30 AM
Great quote, Matt. Thanks for sharing.
By: Omar C. Garcia on June 9, 2011
at 10:40 AM
Thanks so much for sharing this with us, specially, homelife magazine’s articles & photos. That was 10-11 years ago, but its looks like, it was yesterday or a few months before !!
Mortuza Biswas
Bangladesh
By: Mortuza Biswas on June 12, 2011
at 9:09 PM