Evangelism
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Question
Hello,
Perhaps I will write a letter a well, but I thought it would be prudent to send this question too. I am a fellow sister in Christ, but also a student in Arabic and Middle East Studies. Ever since 9/11 I have been fascinated with this language and this area of the world. I have always wondered about the redemptive power of the gossip in response to the challenges and events coming out of the Middle East, but have always thought that perhaps Islam was too entrenched for missionaries or the gospel to make any headway. How small was my faith! I was so overjoyed to find the book Secret Believers and this website.
I hope to study abroad in the Middle East, so I have several questions. Of course I will seek out a church there (as I always do when I move to a new place) but is there anything else that I can do while I am abroad to help the struggling church? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I will of course continue to read and follow the developments on this website and of OpenDoors international. Thank you for your time!
~Amy
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Answer
Dear Amy, its pretty exciting to read your note. You sure are brave to want to go to the Mid East to study. Unless you go to the Saudi Arabia or Yemen, I am pretty certain you should be able to find other believers. I would suggest that you make every effort to look for an international Church fellowship who often know of the condition of the local church in the country in which you are going.
Be alert to your surroundings. You are vulnerable as a woman and a Christian. Avoid going to places alone and avoid being alone with men or evnagelising to men on your own. Be sure that there are groups of peopel involved in any such project you feel God is leading you into. Be careful with how you dress and come across in your conversation.
But above all keep your eyes on Jesus and take Him and His word into every situation. We will be praying for you. Nearer the time when you have more information about your placement perhaps you want to write in again iwth more observations and questions. Many blessings and may you be filled with His wisdom and guidance.
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I just finished reading secret believers yesterday and I really want to spread the good news of the Gospel to Muslims in my area but there are not many and I do not have many links to them, what may be a good way to approch them?
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First ask God to start preparing your heart. Perhaps that is why you do not see them. God may want to prepare you spiritually and strengthen your faith, or your prayer life or your knowledge of the Bible before you start to minister. Be prepared with the Armour in Ephesians 6 and let His Holy Spirit prepare you and guide you and on your way in His time will come those to whom you have to minister. Be willing and sit at the Master's feet there you will meet others. Thank you for wanting to share Jesus with Muslims.
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I felt called by God to befriend Muslim people and have, in fact, done this. I have now started studying the Quran in an effort to understand how they think and what their thinking is on the Bible, Jesus and Christianity. I was shocked to discover that the Quran instructs Muslims in at least 3 places NOT to take Christians and Jews as friends, unless you pretend friendship in order to protect yourself from them or to get something out of them. The hypocrisy appalls me and I have to admit that it has also discouraged me greatly. You always advise people to make relationships/ friendships with Muslims on this page. How do you handle this problem? I feel distrust and a reluctance to continue with these relationships. Maybe this is a spiritual attack. I don't know. I just feel a deep sense of disgust and confusion.
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As you should! I think as Christians we should all be disgusted by hypocricy and lies. The Devil is the father and lies.
God our Father is a God of truth. Were it not for His truth the world would not be made in the perfection and balance that is made with and that withstands the lies and corruption of man. The resilience of the world around us is based on the utter truthfulness of God and the lack of all deception in Him. His faithfulness to us and to our Salvation was an act of truthfulness, an act carried out to maintain the power of truth and reality in the created order and satisfy the requirements of the law and His love for mankind.
That same God in his faithfulness for mankind looks on the deception of the Koran and is repulsed by it. But at the same time he is filled with compassion for those who are turned away from the truth on account of the lies and deception of the Koran. It is because of that compassion that He lays on the hearts of people like you to reach out to your Muslim friends.
Although we feel repuled by the lies of the Koran that is why God has brought you on this journey. Now you know what the Koran says, you know what you are up against. But it is not the fault of the Muslims in today's world that that is in the Koran. That was an act of deception and the Evil one's strategy to keep billions from coming to Christ. But Jesus wants them to be saved and he seems the desperation of the situation. Men and women are born into the Muslim faith and have no choice but to believe what the Koran tells them. They believe because that is what they are brought up with but it is not their fault that that is in their holy book.
So hate the deception but not the Muslim. Hate the lies of Islam but not those who follow them. Continue to reach out and minister. Be aware that they see you as a 'Kafir' - an unbeliever and that they intend to try to convert you. Be also aware that your mission is differnet. You do not want to convert them. That is God's work. Your mission is not convert them to Christianity to earn brownie points with God. Your mission is to show His love to them so He can work through you and minister to them. Keep up the good work and dont give up! This is spiritual warfare and this is the Devils way of making your back off. So fight it with prayer and be guided by the word of God and His finger will point the way. Spending time with the Word is very important.
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This is more of a question to the authors. I had read in the book about Alef and others in Afghanistan. This is of particular interest to me because I am planning to minister there as a career missionary. I am just interested in knowing the general location of this community of believers and if in the future through your organization if I could have communication with them and be able to meet them. It is I feel extremely important that I am connected with the native church, thus any cooperation between me and your organization would be extremely helpful. Thank you and may God bless.
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Dear Nathaniel
Thank you for your message and your interest. Nathaniel, the brothers and sisters we wrote about gave us their stories in faith and with the assurance from us that we would in no way compromise their safety. We are sorry but we cannot share with you where they are located nor can we give anyone access to them. Their situation is highly sensitive. However, it was no man who led us to them, it was the Holy Spirit who brought us together to work together. So if God is laying ministry on your heart then be obedient and ' Go Forth' . Being connected with them is what God will help you with, that is what He will achieve for you and if it be your purpose to minister it will be to the people in His plan. Be assured that where God's will takes you, His Spirit and His Word always provide the Road Map. Never Go without God and the Bible. Jesus be with you. Thank you for caring we need for passionate people like you.
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Dear Butros, six months on from my last message, we are still praying regularly for you, Ahmed and Maaria and your families. I know as a Christian the way to spread the Gospel message is through love. The confusion it seems to be with Muslims is that they see our western countries as Christian countries and that we are not really loving societies, with murders, alcohol and drug abuse, crime etc. From what I understand is that Muslims think that as western countries are nominal Christian countries, that these acts of violence and crime are done by Christians, when in fact they are not, as only a minority of my country, Australia are actually Christians, although many more may claim to be, because they were baptised in a church years ago without actually living a Christian life in any way at all. It seems that Muslims see us all as Christians when in fact, most people in my country are not. I know the answer to spreading the Gospel message is definitely through showing love to others, how do we show Muslims that it is only true Christians who love others and the evil actions done in the west are not done by Christians. May God bless you Butros, we always remember you in our prayers, my dear friend
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Gordon, you can only do so much. We cannot prove anything, we can only be obedient and in that obedience we share Jesus and demonstrate Him through our lives. Open your homes and your hearts to Muslim families and neighbours and friends, be careful of protocal and keep the injunctions of the Bible close to your heart in terms of unequal yoking and other rules for relationships and discipleship, but show love, show that Jesus give us dignity and hope and in that you will reach them. The Spirit Himself will show them what is real and honourable. You just have to obey. We had to learn that the bitter way, we too were trying to make up for this misconception and all the wrongs of those who do not know Jesus. But we cannot - we can only be faithful and obedient and God will do abundantly more than we can ask or think through our passion and love for Him. Thank you for caring. We love you too. Thank you for partnering with us in the ministry to Muslims. It is good to know we are not alone
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What to say when a Muslim might be searching for answer, but won't admit it?
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Our commitment is to the Gospel. Our commitment is to ensure that our lives demonstrate Jesus. If by the way you relate to Jesus in your every day life, your friend can see Jesus then you do not hve to worry whether they admit to you or not that they are searching. Remember the work of the Holy Spirit is His work - we need to be faithful to Jesus in our hearts and then in our behaviour- our living. Perhaps they are searching for an answer in our lives. Whether they admit it to us or not, our comitment is to Jesus nd to pray for those who do not know Him that they may know Him. Them admitting anything is by the by, what is important is 'By this shall all men know that we are His disciples if we have love one for another'. Give it time - and be patient. Jesus is at work.
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What do I say to a Libyan Muslim when he tells me that my Bible (KJV) is full of lies written by the Jews to deceive us (Christians) intentionally. And that my God approves of slavery, incest, alcholism, and whorism.
These are 2 subjects that my Muslim friend keeps throwing in my face. (I am Methodist, although I haven't been to chruch in several year, I still believe and pray to Jesus)
Thank You
Deb
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Dear Deb, this is a typical lie - part of the deception of Islam, to keep the attention off the truth of Jesus. The truth of Jesus dispells such deception and if you read the Gospels and spend time looking at the teachings of Jesus then you will see that He came to bring the law the completion, a law that was based on the very dignity of man created in God's image.
For a start do not be thrown by such lies. We on the field face this every single day. Either you can get so caught up in this debate that you miss the bigger picture or you can nip it in the bud so it does not come up again and again and you can start to talk about Jesus and Salvation.
Next time your friend brings this up, do not get confused or embarassed. For a atart ask him or her if they have ever read the Bible. They may say yes. Ask them a few basic questions like 'which books in the bible did you read? Which lies did the Jews write? Which are lies because the Koran is based on the Old Testiment as well so who decided for your friend which bits are lies and which are truth? We believe in the Old Testiment, the same Old Testiment the JEws believe in so the theory that wrote lies for us washes away. Also the New Testiment was not written by the jews of OT who did not know Jesus it was written by Jews who knew Jesus and had been touched by His teaching and the Holy Spirit and knew the power of Salvation which comes from the revelation of the Word. Your friend is making statements based on hear say not on having read the word. If they read the Bible, they will realise that it adds up.
You need to make the distinction to him or her that he needs to realise that the God of the Bible, loves the world so much that today's culture of consumerism, immorality and questionable ethics is not only in direct contradiction to his purpose for human beings (his purpose is that we may have life and have it abundantly which is what he tells us in John 10:10) but also grives him because in His purpose alcaholism, adultry, broken relationships, crime etc grieve His heart. God is holy and perfect and in that holiness and perfection there is no room for whorism, alcaholism and all those nasties that your friend throws at you.
But this is not a road I would reccomend you walk on your own. Loving Jesus, knowing Him is so precious, but fellowshipping with other believers is essential. It is there that you are strengthened and supported. The body works together. Hands are no good to the Body if they are not attached, the heart no good if it is not in the body, the mind of no use if it is not connected to the rest of the nerves. You must not walk the journey alone. Being part of a Church and fellowship group is essential to keep you safe and protected and also in a place of accountability and help.
Do not be thrown by the lies of the devil. Keep your eyes on Jesus and know we are praying for you.
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Hello,
I am a 17-year old American boy who hopes to work in apologetics / missions some day. Last year I watched the film "Behind the Sun" and I just finished reading "Secret Believers" today after borrowing it from my pastor. (I stayed up late at night to read the book, it was so good.) I wanted to let all the believers in the book (and beyond) know that I poured out my heart to God in intercession for them this morning. I have committed, to the best of my ability, to pray for my brothers and sisters in Islamic lands every single day for the rest of my life.
Last year my father and I traveled to Egypt - I was awakened by the call of the muezzin every morning. We had a stack of Arabic Bibles that a friend had given us but unfortunately we didn't dispense them because we didn't know how to go about it. What are Islamic countries' policies toward tourists who hand out Christian literature? Would it it have been safe if my father and I had tried to give the different Egyptians who cross our paths Arabic Bibles? (I want to know this because I may travel to Israel next year and I don't want to repeat a mistake twice.)
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Aaron, thank you for your prayers and pouring your heart to God on behalf of your brothers and sisters in the Muslim world. Every day we need your prayers more, every day the pain and the struggles of your brothers and sisters in those contexts that you read about become increasingly difficult and hard to cope with. Your prayers and your enthusiasm are a blessing to us. Sometimes we feel alone and isolated in this battle but when we hear the heart and the passion of young men like you we know that when our knees are week and bones broken there is a new generation of young men and women being raised up to pray for our next generation and for our needs. From your faith and your tears for us before JEsus, new strength flows through us and we are able to keep on for Jesus. Thank you.
About your question RE Bibles, do not feel bad about not handing out Bibles last time. As a praying Christian, I believe the Lord will give you wisdom about these things. I believe it is better to be safe that sorry and imagine if in your very first trip to Egypt you had been black listed from entry into Egypt again, then it would have been hard for you to go into other Muslim countries too. So I think it is always wise for people to make an initial trip just to feel a context and an environment, to get to know the people and remember as Christians if we have 'hid His Word in our hearts' then actually we are carrying the Gospel around in our lives and people are watching that big time!
It is not wise to randomly give out Bibles in Muslim countries. However having a few Bibles on you is ok as perhaps a relationship with develop with a local and the Lord may lead you to give them a Bible, or you may meet with a Seeker who has been praying for a Bible and has no access to one and you may be led by the Lord to give it to them. Aaron, my brother, the key here is leading. Be so close to Jesus, ask HIm to fill you with a spirit of Discerment so He may show you clearly who to give it to and who not to give it to. We never suggest randomly giving out BIbles, as it may attract attention by the authorities toward you and they will vent their anger either directly at you or at the local Christians you may be worshipping with and meeting. Also if you do end up with Bibles and are not able to pass them out, be in touch with the local Church and give them to them as they often have a need for Bibles or may know someone else who needs them. But the key is hearing from Jesus, He knows the hearts of men and can lead you to the people who need the BIbles in your suitcase. BUT ALWAYS KNOW HIS CERTAIN PEACE.
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I love the secret movie and book,but it doesnt seem to be working for me,I am doing all that is said,and yet nothing why,I do believe
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Are you talking about Secret Believers? Secret Believers is the story of the lives of those who are living for Jesus in the Muslim world, dying for him and being persecuted for him. It is the story of those who pay the ultimate price for being Christians in the Muslim world, for sharing the Gospel in the Muslim world and those who leave ISlam for that Gospel. These are people who rely on the Holy Spirit and His discernment and hear from Jesus in an intimate relationship. They too are doing what the book says- the Book they are following is the Bible. If you have been inspired and challenged to minister to Muslims and work among them then do what the Bible tells you 'Go Forth' be that in your school or college situation, or your home situation, or your work situation- however and wherever Jesus leads you to minister and live for Him. The most important thing for these brethren in the Muslim world is their faith in Jesus, like you they too believe and it is in that faith that He will use and guide you. Sometimes you may not see physical results, it may seem to you your Muslim friends are still closed to the Gospel but if you are praying for them and being Christ to them, then you have 'Gone Forth', then you have 'preached the Gospel' and then you have shown the love, perhaps God will use the faith and prayers of another to 'baptise them in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit'. Ours is to be faithful, to listen out for God's direction and be obedient. His is to make the plant grow and to work by His own Spirit in the hearts of men and women. We can NEVER convert anyone, that is God's work. We must only love Jesus and let that love flow out. Thank you for your heart.
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Hello Brother Andrew & Al Janssen. Based on your experience and observations, which language, Farsi/(Dari) or Arabic, has the greater need currently on the Middle East mission field in terms of believers like me learning it and then going forth to witness in these countries? Thanks very much in Christ's love.
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Dear Brother, thank you for your message. They are both pretty difficult languages to learn from scratch so anyone taking such a decision needs to be assured of the prayers of their Christian brothers and sisters. However in response to your question, the answer depends very much on where you go. Both parts of the Middle East are in dire need the Arab speaking, the dari speaking and the farsi speaking. Farsi and Dari are two different languages, though there may be some similarities they are languages of different ethnic communities. You must seek where the Lord is taking you and then learn the language of that place. If you feel God may be using you across borders then you need to learn both if you were going to be based in rural areas. However in the bigger cities of the Arabic and Non Arabic world English is commonly spoken and understood. It all depends on where you are going and where your ministry will be concentrated.
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Brother Andrew and Al Janssen: I know God is calling me to be a missionary in Saudi Arabia or Iraq. I'm a young person so that means I have lots of zeal and no wisdom. What careers would be useful to build relatioships in the Muslim world? Do you have any advice for me? For now I've been trying to memorize most of my Bible, in preparation to go. Thank you for taking the time to read and answer this.
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Dear Kristen, you have started at the right place by admitting that you have a lot to learn. God can do beautiful things with those who admit their vulnerability and are teachable. Never loose that. I will pass your email along and ask for a reply for you. But know that if the Lord is calling you then he will use your skills so seek the talents He has given you, study and do your best to fine tune your skills and your learning and then go out - He will show you whether you are best suited to a professional input or not. Many people go out as nursing staff or teachers to Saudi Arabia but in Iraq the scope for professional women is greater like banks and businesses. However be guided by the Lord, do not go unless He opens the door, and I would suggest you do not go alone make sure you go with someone who can fellowship with you and to whom you can be accountable. Young western ladies are often noticed by men in that part of the world. Men in these lands are charming and have a way with words and it would break my heart if you were to be pursued and convinced to enter into a marriage with a non believer. Life in both these countries is very difficult so see your youth as a season for preparation and training. GO on your knees and spend lots of quality time with Jesus, let Him work on you and shape you and mold you. Let these be the years of training andlearning. Perhaps in these years God will bring Muslims across your path and train you through those encounters in relationship building with them. Catch up on lots of reading and the best thing you are doing is filling up on BIble verses. What an impressive heart. I am so touched by what I read. Our part of the world needs so many more willing teachable hearts like yours. May the Lord lead you and guide you. Keep reading the blogs, I try to give some insight in there of what every day life can be like and about relationships etc... If you go be on your guard and go with the armour of ephesians 6
Your sister Maaria.
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Ahmed,Is there any way I could assist with sharing Jesus with muslims via E-mail?
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Well if you are actively persuing relationships with Muslims in your local community and developing those relationships then the opportunity to befriend other Muslims will present themselves. Emails become even more powerful when you have a relationship with the person. So ask God first to prepare you for a relationship with Muslims, then ask Him to in the right time bring Muslims to you or take you to them and then let Him guide you in the development of those relationships. Are yu at school, college, are you a professional? Through such relationships God will bring beautiful things.
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I have known muslims since the age of 14 or so. The mother and kids come down to America every summer, and go back to the middle east once summer is over. The father stays in the U.S.
The oldest daugter was telling me that she likes music. So before she went back to the middle east this summer I gave her some Christian cds to listen to.
I'm a little scared that someone will hear the music and the daugter will be in danger. What are ways of "getting" to the daugter without her being in danger?
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Well you gave her the music and she took it. Did she know that it was Christian music? Its a difficult one because though there is no doubt God could speak to her through it when about to do something like this it is essential to wait on theLord and be guided by Him in making a decision like this. Let HIM guide you. When she comes next time if she is distant then I suggest just lay off the music issue till she asks you. If she does not ask then wait till the last week of their holiday and ask her if she wants more music let her say yes or no. Also spend lots of time with her. Take her to pretty places, her mom too. The Middle East is quite dry and though there are some really pretty palces and some oases have been developed into resorts, let them get a taste of the outdoors - nature is a great place to start talking about God and Muslims are sensitive to God's handiwork and have been known to hear Him speak to them through His creation. Spending time with them will let them see the transparency of the Christian life and the dependece on God in the life of a Christian. It will help them see your relationship with Jesus and the abundant life that brings. I think you are doing a pretty good job, just remember to stay on your knees and spend tme with the Lord seeking direction - He will surely give you direction.
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Pray . I go to Thailand Nov 11, for 3 months. Pray for my safety. Pray for guidance that God will make it clear where I will go in Asia afterwards, if I have to leave England for a decade or more. Pray that I meet the right people. Pray that I may cross borders God's way (it is His world).
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We shall be praying for you our dear brother. May the Lord guide you and help you on your way and may you know His blessing, protection and wisdom. Always stay close to Him and allow Him first place in all your decision making. There are many thirsty people out there who need you to shine for Jesus - just be Christlike.
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I asked a question here about 5 minutes ago and I said there were 12.7 million modern-day slaves. My mistake. A better estimate is 27 million. Peace in Christ, Karen
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Thank you for your email. We will get back to you soon. Its quite amazing what you are doing. I did not know the numbers were so high and my heart aches. God has you in a crucial place and the potential of working with Muslims through this ministry is great. Please know that we will be praying for you as you reach out to those poeple. For now I will leave you with this - yes Islam does maintain some anount of cultural uniformity however if a slave has come to the US because they have been sold this could mean that they were nominal Muslims and involved in criminal networks for drugs, alcahol and smuggling and sometimes human trafficing is part of that. However its a BIG Question and we so appreciate what you are doing. Also look at the latest news of Pakistani girls being kidnapped by someone involved in human trafficking, please keep an eye out because some of these young ladies could be from Christian backgrounds. My heart is aching for them. You can find this news on the Secret Believers Website
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Ahmed or Salima
I am a christian and I am in college. I met a muslim girl in class. She is from Jordan. I have started hanging out with her after class. We also hang out with her other muslim friends. I am trying to witness to her, but I'm not exactly sure how to go about that. She is very adamant that the muslim faith is the only true one. She is one of my best friends, I really would like for her to get saved. She gets mad a me when I tell her about Christ. How can I witness and still be her friend?
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YOUR LIFE- your life and your walk with Jesus, your moments with Jesus, your love for Jesus, Jesus in your life that is primary. Just focus on Jesus and you do not even need to talk about it all the time. In fact wait a while, let her observe your faithfulness and your dedication to living a life worthy of Christ Jesus. Let her see how you hold Jesus in your life. When she sees that your walk is more than a religion by a way of life and that your life is about Jesus from the moment you wake up in the morning till you go to sleep and that you seek His counsel for all things and in all decisions and that that love generates love for all others then perhaps she herself will ask you. In the meanwhile walk closely to Jesus, emerse yourself in the word of God and pray for her and that God will minister to her and trust God.
I am so touched to hear you speak. It makes me so sad as well when I go through similar things with my friends. I am always scared they will reject Jesus forever. But then I remember that its all about Jesus anyway and it is the Holy Spirit that will change their hearts ultimately. We can only live as Christians. share JEsus through our lives, and with our words when the time is right. I am praying for you my precious sister. Look to Jesus. Bless you. Maaria
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Hello Maaria,
I am going to a Muslim country for an event for a couple of month. We will be working closely with Muslim children, teaching them and being with them. What can we do to share JEsus with them. Can we tell them Bible Stories, can we teach them Christian songs and talk about Jesus to them. How can we share JEsus with them because without Him or sharing Him this trip will be empty and mean nothing. Please help. We do not want to be offensive or cause trouble for Christians who live there already but we want to see young people come to knwo Jesus.
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Thankyou for your email. Firstly remember that for a couple of months you are guests in another country& treat your hosts with honour. You mention you will be working with Muslim children. I am touched that you want to make Jesus central to your trip. What some people can do in terms of Evengelism to Muslims in the West, can not be done in the same way, as easily or as vocally on the field. So please be do not take your position for granted.
As Christians you are always going to be watched, by the authorities& by observant Muslims. Let your actions speak louder than words, let your lives display Christ in every way possible, in your lifestyle, you habits, your praying, your devotions& your faithfulness to God, your very love for Him. You may not see converts at the end of 2-3 months but CONVERSION IS NOT YOUR JOB- that is the sole responsibility of the Holy Spirit - let God be God- you are agents of His love& you need to be careful. BE careful of your relationships - especially boy/girl relationships. No touching& hugging even within the group - this is offensive in Muslim cultures& if a child is hurt by such actions then all your love will hit a brick wall because boy do the walls go up fast!
Avoid starting conversations about faith. Kids are very vocal, verbal& will ask you about your faith& why you are not Muslims. In that case you must simply say 'I am a Christian I believe in Jesus, I love Him.' then take the conversation or the class back to lesson. Be focused, they may try to throw you. But you must be acutely aware of their intensions; they may even ask you if you love America& if you say ‘yes’ they may give you disciplinary trouble. Your answer should be 'I love everyone because God created us all& I do not have the right to hate anyone'.
Do not bring Jesus up unless they do. Then too be careful. Kids will go home&repeat every conversation you have&if they misrepresent or their claims are misrepresented your teaching program could be in danger of being closed down&that would bring unnecessary trouble to local believers. So please be careful you have a responsibility to local believers.
You can show a lot more love& Christian truth through your living, through spending time together praying& through having personal devotion than by speaking to them. You are there to teach, teach your subject (Maths, English, sport or craft)&let them see JEsus shine out of your attitude your dedication your faithfulness& your stewardship&honest& above all your families back home. Talk about them say how much you love them& miss them which always strikes a chord with Arabs and South Asians.
I wouldn’t advise you to share Bible Stories or songs unless you adapt them for English or music classes. Ask God for discernment. Do not talk about conversion or Islam in a derogatory light. You may get asked 'What do you think about Mohammad?' change the subject or say 'I am a Christian, I do not know about Mohammad but I do know about English let us write an essay on forgiveness today...'
Young ladies need to be careful about how you dress. Legs& most of your arms (3/4 length sleeves are best) should be covered. No shorts or tight clothing, no low necklines. Take a scarf with you so that if you are in a place where you need to cover your head you can. A scarf is handy to keep in your bag. Not because you need to be bound into the culture of the place but because this way you avoid controversy& upsetting your students. When modestly dressed your students will trust you& turn to you. Loose trousers& tops are better. You’ll be more comfortable too if you are travelling to a hot climate. T shirts should be lose& baggy for young ladies& for men always make sure you if you wear shorts then let your legs be covered upto your knees.
Do not feel you must convert the whole nation in 2 moths, just be Jesus to them. Embark on relationships and one day God may use your love&Christian living to draw them to Himself.
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I would like to know from Ahmed or Salima the best way to evangelize to Muslims without violating our peaceful Christian faith, or insulting the Muslim I want to share my faith with?
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Relationships are the key to evangelism. We have found time and again - and you will find this response in so many of the other questions people ask- if you open your hearts and your homes to Muslims, reach out - do not wait for them to come to you - go to them- if you have neighbours in the community take them cookies and start a chat, if your children have a birthday party invite them over, start a relationship with Muslim families, if you are a woman I would suggest being in touch with ladies, if you are a man then with men, its better that way but if you are a couple then you can have a collective witness to families. Let them into your lives, let them see that there is a differnece between Christian and Western, that Christianity is not about promiscuous living, alcahol and violence and that the Christian lifestyle stems from the Bible and the work of a Living God through the Holy Spirit, there is hope, forgiveness and grace. However such relationships take effort, they mean making room for people who are different, they will challenge your every day life style and the norms of your social back ground and your community. You are letting into your lives something with whom you are unfamiliar - perhaps even afraid. So pray before you start this - ask the Lord to guide you in these relationships, be careful not to jump into it, do not ask a single man into the house when there are just women at home or a single woman in when there are just men, there should be boundaries, do not divert from your regular routine,let them be part of family prayers and bible studies, invite them to Church etc... however guard your privacy and do not be drained- your job is not to convert them, thats the Holy Spirit's job- your call is share the Gospel, when they come to the Lord, then aid and support a baptism and discipleships. The Lord will guide you. Many blessings.
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Question
Dear Brother Andrew,
I have just finished reading your fantastic book and feel like my eyes have been opened to, what was for me, an unknown issue not long ago. I feel very strongly on freedom of choice and religion and for people in countries where this is not the case, it must be very difficult to worship as they wish.
What I'd like to know is this: how should I approach Muslim people in the UK on the issue of their faith and mine (I am a Christian). Should I be aiming to bring them to Jesus by asking questions about their faith, sharing mine, inviting them to the Alpha course? What should I say or do for them?
I will be praying for all people in the countries where there is no freedom of religion and also for your work to continue to flourish.
Kind regards,
James Tulloch.
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Answer
Dear James,
Thank you for your email. I am so sorry its taken so long to reply to you I must have missed your email some where.
I am touched by your concern and interest in the whole area of evangelism to Muslims. You have no doubt been following up on the debate in the UK about evangelism to Muslims. These are critical times for Christians especially in terms of the headway being made by Muslims. They are aggressively sharing their teachings and drawing people to Islam and becoming increasingly hostile to Christians even in the UK on the area of Christian evnagelism to Muslims. So your question comes at a difficult time for Christians and an evangelising church in the UK. However our Commission and calling is clear 'Go Forth...baptising'. I am deeply touched that people in the UK are concerned and are interested in being involved.
I think if your Muslim friends are open to Alpha it is not a bad idea but I think you would need to warn your pastoral/clergy team of the fact that a Muslim will be present. Remember some people are very open at Alpha and express all kinds of fears and angers, sometimes even offenses against the Church and religion - maybe even against Islam. You will need to seek the Lord and ask Him for a greenlight on this issue - also your friend must really want to be involved in discussion and want to know. There is no point taking someone who will go there to disrupt and perhaps create diversions and start discussions on Islam rather than listen to discussions on Christianity. However, if the Lord gives you peace and direction to take Muslims to Alpha go for it.
However we find over and agian that Muslims are hardly won by argument - but by love and deep meaningful relationships that demonstrate the love of God and Holy Christlike living. So make friends, open your heart and your home to Muslims and love them - ask God to give you eyes to see their needs and then reach out and minister to them. They respond best to families and family environments as thats where they come from thats what they are used to and thats what has the most influence on them.
The Bible is also important. When they see its centrality to your life and how it works into and outof your life it is a wonderful influence.
Also know that Muslims really appreciate the power of prayer. So if you ask them if you can pray for them they are almost never likely to ask you NOT to pray for them. However keep yourself equipped and informed on Islam and be ready for attack and criticism. Always respond in love, do not lose your temper and keep your eyes on JEsus. Be blessed and know you are not alone in this.
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Question
What are some key issues or words from the bible/quran that can help trigger muslims to question and hopefully eventually recieve Jesus as their savior? Are there any person favorites or stories I can share with my muslim friend?
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Answer
The God of the Bible is a God of love, certain forgiveness (if we repent in Jesus name) and Grace! No other God can demonstrate unfailing love even unto death - even death on a cross. I asked myself once what grace really was and God's grace is a stretchinable elastic unending untested love - it disciplines without ending it heals without condemning, it judges but on the repentence of a human heart it most certainly forgives! We do not have any doubt of the forgiveness that comes in Jesus name and by believing in HIs authority to forgive sins. We have a God who is certain and sure and unchanging. Whether he forgives us or not is NOT A WHIM or a personal decision and depends only on our hearts and faith. That is grace that no matter how far we go, He will still reveal his love to us and if we accept it and repent he WILL forgive. Can any other God do that.
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Question
Hi Maaria. I have started University and I am studying medical science. A few weeks ago I made a muslim friend who is origionally from Pakistan but he has lived in Australia for many years and his Dad is now teaching in Saudi Arabia so he is living with his grandparents in Australia. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on what you think would be the best way for me to show the lovw of Jesus to him?
Love your sister in Christ,
Kristen (Australia)
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Answer
Dear Kristen, Thank you for your email and your heart for Christ. Kristen I will warn you to be careful. When it comes to Muslim men its a whole different can of worms. They way they view women is very different and all their own. No matter how nominal he is in his faith he will quite naturally put you into a category viewing you as: 1. Non Muslim 2 A woman and 3 Western. These are all significant to the way he will perecieve you and behave with you. Muslim men tend to assume that Western women are easy prey and not involved with religion. My first piece of advice to you would be to be a friend but keep your distance. Discipleship we suggest be done through the Church and by several Christians- more or less of the same sex. So if there are any Christian guys at Uni, I suggest you ask them to befriend him too. Try not to go it alone that will make you vulnerable. He may think you are throwing yourself at him. Besides if you are careful with him and maintain strict boundaries to your relationship (avoid hugging and stuff). That way he will respect you and in a relationship of respect you are more likely to be able to share Jesus with Him. Just live in Christ 1 John 4:15 remember in Christ you will be guided by Christ and His Holy Spirit. As you go along you will come up with questions and issues- hold fast to your Bible- Make it known Jesus is your first love. This young man is not a project - he is a person - let Jesus deal with Him - you just love Jesus, revel in Christ and the world will see it. PRAY FOR THIS YOUNG MAN and live in Christ and He will see Christ in you. Be careful Satan draws some poisonous arrows in this. So cling close to Jesus. I will pray for you. God be with you! Keep us posted!
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Question
What is the main reasons some muslims who read the Holy Bible stay islamic? is it just ignorance?
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Answer
Yes - ignorance and also spiritual blindness but above all it is the deception and the brain washing that the devil achieves by telling them all manner of lies. They are told the Bible has changed and been altered. Then there is fear. They are terrified of the sin of 'shirk' which is to include man in God's identity and that is what they feel about Jesus. Jesus was a man and so they cannot acknowledge him as God so the Bible has got to be altered, thats why the Koran. If they do accept Jesus they will be killed. So fear becomes a major reason for them to not accept Jesus. That is why giving them the Bible is not enough. When you do that it has to go with unending prayer and an ongoing relationship in which they can see Jesus in your life and your attitudes and your behaviour.
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Question
To the authors, Ahmed and Peter....
I have Muslim friends in a Middle Eastern country. I pray for them and share my faith with them when I have opportunity but is there something more specific I should do or say. I find it very hard that they won't even read the Bible.Either they say it has been changed or they acknowledge that they should read it but they lack motivation.I gave a Bible to one of them and showed the other a website where he could get the Bible.These people have become very close friends and I would like to do more to help them to find the truth.I know I am completely out of my depth here and that the Holy Spirit must speak to them but I also feel as if there is something I am missing that I should do.
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Answer
Do not beat yourself up over it! You are right to say that the Holy Spirit must speak to them but friend Islam is a thick heavy curtain of brain washing, deception and indoctrination which blinds them and keeps them from seeing the light. Be faithful. Live in Christ, walk in his ways and above all enter in intercession into spiritual warfare for them- because the minute you asked them to read the Bible or gave it to them, you stepped on Satan's territory. Now you have to keep praying and interceding for them without ceasing. You have done the very best. Given them the options. Now as you live a Christ like life, believe me they are watching you. Some where something will click. We must plan the seed, sometimes God brings others to water it and nurture it and yet others to behold the fruit of that process. You may not see them come to Jesus but your prayers for them must continue and your own walk with Jesus must continue. Jesus your first love with become evident in their lives. Your demonstration of Christ's love and grace and salvation in your own life will touch them - so take heart and do not be discouraged. DO not condemn yourself as that is a fiery dart from the evil one. Keep being faithful and thank you for all you are doing to partner with the rest of your family in these countries. It is a blessing to know we are not alone in the Great Commission. Be blessed
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Question
Recently I have been praying that the Lord would give me the opportunity to engage and meet muslims. Two muslim ladies about my age have started attending the gym the same time as me. What would be the best way to open dialouge. I do not want to cause offence.
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Answer
I would simply start by being friendly to them. Smile at them. Greet them. Let them know you are glad they are at the gym. Then in time, you might see if one of them would like to have coffee after a workout. If she agrees, you have a chance to ask questions, find out her story.
It's like any other friendship. When she asks about you, talk naturally about who you are and what you do. In time if the friendship develops, you will have a chance to ask her about Islam and to tell her about your relationship with Jesus. Keep it personal; don't try and evangelize.
That should get you started. Then see where God takes it.
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Question
What advice would you have to anyone who wants to show muslims the Truth? What would be a good but sensitive and respectfull way of doing that?
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Answer
Like with anyone, it is important for them to see Christ's love in you. Reaching out as a friend is the best way to make a difference in this world. Do your best to share with them a servant’s heart and attitude, filled with love and companionship which are precious seeds that can be planted. It is also essential that you trust the Lord. Commit to pray for any Muslims in your life and entrust the conversations you have and the seeds that have been planted into the care of the Lord. Your job is to share Jesus - not to convert. Let the Holy Spirit work in their lives, but you pray and do that faithfully and passionately. Lastly, if you haven't checked out the Challenge section of the website I would encourage you to do so and see if it gives you some ideas as well.
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Question
I live in a city in America where there are many muslims. Do muslims allow themselves to have non-muslim friends and what is a good way to begin a friendship. I don't know how to break into their culture....
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Answer
Like with anyone, it is important for them to see Christ's love in you. Reaching out as a friend is the best way to make a difference in this world. If you haven't checked out the Challenge section of the website I would encourage you to do so and see if it gives you some ideas as well.
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Question
Hello, I am enrolled in an engineering class that last for 2 more weeks. I am Christian and am not too familiar with Islam. However, God has put me in a room with 27 Muslims, 1 Hindu, and 1 other Christian (who is the instructor). I want to reach 1 or all with the gospel truth of Jesus. How can I be most effective? I do not want to offend or allienate anyone. The truth burns in me and my desire is to share. I am in a unique position in that most do not have transportation, I do. I give rides to many members of the class everyday, my Christian music is always playing and some have even asked me questions about my faith. Several have asked to watch The Passion of the Christ, after we had a conversation about it. I have demonstrated the Love of Jesus in everything I do for them, every time I have chance to do so. They have started calling me an angel, I told them it is Jesus they are seeing in me. No response to that. Can you give me any direction? I only have 2 more weeks and want to plants these seeds well. Thank you and God bless you. I will continue praying for your ministry.
In Christ,
Jackie
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Answer
Dear and precious Sister.
What amazing compassion and concern you demonstrate. You do not need any advice or direction from us. You have taken the Great Commission to heart and have considered it important for the future of your course mates. That is not us or even you- that is the Holy Spirit who has moved you and already directed you. You are sharing with them a servant heart, a servant attitude, love and companionship- these are precious Christian seeds you have planted in their lives. What I will share with you is that you need to trust the Lord. Commit to pray for your friends and entrust that the conversations you have had and the seeds that have been planted into the care of the Lord. Your job is to share Jesus - not to convert. Let the Holy Spirit work in their lives, but you pray and do that faithfully and passionately. If you do watch the Passion of the Christ, pray before and during that and do not try to lead the conversations that come from that. let them start the conversations, litsen carefully to their comments and observations and then draw alongside them and continue as companion and friend. God bless you and continue to use you. Remember in all of this if you do not see any conversts at the end of the course do not be disheartened. Muslims coming to Christ is a pilgrimage and takes God's own time and is a process that needs our prayers. You are priveledged that God has brought you into their walk and pilgrimage to minister Christ to them. Do not rush- trust the Lord no matter what. You may not see their conversion, they may be taken far away from you, but you have planted the seeds, God may use someone else to water them and the fruit of this plant may be a blessing to yet another.
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Question
I know why Muslims convert to the Truth when they hear the Gospel, but why would some people choose Islam over Christianity? What is there in Islam that would seduce people from the love of Jesus? I feel I want to understand where people are coming from as much as possible, as I start to reach out in the opportunities I am given
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Answer
Thank you for your question and your concern. Your email echoes our concern here in Suq Al Khamis. We hear that in the West the rate of conversions to Islam is on a sharp rise. Scripture tells us that Satan masquerades as an Angel of Light. In a dark place, our eyes look for the tiniest ray of light and whatever our eyes detect we will follow. Imagine being in a dark hole with no light. Your eyes adjust, but after a few days, as with prisoners in solitary confinement, you begin to despair and search for light. Conversion is a similar experience, whether to Christianity or Islam, conversion comes when people become aware of the darkness in their godless life and need direction. In that dark hole, any form of light or anything that seems like a rescue team will appeal to the lost and lonely individual.
Without God at the center of their life and without a concept of redemption, salvation or even sin there has never been a discipline of faith or relationship with God. In their disillusionment and desperation to understand the workings of the world and society they come across the emptiness that only God can fill. Sadly in that moment perhaps a Muslim has been more affective at sharing a Creator God and Almighty God who represents honor and despises shame.
Muslims are working overtime to identify hurting people and offer Allah to them. Allah will give them reward and be pleased with them if they are good. Goodness is defined by the Koran and a morality which is drawn from the life and words of the Prophet Mohammad. The boundaries are clear and defined initially to the new Muslim, however with time the Almighty Allah becomes an insatiable god who can never be pleased, but by then the creed has been said, the promise made, and a hedge of the Islamic Ummah has been woven around them making it impossible to search any further.
One reason people make a decision to follow Islam is because perhaps someone from the Muslim faith was there for them when you and I were not. When we were too busy waiting for our cool youth event where the Spirit moves, when we could have been out in the game stands being agents of the Holy Spirit there. I believe that a lot of these conversions to Islam are an indication of our sleepiness and our waiting for a voice from heaven to tell us to go forth and evangelise.
Another reason for conversion to Islam includes marriage. When a non-Muslim woman falls in love with a Muslim man she is told that Islam allows him to have a non-Muslim wife as long as his children are brought up in the faith. If she is a Christian, she can either choose to be obedient to Scripture or she can choose to be unequally yoked and pursue the relationship. If she chooses to move forward in the relationship she will be unbelievably pressured by his family to accept Islam and conform to social and familial norms. In time the pressure will cause her to begin thinking it is better for her and for peace in her home if she converts to Islam. She also believes this will give her children some more stability.
There is also evidence that in places like Suq Al Khamis, if there are high numbers of converts to Islam you can be certain some of it is exaggerated and some of it is forced. But no conversion to Islam is a ‘wholesome’ or ‘truthful’ experience. Whether by the devil or by the converter there is a deceptive spirit at work making individuals believe they will be saved if they become Muslims because they will be in a position to please Allah and as Muslims they will be rewarded by Him for their goodness and may be able to escape judgment and hell.
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Question
Dear Brother Andrew,
I tried before but I think I made it to long and it didn't go through. My husband and I have been told that to get into closed countries you need a degree. Do you agree with this? Neither of us have much more than a high school education but are interested in serving in a country like Pakistan. What are your thoughts? Can it be done? :)
Thanks, Lisa
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Answer
On behalf of Brother Andrew I would like to answer your question. While education is important, and may be required by some missions organizations, it is my opinion that it is not necessary. In fact, it might interest you to know that Brother Andrew never graduated from high school. There may be some training or education necessary (i.e. language classes) but I don’t think a college degree is required for doing the Lord’s work.
My advice is to offer up your desire to serve in prayer and ask the Lord to bring about opportunities that will both prepare you and take you closer to that desire. It’s also important to remember that the Lord may have a different destination for you (take a look at Acts 16:6-10). So regardless of your education or your current location, my advice to you is to serve the Lord wholeheartedly (Colossian 3:23-24).
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I was recently in the U.A.E. and I visited some missionaries there. I met a man who has spent 30 years of his life trying to witness to Muslims in a certain town but has seen no Muslim converts. He says there is only a handful in the entire nation. It brought me to tears. Why has God not moved there like he did in the book? or...What is holding missionaries back from success?
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Answer
Your question is understandable; however, there are no concrete answers to give. Every mission field is different and the results will never look the same. Success on the mission field is indefinable. I would say the fact that this man has been able to devote 30 years of his life to sharing Christ within this community is a huge success. There is no telling what or how many seeds he may have planted in that time. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)
Brother Andrew is often asked about the fruit he’s seen from his more than 20 years of reaching out to groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and most recently the Taliban. Andrew answers that he doesn’t know of one convert from his witness to these groups. Still he energetically keeps going because he believes that God has told him to “Go” and he trusts God with the results.
While discouragement and frustration may seem justified, we must remember that God is in control and His ways are not our ways, nor is His timing our timing (Isaiah 55:8). God never promised us success, but commanded us to go (Matthew 28:19-20)
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You want to hear about unbelievers in America? Just take a pick in my world. My son whom I have tried to raise Christian but now he refuses to come to church just defaced the picture of Jesus in his bedroom. I am an single parent the father thinks he is a jew but doesn't follow his faith only the "World" doesn't not want to here the Word of God
Always yelling Angerely when I speak.
And my family whom we were all raised Catholic 7 of us only Half practice the faith now and the other half get mad at me when I tell them about the Love of God. It is true America is not Christian and I feel all alone with my faith. And I am extremeley sad at my situation. I have prayed for God to shine some light and not make me look like the bad guy. I'm tired of trying to spread the Gospel. And this is in America. Give me 10 good reasons why I should continue with teaching when nobody wants to know.
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My heart is heavy to hear of your hurt and frustration and I pray my words will encourage you.
You asked for ten reasons of why you should keep with teaching when no one wants to know. Actually, the fact that God commands us to (Matthew 28:19-20) is enough reason to keep going. If people reject the truth we must understand that it is their choice to do so, but it does not mean we stop sharing that truth. However, I’d like to give you some scriptures to read and pray through while asking the Lord to refresh and renew your heart towards the nonbelievers in your life.
1. Matthew 10:32-42
2. Matthew 22:36-40, If we love God we will obey Him, and if we love our neighbors we will want them to know the truth.
3. Matthew 25:14-30, God places people and opportunities in our lives and we will be held accountable for our actions.
4. Luke 6:27-36, we are called to love our enemies.
5. Matthew 5:11-12, blessed are those who are persecuted on God’s behalf.
6. Matthew 5:14-16, we are to let our light shine for the world to see.
7. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, we don’t know what part we are playing, but we are called to share the gospel.
8. 1 Corinthians 15:58
9. Ephesians 6:10-18, the enemy wants us to give up.
10. Colossians 4:5-6
11. 2 Timothy 1:7-9
12. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
I truly hope and pray that God’s Word encourages you to keep pressing on and sharing His truth with those you meet.
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Question
this question is pretty much for anyone. (whether it is a charachter of the book or the authors).
Well after reading the book i have felt a really strong calling to go to the middle east and help spread the fire that is arising in my youth group. I would really like to go and speak is there any way i can do that?
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Answer
From the author; I suggest you begin with a season of prayer, waiting on God. And then look for an opportunity to go and visit one of the countries with the intention of meeting local believers. Do not go with the intention of doing any ministry except to encourage the church and let them know you are praying for them and wanted to meet them. Listen to what they have to say. Then pray some more and see if God has called you to get involved in a more specific way.
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Question
What are other ways we can pray for you?
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Answer
Ahmed: Pray for the next generation of believers among Muslim followers of Christ. Children of MBBs really suffer. Pray that the church will be more sensitive to the needs of MBBs. Pray for the national churches in Muslim countries, that they will hold up the Gospel and come to a full faith in Jesus. Pray for real partnership between national churches, MBBs, and various Christian agencies. Finally, pray for a real mission heart. As you know (from reading Secret Believers) we want to see many Muslims become followers of Christ. Please pray for a great harvest!
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Question
Have you thought about leaving the Middle East for a safer place in the west? What made you stay?
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Peter (see pp. 246-49 in Secret Believers): The first years of my faith I looked at people who emigrated as traitors to the cause. Now I think I was too strong. I now accept that some have to leave because of threats on their life. We have experimented with migration within country. But as for me, I believe this should be an exception. We stay because we want to be change agents in our society.
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