Back in the days when we went places, I remember walking down crowded streets in amazing cities passing wondrously diverse and beautiful people. When I wasn’t worried about being late to my next appointment or what trouble might be brewing at home, sometimes I would ask God to bring into being a church that would fit the particular ones I was passing. “Father, churches for them. And churches for those guys.” 

This nurtured a desire deep in me that God receive the unique honor and worship he merits from every person he’s created. I don’t know, but maybe God said a hearty yes to some of those prayers.

I’d like to invite you to try out something similar. The next time you see a Muslim, either in real life, on TV or otherwise virtually, do this: Wonder how far they are from someone who follows Jesus. Of course you can’t know, but wondering will build empathy and compassion. Then pray that distance would shrink. 

Let's call that distance their “DAJA Score,” their “distance away from Jesus access” score. 

Every Muslim has a DAJA score. For some it’s staggeringly high since no one who loves Jesus lives near them or anyone they know. For others the DAJA is small: They have a co-worker who loves Jesus or their house is in your neighborhood! 

I live for the day when DAJA equals zero for all Muslims, when every Muslim has a close relationship with someone who loves and follows Jesus. How great will that be?!? At the very least, it will be a solid start. 

1. See a Muslim. 2. Wonder, “What’s their DAJA?” 3. Pray, “God, please shrink that distance.” 

Fair warning, you might be the best, handiest tool God has to slice the DAJA! 

If you like this concept, but can come up with a better acronym, please do so! Let me know.