Meet Dr. Greg Stocks from our Interfaith Committee!
Tell us a little about yourself: passions, family, education… What makes you tick?
The empty nest is a reminder of many blessings…the privilege of raising 4 wonderful children–Omar, Hanna, Leila, and Amira. The thrill of marrying Farah, the love of my life, 27 years ago. The opportunity to expand horizons–serving God by building sustainable programs to bring life-changing hip and knee replacement surgery to those without access in developing countries in Africa through WalkStrong Africa. Trying to ease heartache by serving our hurting but proud and resilient brothers and sisters in Palestine through HEAL Palestine. My wife and I love Palestinians. I have had the opportunity to help train surgeons in the West Bank and in Gaza as recently as September 2023; the headshot above was taken then in Nasser Hospital. I still love my medical practice specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery. What makes me tick? Serving our loving creator 🙂 My passions converged when I turned 60, and I started working on a Masters of Global Missionary Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. 3 years into this mostly online program, my passion for Islamic studies, service, and learning has only increased.
What inspired your decision to be part of Minaret Foundation?
My heart for interfaith connection. It started 27 years ago with my marriage. I am an ever-forgiven and growing Christian married to an inspiring Muslim, raising 4 (hopefully not too confused) children with basically Muslim identities. I want my church community, work colleagues, friends, and family to experience and understand the humility and love of their Muslim cousins. Minaret’s approach to improving lives for all humanity, regardless of religion, and the effectiveness of the programs and projects they take on made me want to be a part.
How do you envision making a difference in your community?
By bringing increased awareness to our shared humanity, whether we are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, follow a non-Abrahamic religion or no religion. We all share God’s heart for the disadvantaged: widows, orphans, and our brothers and sisters who are resource and opportunity-limited, whether through oppression or finances. Awareness brings opportunity, opportunity brings participation, participation brings hope and good deeds.
What is your favorite food?
Gyros from Niko Nikos 🙂
What is your favorite movie?
The Chosen, which brings the Gospel stories to life. Here’s a line from my favorite actual movie–do you know what it is? “I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me?”
What is your favorite hobby?
Flying small airplanes! I learned in San Diego in 1993. Wooed my wife flying her from Lubbock to Ruidosa for a meal. Quit when we had our first kid. Time to get back to it with the empty nest?
