Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741

FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Dec. 5, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- This project is taking place just days after the tragic shooting deaths in San Bernardino, California.

Groups have collected items from Grace Church of Fredericksburg and the Richmond, VA area Christian faith community.

The local community of Fredericksburg is encouraged to drop off items at the Fredericksburg Islamic Center from 2:00-4:00 P.M.

Leaders will also have a news conference on Sunday, December 6, at 2:00 P.M. at the Fredericksburg Islamic Center to discuss building bridges between the Christian and Muslim communities.

The location of the Fredericksburg Islamic Center is
7020 Harrison Road, Fredericksburg, VA. 22407.

Below is a link to a news story discussing their efforts which is being organized by Church on the Hill and World Horizons USA

www.fredericksburg.com/news/local/christians-muslims-team-up-in-fredericksburg-area-to-help-refugees/article_6488c7cb-fb26-5439-bc3f-85de1d207f67.html 

The Fredericksburg Islamic Center recently made national news after a public hearing to expand their mosque had to be shut down because of attendees shouting things such as, "All Muslims are terrorists."

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, who flew to Florida to talk Rev. Terry Jones out of burning Qurans  and is Pastor of Church on the Hill has been a strong advocate of building bridges to the Muslim community, states;

"As Christians we are called to reach out and extend mercy, compassion and support to most needy and disenfranchised throughout the world. Certainly the four million Syrian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes because of the tragic consequences of war face horrific difficulties and struggles and are in desperate need of Christ's love.

"We have also been called to build bridges and relationships with our Muslim neighbors and share the heart of Christ.  As we gather items to help the Syrian refugees together, we are sending a powerful message to the nation that in these difficult times Christians can work shoulder to shoulder with the Islamic community and say Muslims are not our enemies."

Kristopher Keating, Executive Director of World Horizons USA, comments;

"Because we follow Christ, we love our neighbors. All of our neighbors. It is the privilege and responsibility of the Christian community to care for those in need. Believing that the Gospel of Christ is true does not make us superior to our neighbor it gives us a better reason to be laid down for him.

"In partnership with Church on the Hill in Washington, DC, World Horizons USA is collecting sleeping bags, blankets and children's coats for Syrian people who have fled to Turkey due to violence and war. We need your help. We learned of the need for these specific items in the refugee camps through a group that is sending a container to Turkey.

"We are responding to that need."

Samer Shalaby PE,  and Board Member of the Fredericksburg Islamic Center, adds these thoughts:

"The Islamic Center of Fredericksburg is pleased to partner with Church on the Hill, World Horizons and the generous Fredericksburg community to collect donations for refugees in Syria.  By some estimates, nearly half of Syria's population has been displaced by a civil war that continues after 4 years.  As in all conflicts, those who suffer the most are women, children, and the elderly.  We're grateful to anyone who can donate coats, socks, sleeping bags and blankets to help them get through yet another cold winter."

For more information or interviews call:

Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741