Nick Campbell, a committted Christian, and Jawad Al Rifai, an equally committed Muslim, are living examples of the improved relations between people of the two faiths at the University of Wollongong.
Members of the Evangelical Christian Union (ECU) and the Muslim Association of Wollongong University (MAWU) have continued meeting together informally since a combined Muslim-Christian dialogue event was held at the university in August.
"You find that most Muslims are more willing to talk about Jesus than the average Aussie," says Mr Campbell, ECU’s president.
Several members of ECU have been meeting with MAWU members on a regular basis to discuss matters of faith and religion in greater depth.
ECU Staff worker Rob Copland is encouraged by the signs of developing relationships.
"It's still early days, but these are steps in the right direction,” he says.
ECU member and psychology student, Lachlan Orr, says literature distributed by Muslims on the dialogue night has given Christian students material to engage with in discussions between the groups.
"Some of the material quotes the Bible out of context to give evidence in favour of Islam, but at least it gives us good launching points talk about what we believe and what the Bible says," Mr Orr says.
Opportunities for ministry to Muslim women
MAWU members has also have also been proactive in inviting ECU members to their official events, such as a barbecue that was held in August.
Susan Williams, another Christian student, says she gained a new understanding of Islamic culture from attending the barbecue.
"The women were seated 30 metres away from the men because of their culture but it meant we were able to have good chats with the Muslim women there," she says.
"It's so important for Christian women in particular to build friendships with Muslim women because it is so hard for a Christian man to witness to a Muslim women."
Ms Williams says the Muslim women shared experiences of being discriminated against.
"We became aware of the barriers they face every day because of their appearance and the headscarf they wear," Ms Williams says.
"It was good I could show that I don't treat Muslim women differently and that Christian women are willing to befriend and care for them."
MAWU members also invited ECU members to a talk on the Israel-Palestinian conflict held last month.
Mr Orr appreciates the genuine efforts that Muslims at the university have made to maintain and improve relations with Christians.
"They have given us an open invitation to hang out in the Muslim prayer room, so they have made a real effort to extend their welcome to us," Mr Orr says.
ECU Ministry Training Strategy apprentice, Irwan, says the best way to relate to Muslims is to share Christian love through friendship.
"We are not just blasting them with the gospel. We hope to share God's love with them and wait for any opportunities to arise," he says.
