Building Bridges the Right Way Dr. Shihab and President Packer certainly practice what they preach. They go beyond mere tolerance and reach out in understanding, cooperation, and love. In February 2005, when he traveled to Indonesia to monitor tsunami relief, President Packer took time to visit Jakarta's white-domed Istiqlal Mosque. Following a tour of the mosque with the head cleric, President Packer asked if they might pray together. The cleric agreed. President Packer "blessed the mosque, the cleric and all who attend to pray and worship." Following the prayer, the tearful cleric thanked President Packer for "his faith and prayers on their behalf." 1 For many years, all relief was given by the Church in Indonesia under the name of LDS Charities, with no mention of the Church's full name. In late November 2004, a devastating earthquake hit Alor in southeastern Indonesia. The Church quickly responded with aid that was channeled through Dr. Shihab's ministry. Dr. Shihab was impressed that the Church was the first Christian church to respond to help the Muslims of Alor. With Dr. Shihab's blessing, all aid now sent to Indonesia is labeled with the full name of the Church. 2 Shortly after the Alor relief effort, the Church once again quickly responded with aid for tsunami-ravaged Aceh. The Achenese noticed " Church of Jesus Christ" on the boxes and pallets, and so when later shipments were unloaded, leaders from the mosques announced "that another donation from the Jesus church had arrived." 3 — Chad F. Emmett, Associate Professor Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian Studies, BYU 1. Dean C. Jensen, President of the Indonesia, Jakarta Mission, email message, March 1, 2005.2. Elder Tom Palmer, humanitarian missionary directly involved with tsunami relief, email report, January 9, 2005. 3. H. David Burton, "Tender Hearts and Helping Hands," Ensign 36 (April 2006): 8. |