When we can respect someone as being equally a Buddha, even if unawakened, then we can relax and be joyful at being able to be in contact with that person, even if they do not practice. Then we are able to bring joy to them. That is when our Buddha can communicate with their Buddha. We are not really converting anyone; we are allowing an awakening process to begin. The length of time we may not know.
Lecture on the Lotus Sutra