Today the only Christians in the Arabian Peninsula are migrants, and the pope’s visit is a cause of great joy for them.

Pope Francis will visit Abu Dhabi to attend an international interfaith meeting on “Human Fraternity,” organized by Muslim leaders, and will celebrate Mass for migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates.

While hundreds of vendors sold water to the thirsty, the Muslim community at the oldest mosque in Panama City gave it away for free near a banner that said, "Welcome Pilgrim Friends."

In preparation for the gathering in Abu Dhabi, I find myself asking why my conversations with the future Pope Francis so powerfully affected both of us.

How should Christians interpret and implement the Gospel mandate to bring the good news to all peoples and nations?

First, we need to address the very image of God we present in our worship.