THE UNITED STATES SENDS OUT MORE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES EACH YEAR THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD: 69,000. HOWEVER, THE UNITED STATES ALSO IS RANKED SECOND IN THE WORLD IN RECEIVING MISSIONARIES: 20,000 CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES ARE WORKING IN THE UNITED STATES EACH YEAR.

MORE THAN HALF THE WORLD'S POPULATION LIVES IN COUNTRIES WHERE BUDDHISM IS CURRENTLY OR WAS TRADITIONALLY THE DOMINANT FAITH.

ONE MILLION MORE JEWS (7,000,000) LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES THAN LIVE IN ISRAEL (6,000,000).

HALF THE WORLD CLAIMS ALLEGIANCE TO EITHER ISLAM OR CHRISTIANITY.

Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Where have you heard that before? (You know, that T.V. show where contestants answer questions and have a chance to win $1,000,000.) Why is it so easy for the contestants on that show to answer the first question, and so hard for them to decide on their “final answer” once they have won some money? Because more is at stake! They don’t want to lose what they have already won. We all have difficulty making up our minds from time to time and, usually, the more that’s at stake, the harder it is to decide.

Contestants on the show are given a little help—they are allowed to call a friend for help with an answer—they call it a “lifeline.” As you encounter people who are searching for the truth, you may be that lifeline for someone. But if you’re planning to go out and offer answers, you better know the facts!

Fifty years ago, most religious differences in the U.S. were between Christians of different denominations: Baptists, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Pentecostals, Catholics, and others. But today, many non-Christian religions have become popular all across the United States.

One of the largest Muslim mosques in the country can be found in Oklahoma. California has a very large Buddhist population. All urban areas have growing Hindu and Sikh communities. On top of these changes, the internet provides communication with people from all over the country and around the world. As these communities continue to grow, you will have many new opportunities to share your faith.

Many of these people will be unfamiliar with Christianity, or worse, may have some misunderstandings about what Christians really believe and do. You may find some Muslims and Hindus hostile to Christianity, based on things they have heard in the news or been told by their leaders. Others may personally have had a bad experience with someone who claimed to be a Christian.

Remember to be sensitive to what your friends already believe. Sometimes a big decision like this is a long process, so try to be patient and trust that God is working. Take a look at the following facts about some of the major religions of the world. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll be to GO and share the truth of Jesus Christ with others.

Get ready for a huge challenge and an even bigger reward. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

1. Depend on the Holy Spirit. Look for openings to discuss other religions and your faith, such as a religious holiday or an event in the news. But also rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance for when and how to share.

2. Develop friendships with people of other religions. It’s important to see the person as a person, not a project. Get to know them! Learn about their religion, their customs, beliefs, holidays, and practices.

3. Be sensitive to  the concerns of ethnic groups. Christians haven’t always had the greatest reputation throughout history. Show your friend that true Christianity is different, through your love and compassion toward him or her.

4. Don’t get defensive or angry. Be prepared to receive criticism of Christianity. Stand firm but don’t get defensive. Having an answer may mean a little study as well as asking some tough questions, but its worth it!*

5. Emphasize that, ultimately, Christianity is not a religion. Being a Christian means having a relationship with a Person–Jesus Christ. As important as doctrines and practices are, the bottom line is the grace of God that allows us to have a personal connection with a Living God. That sets Christianity apart from other religions!

6. Direct them to testimonies of Christians who have converted from their religion. Testimonies alone may not convince them, but they can help. Testimonies are persuasive and can help keep your friend from feeling alone in his or her search for truth.

7. Look for opportunities to meet physical needs and then provide spiritual answers. You may know some people of another faith who need food or clothing. Some needs may be met very simply: carpooling to school, or bringing an extra snack to lunch.

8. Be creative in getting others interested in the Gospel. Offer to exchange places of worship with your friend. You may learn a lot about their beliefs—and your friend will be hearing the Gospel!

9. Pray that God will prepare them to receive the Gospel. No amount of creativity or hard work will produce anything without the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray for courage for yourself and openness from your friend.

10. Leave the results up to God. Ultimately, you are not responsible for your friend’s response, only for your obedience to share the Gospel. Do your part, but never forget who is in charge.

*The Interfaith Evangelism group at the North American Mission Board puts together resources to help Christians defend their faith and understand the differences between Christianity and other religions. For more free information about specific religions or cults visit us at www.namb.net/evangelism/iev/