March 2026 - AWP Conference & Bookfair - Baltimore Convention Center - Maryland - USA

A testimony from a CPS USA team member, sharing their experience at the AWP Conference and Bookfair.

"The last three days were filled with meaningful encounters and heartfelt conversations.

People from many different backgrounds stopped by our booth to receive a complimentary copy of the Qur’an and talk with us. What touched me most was the sincerity and openness of the visitors.

Several pastors came by and appreciated this kind of community outreach. They said sharing spiritual books in public spaces is very important, because many people from other faiths—or even those with no faith—may never walk into a mosque to ask questions about Islam. Here they felt comfortable approaching, browsing, and having a conversation.

Some teachers stopped by because they wanted to understand Islam and the Qur’an more deeply for their students. They asked thoughtful questions and appreciated receiving copies of the Qur’an and books.

Many visitors described themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” They were searching for wisdom, reflection, and inner guidance. When they saw that the Qur’an was available and that they could have an open conversation, they happily took a copy.

There were healers, Quakers, Jews, Christians, peace activists, and people who were simply curious. Some had traveled to Muslim countries and wanted to understand the faith better.

One woman shared that she struggles with certain habits and wondered how fasting and reading the Qur’an might help her bring discipline and peace into her life. She also received a copy of the Qur’an.

Some visitors from the LGBTQ community said they wanted to read the Qur’an for themselves and understand it directly.

Others told us they had been meaning to explore Islam for years but had been too busy. When they saw free Qur’ans and people ready to talk, they came quickly, took a copy, and shared their own spiritual journeys.

Over these three days, I took photos with many visitors who received a Qur’an. They were smiling, grateful, and happy to receive it.

What I saw again and again was that many hearts are searching for peace, meaning, and connection with God.

Sometimes something very simple—a book, a smile, and a sincere conversation—can open a door in someone’s heart."