Evangelism, Islam, and the Power of Action: A Kingdom Conversation with Dr. Lawrence Oseje

In a special episode of Good News on GoodVue, hosts Dr. Lee Kanter and Duke White Jr. welcome a distinguished guest with global perspective and grassroots impact: Dr. Lawrence Oseje, founder of Destiny Impact Ministries International, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr. Lawrence Oseje isn’t just a theologian—he’s a spiritual warrior with boots on the ground. With a PhD in interreligious studies focused on Christian-Muslim relationships, Dr. Lawrence brings a deep, practical, and Spirit-led understanding of how believers can effectively reach the Muslim world with the gospel of Yeshua.

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From Mombasa to the Nations: A Life of Missional Purpose

Dr. Lawrence began his pastoral ministry in Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city—predominantly Muslim in culture and practice. His frontline experience in this environment gave rise to a crucial realization: the traditional Christian approach to evangelism was not enough to reach Muslim hearts. The turning point came when several Muslims who had received prayer at a Christian gathering came to church… and were rejected by their own families—and unprepared for by the church.

That painful disconnect sparked Dr. Lawrence’s journey to gain deeper knowledge and wisdom. He moved to Nairobi with his family to pursue formal theological training, ultimately earning a PhD in Islamic studies with a missional emphasis. His mission: to train pastors across Africa to engage Muslims with compassion, understanding, and biblical truth.

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Muslim and Christian Worldviews: A Clash of Foundations

At the heart of the difference between Christians and Muslims lies a fundamental question: Who is God?

Dr. Lawrence explains that for many Muslims, God (Allah) is entirely transcendent—a distant, sovereign master, and the individual is merely a slave. This worldview fosters a relationship with God built on fear and duty. Five prayers a day. Ritual washing. Legalistic striving. There is no intimacy.

In contrast, the Christian worldview proclaims a God who is both transcendent and immanent—a loving Father who desires a personal relationship with His children. Through Jesus (Yeshua), believers are not only saved but invited into sonship and friendship with God.

This difference impacts everything—from how we pray, to how we live, to how we evangelize.

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Relational Evangelism: When Actions Speak Louder Than Words

One of the most powerful segments of the conversation is Dr. Lawrence’s story of Christian widows converting to Islam—not out of theological conviction, but because Muslims showed up.

He recounts real-life cases in Kenya where Muslim neighbors, though unrelated, came to funerals and stayed through the entire mourning process—bringing food, offering help, and asking how they could care for the widow’s children. They often provided education, financial support, and long-term presence. In contrast, Christians frequently offered prayer, ate the provided meal, and left.

The result? Widows—desperate for care—converted to Islam.

“Christians speak the Word. Muslims show action,” Dr. Lawrence said.

It’s a sobering call for the Church to not only preach love, but live it—to be known by our works as much as our words. As Duke reflected, Yeshua warned us: “Do not be hearers only, but doers of the Word.” (James 1:22)

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Faith and Apologetics: Knowing the Word is Mission-Critical

Dr. Lawrence urges Christians to know the Bible deeply. Why? Because many Muslims use Christian Scriptures when engaging with believers—not the Qur’an. They do this because they know that most Christians are biblically shallow, unable to defend the faith or respond to theological questions.

He emphasizes that Muslims often interpret the Bible differently, using isolated verses out of context to win arguments. For example, a verse like Exodus 3:5—where Moses is told to remove his sandals on holy ground—is used by some Muslims to criticize Christians for wearing shoes in church.

Without proper biblical knowledge and understanding of context, many Christians are left confused, vulnerable, and unable to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15). Dr. Lawrence believes one of the greatest tools against Islamic evangelism is a well-equipped, well-taught Church.

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Understanding Jihad: The Inner and Outer Struggle

The term “jihad” is often misunderstood. Dr. Lawrence explains that in its truest form, jihad refers not primarily to war, but to an internal struggle of the soul—a striving for holiness. A Muslim’s life is marked by striving, discipline, and law. Yet, this striving often leads to fear and performance, not relationship.

However, radical groups take this concept further, emphasizing militant and political jihad based on passages from the Qur’an’s Medinan period, when Muhammad’s tone became confrontational and imperial.

In contrast, earlier Meccan verses show a more positive view of Jews and Christians as “people of the book.” The dual nature of the Qur’an creates ideological divisions—and often fuels global confusion and religious tension.

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Destiny Impact Ministries: Equipping Pastors, Changing Nations

Dr. Lawrence now leads Destiny Impact Ministries International, where he and his team travel across Kenya and Africa to train pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders—many of whom have no formal theological training.

In regions where some religious leaders have led people astray—even to dangerous extremes like starvation fasts—Dr. Lawrence’s ministry brings clarity, correction, and the foundational truths of Scripture.

Their curriculum includes:

• Foundations in Bible and Theology
• Christian-Muslim relations
• Evangelism strategy in Islamic contexts
• Biblical interpretation and apologetics

It’s a powerful movement that is mobilizing the African Church to love Muslims, disciple with truth, and guard the flock against deception.

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Final Thoughts: A Church of Action and Understanding

This episode is a prophetic reminder: The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers must be equipped, compassionate, and Spirit-led.

It’s not enough to have doctrine. We must also have love in action.

It’s not enough to criticize Islam. We must understand it and present the truth of Christ in love.

It’s not enough to attend church. We must be the Church—in word, deed, and heart.

Let us be a people who are grounded in the Word, moved by compassion, and willing to go wherever God calls us—whether that’s Mombasa, Medina, or Main Street. Let us remember that every Muslim is made in the image of God, and many are waiting not for a debate… but for a demonstration of Christ’s love.