Now there’s something you don’t see very often. CBS This Morning on Monday highlighted a Christian evangelist who is spreading the faith to Muslim countries. Co-host Charlie Rose introduced, “An unassuming 86-year-old evangelist is sharing a message of healing around the world. She's traveled for years to several predominantly Muslim countries to spread the Gospel.”
Brown, best known for his football commentary on the network, traveled with Marilyn Hickey as she promoted Christianity in Pakistan, a country that is 98 percent Muslim. Using language not usually seen on network news, he explained, “Her mission, as she says, is to cover the Earth with the Word or as she says, the Gospel.”
He enthused, “She doesn't use the word convert, because she says that’s a dangerous word.... But her aim is to transform and she’s done an exceptional job.”
CBSNews.com promoted the special:
Be sure to watch James Brown's full report, "Muslims Love Me," on "CBSN: On Assignment," airing Monday, August 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, and on our streaming network, CBSN.
CBS This Morning
8/7/17
8:21am ETCHARLIE ROSE: An unassuming 86-year-old evangelist is sharing a message of healing around the world. She's traveled for years to several predominantly Muslim countries to spread the Gospel. She said her goal is not to convert but to educate. James Brown traveled with her last month on CBSN on assignment and learned how her message is received in the Muslim world. JB is with us now from Washington. Good morning.
JAMES BROWN: Good morning to you, Charlie. Yes, Marilyn Hickey has visited exactly 136 countries as an evangelist, but she's made it her special vision to reach out to Muslim countries like Egypt, Sudan and Pakistan to try to build bridges to try to build bridge of peace and understanding. She invited us to her eighth trip to Pakistan to the city of Lahore and here is just a snippet of what we found. Hickey has become an unofficial ambassador to Muslim countries, and she's found a kindred spirit in the grand Imam of Lahore, one of the most powerful spiritual leaders in Pakistan. Today, he welcomes her for tea at his home.
TRANSLATOR: We are very clear and convinced that you coming here, that will be the source of blessing for all of us.
BROWN: After tea we head back to the cars to visit the Badshari mosque, a Persian architectural wonder. The grand Imam leads this 344-year-old mosque, the oldest in Pakistan. His following at Friday night prayers are an awesome sight. He took a couple of questions on the sacred grounds. Is Marilyn Hickey's visit and what she’s created here as effective or more effective than politicians?
IMAM: The politician, they are coming with their own programs, their own agendas. But when it comes to the religious leader, when it comes to the mom, so she brings love for the people of Pakistan. So I understand and I'm convinced as a religious leader that her love and her visit is more effective than other people
ROSE: Good morning, J.B. Good to have you here. You're looking still, my man, healthy and well.
BROWN: Hey, I came back from Pakistan about ten pounds heavier, Charlie, because they expect you to eat wherever you go.
ROSE: When in Pakistan, do as the Pakistanis do.
BROWN: Absolutely. And I’m certain Margaret and Vlad both know that all too well, Charlie. But you know, Charlie, Marilyn Hickey is extremely effective. Her mission, as she says, is to
cover the Earth with the Word or as she says, the Gospel. As the late minister or evangelist Oral Roberts told her, “Don't let yourself go to your grave with your mantle or your gift.” So, she’s about spreading the good news. She doesn't use the word convert, because she says that’s a dangerous word. Margaret would know that better than me. But her aim is to transform and she’s done an exceptional job. And you should take a look tonight. You’ll see how effective she is.ROSE: Pakistan guarantees freedom of religion, but the religion there is Islam. How does that play out?
BROWN: No question about it. 98 percent Islam. But you know what, Charlie? There is a spirit of accommodation or cooperation. But to be clear in Lahore last Easter some 70 Christians were killed by suicide bombers, so we traveled as does she with a security bubble. Charlie?
