General
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Question
my faith seems to move mountains in theory but sometimes i have problems with molehills _cant move them i need to win souls is this normal for christians
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Answer
I read your question and the thought came to my mind that faith only needs to be the size of a mustard seed, not the size of a mountain or a mole hill. It is not the size of what lies before us that is important, God will move that where and when he pleases (even if it is the hearts of people we want to win) the specification we have been given is for the most important ingredient, our faith and our prayer- a mustard seed sized faith and unceasing prayer.
Yes we do make the mountain look bigger than our faith and that is usual for Christians because we look to the mountain rather than the mountain maker. Sometimes winning a non believer seems like a mountain. Our job is to testify and point the way to jesus and live in obedience to Him, winning the soul is Christ's job. Bless you and keep on praying for those who do not know Jesus.
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Question
With all respect for Your suffering and pain, I still would like to remind You of the fact that every Christian's first duty is to spread the Word of God. Please read Rom. 10:13-14
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I believe that that is the most important thing ever. Without the word there would be no suffering. The suffering comes because of the Word because the Word is a double edges sword. The Word needs to be lived out and when we live it out and others see it the spirit in them responds to the Holy Spirit and presence of Christ in our lives. Then the suffering comes. So please do not think for one moment that suffering supercedes the Gospel, it is a consequence of the outworking of the Gospel in our lives. I assure you that the Word of God is precious to us that is why we advocate that believers need to be given access to literacy skills so they can be able to read the word of God for themselves.
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I was in Pakistan 20 years ago I am going in March 09 how will I find it ?
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Well, you are in for a surprise and yet in some ways you will probably have a sense of the Pakistan you remember with every step you take. The Pakistan you remember, the airports and the greeting you get when you see them, new improved, better systems, computerised systems and messaging but the same 'people environment'. My people continue to be nosey, we continue to find a foreigner ínteresting' and when we stare at you - which will take many generations to change- we do not do it out of rudeness but because we are conjuring up in our imaginations, something to connect you to, a family, a wife, a girlfriend, children, aging ailing parents. The whole idea is to fit you into a context and make you human, perhaps fit you a context which is peaceful and not political and western, but something they feel they can cope with - were you to talk to them. The last few years have seen major leaps in development of infrastructure, you may find better roads (depending on where you go) you may find better water and sanitation, more food options and McDonalds. But the hearts and minds of people, though welcoming and hospitable have become more disillusioned and untrusting. There is a level of fear and you may sense that fear and tension. Be careful as a foreigner though most people are harmless and will be helpful please be watchful and keep someone informed of your movements all the time. Get in touch with a local church and become connected to Christians in the country. In general Pakistan is struggling with who she was and she is becoming, she is struggling to maintain her identity and to fight the agenda of those who lead her into the days ahead. In general Pakistan is a beautiful country that has not been respected and allowed to develop, that is what you find there a gulf between those who want Pakistan to develop on religious grounds, those who want her to develop socially and culturally embodying dignity and education and those who want to use her and manipulate her for their own purposes- in all of these you will find those desperately in need of the love of Jesus and Salvation.
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Maaria, I always hesitate to compare the problems you face in Pakistan with the problems we face in the United States because yours are so much more severe and you are in such a dangerous position. But I have to tell you that your blogs from 2/13/09 and 2/15/09 really hit home. The struggles you are having with your youth group are the same ones that we have here. Kids who love the Lord and are afraid to display to the world that they are Christian because it may give God/Christians a bad name. Kids who try so hard to "blend in" with the "post-Christian" culture because they are so afraid of what people will say. Kids who are so obsessed with their appearance that we have 7-year old girls dressing like 22-year olds. Kids who are so obsessed with how they look that they become anorexic and bulemic and have plastic surgery before their bodies are even fully formed. I know that your situation has more dire consequences than we do here, but also know that the prayers you are praying for your youth there are the same we are praying for our youth here on the other side of the planet. No matter how it feels, we are not as alone as it may feel.
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Answer
Thank you for your email. Well that is what I want to share with you. That is what I want Christians in the rest of the world to understand, that we face the same temptations and attacks of the evil one. It is just that ours are driven by a different context so our solutions have to be slightly different but the solution maker is the same. In our case the consequences of being a Christian mean death and so somewhere along the line we have learnt to WALK THAT LINE, that tight rope and this perversion has evolved. So pray for us at this time. PRay that we will not feel we can only share Jesus by having a great body and great wardrobe, but by honouring the temple of the Holy Spirit.
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Question
Do you believe in JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR? I BELEAVE IN jesus christ THE son OF god .DO you beleive Jesus DIED on the Tree for our sin? I DO .
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Yes those of us involved with this website believe Jesus is the Son of God and is our Saviour and died on the Cross for our sins and because of that we have eternal life. Praise God.
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Question
sometimes i feel like god isint there for me. How can i make sure he is and really believe he is always there?
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It is not uncommon to have these feelings. I think we all have them at one time or another. Hebrews 11:1 tells us "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we not see." Believing in God and having the confidence to know that is always there for us begins with faith. While our faith will falter God does not. One thing I do to help strengthen my faith is journal about those times in which God has met my needs so that when I am in another difficult time I can read my journal and be reminded of God's faithfulness. I hope this helps.
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It has been a privilege to pray for my brothers and sisters risking their lives for the Gospel of Jesus. You courage and perseverence has challenged my faith in Christ. I will continue to pray for you and encourage other Christians to do the same. You perseverence and passion for Christ has challenged me in my faith. Blessings, Marcia
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Dear Marcia, challenge and passion and perserverance all comes from the Lord. It is His spirit. If He has used us the team of Secret Believers to bless you all praise to the Lord and all prayers for the saints who risk their lives for the Gospel every single minute. Thank you for your prayers and your message. What a blessing to know that many are coming to a place where it is important for them to pray for the other half of their family.
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Is God real?
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Debating the reality of this website is not the purpose of this website. Our premise is based on God, the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit. Our website exists not to prove he exists but to share that because He is real and omnipotent He is able to be with those who suffer for knowing Him, and be with those who are at risk for declaring Him as God. Those who must believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, The Bible and its teachings, but must do so in secret are called Secret Believers and it is them that this website seeks to serve to be agents of the love of that God who suffered for human beings, so through faith in His son Jesus we can have eternal life.
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Dear Maaria,
I just wanted to tell you that I am praying for you. Rest in God's love and stay strong as you fight the devil. We Christians have the victory--someday I will see you.
Love,
Meg
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Dear Meg,
Thank you so much for your message. It means ever so much to me. Yes we victorious - praise God. Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for my country.
Blessings
Maaria
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Question
What & how can I pray for you?
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Right now your question comes at a time when we need pryer on every level. Prayer that there will be a sense of dignity and respect toward others in this nation - that those who believe in Jesus will be seen for just an instant even as people with rights and people who deserve quality of life. SO many brothers and sisters are being beaten up and hurt and so many of us have to face hatred and isolation from the minute we step outside of our Christian groups. It is tiring and many many of those who suffer this rejection and uncertainty and persecution in the Muslim world do not dare raise their voices for fear of the consequences for themselves and their beloved families.
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God willing I will be visiting Egypt shortly for a couple of weeks. Any advice with what I could take or do while I am there.
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Take your bible and while you are there pray for the people you are in touch with. Let God guide you in your conversations, be careful not to be in anyway insesnitive - try not to make any comments about Mohammad - remember you will be watched- be Jesus in your lifestyle and know that we will be praying for you. Just treat the people with love and respect. Actions speak louder than words
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Maaria -
I am writing to let you know that I am praying for you continually. You come to my mind frequently. Your story & testimony for Christ has greatly impacted me.
Blessings - Cecilia
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Thank you so much for your encouragement. Your emails and love are precious to me and go a long way in strengthening me and helping me as I witness for Christ every day. Bless you- Maaria
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Nadira,
Hello, dear Sister! I just wanted to write you a few lines of encouragement, letting you know that I and others are praying for you and your ministry. I feel your pain and weariness and am so sorry for that. I understand that you have joy in Christ in the midst of the rest. That is good. Please know how much I admire you, your family, your ministry and the many like you. I have recently spent some time in LaHore and love the people and country very much. It is a shame that for security reasons, I can never meet you face to face, but please know that I love you and will continue to pray. God bless you!
Susanne
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I will pass your email on to Nadira and share your love with her when I am able to do so safely. I am sure she will be encouraged. Bless you and thank you for your prayers and thoughts and love. I know she so needs this.
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James/Ahmed/Others
First of all my prayers are with all of you daily. I pray that you all will be strengthened by the knowledge that Jesus is continually by your side and that He "will never, never, leave you or forsake you". I also pray that God's words from Hebrews 13:20-21 will encourage you: "May the God of peace........equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Now, to James and others who need jobs, I would like to know what I can do to help. I am wondering if an internet based design/drafting service would be a possibility in your country. The equipment requirements would be a PC with design software (i.e. AutoCAD) and a high speed internet connection. The job skills would require computer literacy and some technical education (math, etc.). The advantage of this type of business is that the drafting/design work could be sent from the U.S. to the designer (anywhere in the world) via the internet. After the designer completes the work the finished drawing could then be sent back via the internet. There would be no need to mail or to deliver a product back and forth and the raw and the finshed "product" is merely an electronic data file. I have been thinking about this for some time and have been praying about this and am looking for God to lead and guide in this area as well. Please let me nkow any thoughts.
Your brother in Christ
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Thank you for your encouraging message to James/Ahmed/others.
We appreciate your thoughtfulness concerning the idea of an internet design/drafting service. We have actually given some thought to similar ideas which require training and employing persecuted Christians in various computer fields. Presently we are not ready to expand that, due primarily to security concerns as well as other issues. But please continue to pray about this and perhaps someday soon there may be opportunity to do something. I’m sorry we can’t be more specific right now. Thank you for your understanding.
Blessings.
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Question
Can we send letters to the secret believers to encourage them?
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Dear Friend if you write to us we will pass on the encouragement to believers by a safe channel. So they are protected and also encouraged.
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Maaria,
I don't mean to burst your bubble about the Apostles Creed but it's not from God.
I mean it's not in the Bible.
You should go on the internet and look it up to see the history of it. It was only written to unite other Christian Churches to the Catholic Church.
Charlene
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My dear Sister, you are not bursting my Bubble about the Apostle Creed. I do not say that it is essential for us to say it. Nor do I say that we are doomed if we do not say it. However you used the key word- UNITE. It unites us in the declaration of the Gospel. Have you read the words of the Apostle's Creed. Please do. I am not asking you to make it a part of your pattern, routine and tradition. But where we are, it is important to declare the truth of the Gospel and the unity of the Body of Christ. It strengthens us and reminds us why we fight the fight and walk the walk. If you are worried about the words 'I believe in the Holy Catholic Church' then take heart sister, the word, 'Catholic'means UNIVERSAL and not ROMAN CATHOLIC. Also in our context we really are the United Church - we do not divide on the basis of denomination. We Unite on Jesus and the Holiness of the Gospel and the Unchanging uncompromisable WORD OF GOD. Nothing in the creed is UNBIBLICAL. Bless you my sister.
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Peter answered someone else's question in general- what do you mean you need people (missionaries)with maturity- age? experience? spiritual maturity?
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I think a combination of all of them really- definitely experience and spiritual maturity. The reason age is an important factor is not that it is a pre requisite for maturity but it does promise physical strength and character and also what one gains with age is invaluable. For example I would not advise an 18 year old to up and go without a solid support base and back up and without a clear clear call of the Lord.
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Question
how is the government official in the book secret believers? is he still holding the faith?
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Tthank you for asking. His eyes are still firmly fixed on the Lord. Continue to pray for him because his job and life are full of challenges and difficulties and without your prayers he is no where. Pray that he remain protected and that he remian in power and able to speak God;s word nd bles the nation
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Can I just be a secret believer?
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If you mean you want remain secret and not share with anyone else that you have decided to follow Jesus but are not able to do so- then yes! We understand that there are many thousands of believers who know Jesus and have accepted Him as their Lord and Saviour but are not able to declare that faith. This may be because of where you live, the religious and political restrictions and pressures on you and your identity. However in your walk with Jesus, be sensitive to His guidance, the day may come when He calls you to make your relationship with Him known, either to win others to the Lord or because you have to make a stand. Being a secret Believer is a reality to many of the members of the Body. We stand with you and pray with you. God's many blessings.
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Is it very difficult to enter these countries, where Christians are suffering?
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Most countries are accessible and you can go there freely as a tourist and then follow the Lord's leading and guidance to be sensitive to the environment.
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How has the L-RD ministered to you in your circumstances?
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As it says in the Bible if every thing were recorded then no book could hold it all – such is as the mercy and goodness of our God because in all things He ministers to us and blesses us through His words, His Spirit and His power. However much of that happens because saints are praying for us and to encourage you I will share just a few of the many wondrous experiences God gives us of His ministering in difficult time.
When Jadaoon was kidnapped and taken to a remote part of the country above his bed in the ceiling was a hole from where he could have seen the stars and gazed at the beauty of God’s creation. In stead right there was a snake- the man eating variety. Every time he looked up this snake was there staring at him. Jadaoon testifies that even the sound of the captor sharpening his dagger was not so fearful as the sight and hiss of that snake. He was able to refuse all invitations to embrace Islam but the snake totally freaked him out. Until the day he prayed and rebuked it. And from that day on he was able to look out the hole and what he saw was the hole transformed from just a hole in the ceiling to a vision of the globe with the faces of men and women around the world praying for him. How true because there were men and women praying him through those days and eventually the captors were not able to keep him hostage any longer, they released him and the snake never even touched him!!! Lets just praise God for his goodness!
Another example is of times when we have been so stifled or felt so exposed to the watchful eye of the Authorities and those who seek to eradicate the Church from the Islamic world that we have been unable to breathe. Making eye contact with people on the street becomes impossible because there is a spirit of fear that tries to paralyse us. However in those times we have over and again experienced the hand and the presence of God drawing alongside us. God has put a song in our hearts and has shown us His face, has smiled on us and has guided us saying ‘this is the way walk ye in it’.
There are so many ways in which God ministers to us and I urge you to keep on your knees for your brthren in the persecuted Church because then you become a channel for those wonderful gifts. I recommend you keep coming back to the website because the testimonies of God’s goodness are non stop- Alleluia!
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Question
Do Mbb's have problems in their christian walk from the lack of rituals?
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You Bet!!! You have actually hit the nail on the head! It’s the hardest part of the conversion process for an MBB. Its like being on medication for a very long time. You stop taking it and your body does not quite know what has hit it. It takes a while for your body to get used to not having the medication. Similarly rituals in Islam as in any other religion such as Hinduism or even to some extent Judaism, suggest a physical support to your spiritual beliefs.
When they first come to the Lord the lack of adherence to set times of prayer is something that is hard for them. Especially if they live in Islamic contexts. In that case it is harder with the Islamic Call to Prayer reminding them five times a day of the need to please God with prayer. The problem is not so much as the need for ritual as the connotation that rituals have- i.e. that only by performing these rituals can you please God. Therefore they need to be reminded constantly that God does not need them to do anything and that the ultimate ACT has been carried out on the cross and that frees them from needing to 'do' to please God. The struggle is to move away from the stronghold of the ritual into the loving embrace of a relationship with Jesus.
The 5 times of prayer are not the only example. There is also the fasting, the almsgiving, the pilgrimages and the sacrificing of the animal for forgiveness. These are all rituals which are semi assurances of God's pleasure in an individual. However the failure to practice these brings with it fear of displeasing God and not putting in their own physical and spiritual energies in pleasing Him. Therefore an MBB needs support against the spirit of fear and doubt at times like this.
Thank you for your question. It is very very important as rituals also define the community and social life of Muslims and the Islamic brotherhood which becomes an individuals’ 'family'. Ritual therefore connects individuals in a community. Loss of community leads to loss of ritual which reaffirms that they have been disowned by the community. At the same time acceptance of Jesus means the Holy Spirit will convict the MBB and they will stop practicing certain rituals and will no longer be in the mainstream of the community and will eventually lose relationships and community support.
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As a Christian in faith and praying for the persecuted church, do I need to read up on the history of Islam and Muslim to understand why ppl. read the Koran and of Jesus in there and yet cannot accept the Bible and Jesus? The book Secret Believers opened up more questions than answers about why ppl. follow, convert and become suicide bombers. But then I know about the Crusaides and their ugly history in the name of God and Jesus. I'll keep the brothers in faith lifted up in my prayers.
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I don’t know if it is necessary for you to read up on the history of Islam to understand why people read the Koran or why people choose to convert. What is important to understand is that Satan is the father of lies and he will use whatever lies are necessary to pull people away from the Truth. There are many who convert to Islam in hopes of relieving their hurts. People who become suicide bombers are often doing so to remove shame and bring honor to their family. You may also want to read through some of the questions and answers that have been previously posted on our website within the Ask a Believer section. I would encourage you to keep praying for the persecuted church and pray for those who are seeking that they may see through the darkness of Satan’s lies and find the Truth that will set them free.
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Dear secret believer
what are you'r material needs? and is there a good way (wether with open doors or not) to send them?
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Thank you for asking about our material needs. Unfortunately there is no safe way for you to send things to us. The best way of support is to be praying for us and to share our stories with those around. If you wish to do more the best thing to do is connect with an Open Doors office and ask how you can help. Blessings.
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How can I pray effectively for those believers in Afghanistan ?
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Pray for the small number of believers in Afghanistan, as they face strong opposition and threats from authorities and relatives—and some have even been killed. Pray for their encouragement, strength, and protection, and pray that strong leaders would emerge from the Christian community.
Praise God for the availability of the Psalms in Dari since February 2007! Pray for the translation team as they finish working on the Old Testament.
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I find it difficult to hear about what is happening and not be able to doing anything besides pray (which I know is very important.) What is the best way for the church around the world to encourage you?
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From Al Janssen: That is why we wrote part 2 of our book, presenting four challenges to the church in the west. I would particularly point to challenge #3—we need to show the world what Jesus Christ looks like. That will be the best way to encourage our brothers and sisters living under Islam.
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How can i donate? i'm working in Qatar (middle east)
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Depending on if you want to donate to something specific or not, the best way is to connect to one of the Open Doors sites and donate through their site. We currently have a campaign for donating money towards sending Bibles to MBB’s through the USA office in which a $125,000 matching grant has been donated, visit www.opendoorsusa.org for more information.
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For Brother Andrew - Thank you for the devotionals. You say you can recognise Muslim Men by the way they walk. I wonder if you can explain this a little more please. Thank you, Julian.
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In this particular context Brother Andrew was referring to the fact that Muslim men walk in front of their wives. There are other ways to recognize them. For example, some devout Muslim men wear a white cap to show their devotion.
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How can I best pray for you?
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Here are some specific prayer requests from the following countries:
Iraq: Continue praying for the translation of the Scriptures into the Kurdish dialects. Pray that the translators will find peace about the correct wordings and that the war does not slow down this important process.
Iran: Pray for our brothers and sisters, the house groups, and the churches in this land, that they will remain strong in the midst of unrelenting persecution.
Afghanistan: Praise God for the availability of the Psalms in Dari since February 2007! Continue to pray for the translation team as they finish working on the Old Testament.
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Hi Friends, having just bought your book "Secret Believers" I'm a little concerned what Father Alexander says on page 20, "Protestants" are his biggest problem. Obviously he's a Roman Catholic Priest, not his real name I understand, but then on page 23 where Ahemed goes to visit the Priest, the book tells me the door was opened by the Priest's Wife ?? Is this a Roman Catholic Priest who has married ??or has there been an error in the printing. Do please respond to this question. Thank you so much and God bless. Harold
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Answer
Dear Friend, even in the Anglican Church priests are sometimes called 'Father'. However in the book we are portraying to you the presence of the Orthodox and Coptic Church presences in the Muslim world like the Syrian Orthodox or the Egyptian Coptic Church and priests from these communities are allowed to marry. Also in Islamic countries the use of the word Protestant is sometimes to identify evangelical and free church movements like Baptist Churches and Assemblies of God etc... This is just to project some of the tensions between different Christian groups. I hope this helps.
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Question
Does it help keep your faith in Jesus to know that we have a future hope at His second return when He will make everything right and that we are not of this world?
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Dear Friend, This hope is Christian joy. Whether in the midst of heavy spates of persecution or phases when our persecutors ease the pressure, our Joy is our Hope in Jesus and Our Hope in Jesus is our Joy. The truth of the Promise that we will live eternally with Jesus is our spiritual energy and what gives us direction . Pray that we would never lose sight of this truth and hope and would be able to share this gladness with many others who do not have this. It grieves us that Jesus' heart grieves at those who do not accept His promises and gifts so they too can live with Him in eternity.
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When Muslims pray, or think about God, what do they typically ask for or think? What main concerns do they have? How do you see their religion "falling short" of their needs?
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The idea of access to God is key here. We access God, because through Jesus He gave us Christians the right to come to Him in whatever state we are, at whatever time and whenever. We are not bound by timing or ritual. Grace is what characterizes our relationship with God. The element of grace and Jesus coming into the world, taking on the flesh of man is what makes it possible for us human beings with finite minds to understand and 'perceive' God. Outside of that how would we envision God? How did David in the Old Testament envision God? How did Moses understand God? How did the Prophets experience Him and perceive Him? We have the advantage of a visual benchmark and a God who came and made His will and purpose and heart for mankind known through His life on earth, His actions, His sermons, His teachings, His miracles, even, His death and resurrection. The Old Testament prophets were just that – Prophets, they heard the word of God and His promises for the coming Messiah which put the suffering and judgment in perspective and priority. This influences the way in which I as a Christian approach God in my prayers. The key here is access. As a Muslim, that access does not exist and so the God they approach they do so without an image, a picture, a thought or even a Promise. They come to a 'Divine Being', Allah, who gave the Koran, and commands. Promise and hope are not the concrete basis from which they pray. What they do then pray about - is built into a frame work which has been given to them and is a requirement to follow. As a result the element of a personal relationship with God is missing and prayer is based on the need to please and appease Allah - a distant God who only requires mankind to fulfill the law and please Him.
As most Muslims have very community-centered backgrounds their main concerns include their families and that their “Islamicness” should be pleasing to Allah. Their prayers focus on the needs of their children, their parents, and that God enables them to be Good Muslims and Good human beings who fulfill their roles as parents or children or students or husbands and wives- out of a love and a sense of responsibility toward those who are in their familial and community groups. However they are always grappling with the requirements of the law. Islam is a law based religion, functioning on the role of individual behavior and obedience to the law. The essence of Grace is missing and this sense of love and grace not being in the equation is what makes it different from Christianity. It was by Grace that God was willing to go beyond the sinfulness of man and allow His Son to enter into our realm and engage with us through His life as we have already seen.
I hope that this answers your question. We believe in a God who says 'I AM'. This is what sets Him apart.
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Question
I have began praying daily for muslims all over the world.If I wanted to contact a believer say in Africa and corraspond with that person how might I go about that? Thank you
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Answer
Because of security concerns, we cannot put you in direct contact with a specific individual. However, we do want to allow you a chance to encourage them and that is why we have developed an email address for several of the characters in Secret Believers. You may write to Ahmed or Salima or one of the others and we will see that your message is delivered to the person or persons behind that name. If you go to the Character Confessions on the website, you will find a link to send these emails.
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Question
is it possible for me to have email communication with a christian arab? if so, how?
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Answer
Because of security concerns, we cannot put you in direct contact with an Arab Christian. But we do want to allow you a chance to encourage them and that is why we have developed an email address for several of the characters in Secret Believers. You may write to Ahmed or Salima or one of the others and we will see that your message is delivered to the person or persons behind that name. If you go to the Character Confessions on the website, you will find a link to send these emails.
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Question
How are you able to endure your suffering?
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Answer
We may not all be born into a knowledge of Jesus (those born to Christians grow up knowing about Jesus) but most people in my country grow up knowing about God. Each one who is born-very early on-accepts God's existence. Our understanding of God may be unique and distinctive in comparison to that of Muslims, but we all have this deep awareness of Him who is higher than us. But when we know Jesus, having a relationship with Him means we rely deeply on constantly keeping in touch with Him. We are used to looking for God in a situation. Even in the suffering. When we seek Him in persecution and in loss and suffering, He reveals purpose and wisdom and promise to us. Whether we are born Christians or whether we are converts from Islam, the Word of God, the Bible, holds a very important place in our lives. It is the word of God and so is treated with utter respect. Christians in my part of the world have realized that unless we know our Scripture we are like soldiers without a sword. In difficult times it is that Sword which has protected us and has gone before us. In difficult times the Holy Spirit gives us ears to hear His words and brings promises from Scripture to us that become more joyous and bring more rejoicing than any amount of physical persecution. Some Christians have been persecuted so intensely that they have been tempted to contemplate suicide and apart from a few rare sad occasions-the Word of God has drowned out the evil thought of suicide and saved us from self destruction.
Sareena said about her suicidal feelings when Amjad broke their engagement and married a Muslim woman of his parents choosing:
'I wanted to kill myself. All the hard work, his acceptance of Jesus and all the discipleship classes felt null and void in those early days. I felt as though I did not exist. The only thing that existed was pain and a desire to end the pain. Not some dramatic voice telling me to kill myself, just tiredness and betrayal that I did not want to face. But because I had committed my life to Jesus and given myself to Him long before meeting Amjad, I was under His blood and I was His property and so Satan was not able to scream death and destruction over me and touch me. In time the Lord strengthened me and healed me and the support and prayers of my brother and parents (Christians) kept me from going under. Only after the floods went down did I realize what I had been through and the way God had sustained me.'
We do not endure or tolerate the suffering; the Holy Spirit equips and teaches us to love Jesus so much and our reliance on Him so great that “when we are unable He is able!” (Romans 8:26-27 & 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
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Question
How can we explain it when Muslims see in their own faith people are being healed miraculously by God but not through Christ?
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Answer
Growing up in the Muslim world, I always found these comments to be the most difficult and yet critical to deal with. The problem comments like this, is you never know where the ‘speaker’ or the ‘healed person’ stand in their walk with God.
First, be aware these healings can be completely made up as an attempt to draw Non Muslims to start looking into Islam. On failure to experience the same level of spiritual highs the simple explanation is ‘It was not God’s Will.’ By then it is too late to turn away from Islam as the decision to enter the fold of Islam is a one time and one way decision. When such claims are made always ask questions (being led by the Holy Spirit) ‘Where did this happen?’ ‘Who was this person?’ ‘Have you met them since the healing?’ ‘Did you see them while they were sick?’-but be gentle and loving in the way you ask them-never attack.
Second, these healings can be taken out of context and come down the grapevine through extended family and community connections and by the time it has reached you it has changed thoroughly in the essence of it-which is why the questions are so important.
Third, what is most important is to remember that Islam is in essence a spiritual religion. It has a strong base in spirituality and therefore has a strong belief in God being healer and miracle worker but that is only a far removed God who is in Heaven. Though God/Allah is a Spirit, there is no context of the Holy Spirit and so the spirituality at work is not the same as the Holy Spirit of the Trinity-it is based on the Islamic teaching that God created three types of beings: man, animals and Djinn (spirits-good and bad). These spirits are under the influence of the prince of darkness and have the ability to use their powers for both good and evil. The difference between their work and that of the Holy Spirit is that any healing done by them is superficial as their goal is to keep Islam followers from finding Christ and Life. Their very aim is to work as deterrents for people, keeping them from finding Christ-the Way, the Truth and the Life. We are told in the Bible about the prince of darkness masquerading as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)-it is this masquerade, at which he is a ‘pro’ and is able to exercise his power over the flesh. So it is important as Christians to exercise the spirit of discernment as the Holy Spirit reveals to us the enemy’s ploys and strategies.
Finally, healing is relative to the sickness-what is sickness and disease? As Christians we see healing as anything that restores us physically, spiritually and emotionally to the wholeness Jesus has promised us. However, unless Muslims have experienced the ‘abundant life’ that Christ promises (John 10:10), they do not truly understand the concept of healing which incorporates ‘wholeness’ and ‘abundance’ of life in regular day to day communion with Christ through our walk. Therefore healing from one set of symptoms or release from one set of difficult circumstances which does not relieve the individual from the stress of the situation or minister forgiveness and banish resentment and vengeance seems like a good enough manifestation of healing in Islam.
Therefore I suggest that you ask a lot of questions about the healing and those involved. Suggest that as a Christian you believe in spiritual healing and God’s power, but as a Christian you also understand that true healing has to do with the promise of eternal life and not just ‘signs and miracles.’ Remember Jesus’ healing always transforms the ‘whole’ not just the physical symptoms (Matthew 9:1-8).
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Question
In the book on page 249, James and Peter talk about visitors coming from the West. Are they talking about short visits of encouragement and learning, or long term living there and joining in on the ministry?
Also, when Peter says "don't bring power" - is he referring to being subtle?
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Answer
They are referring to short term visits. In order for one to go for longer visits it is important that you have first spent some time over there and have heard from God that you are in fact to go for a longer period.
As far as Peter's comment about not bringing power, it is important for Americans to go into these countries with open hearts and minds. Often Americans go into these countries and feel they have all the answers, including money and infrestructure, and fail to see the real issures at hand. I have found that if you go in with the right spirit you will often gain more than you give.
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Question
Is there a way that we can write persecuted imprisoned believers as a way of encouragement? Thank you so much for your book! My husband has spend late nights staying up reading it, and it has been a blessing and motivator to us both. May God bless you in your work and cause us to be available in whatever ways He can use us to reach Muslims and encourage MBBs.
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Answer
Thank you for your interest in writing to the imprisoned believers. We are currently working out a way for readers to write to several characters in the book and others like them without endangering their security. So please give us a little time and we will announce this opportunity on the secretbelievers.org website when everything is ready.
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Question
are muslims really afraid of the christian faith because of the change it makes in the life of the individual or are they too proud to accept the truth?
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Answer
Islam is a religion which claims to be God's final revelation to mankind through Mohammad. This sense of finality encourages a sense of -dare I say - arrogance! This is little more than just pride. Certainly this can be a very real reason for a Muslim refusing to accept Jesus. Even in our own Christian walks, we can see the danger of arrogance and pride in terms of the development of our own faith and our obedience to Christ.
The other part of your question is just as much a reason for Muslims refusing to accept Christ. Fear is a nasty weapon that the evil one uses to attack those who encounter Jesus. In Muslim communities there is so much precedent for persecution of converts that this is bound to happen.
Both are serious factors which affect the way a Muslim responds to Jesus and belief in Him. Both these factors need to be treated with intense prayer and seen as weapons of spiritual warfare so be encouraged that they cannot prosper in the face of the Victorious work of the cross and prayer in Jesus name.
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Question
How do Muslim women feel having to be covered all the time?
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Answer
You have asked a very important question. No Muslim woman should be seen as a stereotype. All women come from different backgrounds in terms of how orthodox they are, what kind of family they belong to, whether they have had a formal education, whether they have carried on to professional education and whether they have a choice as to whether they cover up or as it is called in Islam ‘observe hijab’.
This affects her approach to the scarf and long black coat and veil. As you may have noticed some wear the ‘whole deal’ and others will wear western clothing which covers their arms and legs and is not very tightly fitted or figure revealing. All this depends on the individual and thus how we must view them – unique in both their approach and understanding.
Some people are forced to wear the Hijab. But that could mean 2 things-
1. They are very comfortable with covering up because that is all they have known and ‘hijab’ extends to every part of their lives including segregation in the household – ie it is a state of mind which protects their modesty, virginity and sexual identity as Muslim women.
2. On the other hand- perhaps ‘hijab’ is only expected of them after they reached puberty, and prior to that they had considerable freedom to engage with men and the outside world, the transition could be much harder and they could grow to resent the hijab deeply as it becomes a symbol which constantly reminds them that to the community they have turned into a potential sexual threat that needs harnessing.
The ‘habit of the hijab’ can become a security system for many Muslim women who feel threatened by the western world’s over exposure to sexuality and the consequential sexual promiscuity. The ‘hijab’ becomes a cocoon for them where they are safe and their sexuality is safe for their husbands. More importantly the hijab is to keep them ‘clean’ for God who should only be approached in holiness and modesty. It is most disrespectful to approach God in any other way – in fact it is a sure way of angering Him.
On the other hand, there are those women for whom the hijab is a personal choice. They have chosen to wear it and observe this kind of lifestyle either for spiritual reasons or because they are challenged to maintain and preserve their Islamic and national identity to the world. The hijab has now emerged as a fashion statement as women have found increasingly attractive ways to design it or tie it so it has moved on from the traditional plain black. It is also a political and religious declaration. However, no matter what the declaration being made, it is unable to declare grace and love.
No matter what they intend to project in the wearing of the hijab, from my own relationship with Muslim women who are close and precious friends of mine, I know that the moment when they walk through the doors of their homes and are in a ‘safe’ environment the relief and comfort of removing the head scarf and/or the coat is undeniable. It rejects the freedom the West has come to project – ie sexual and social freedom while seeking to declare a faith which has respect and honour at the heart of it. However, at the of the end day no matter what the motivation ultimately be, out of conviction or out of a sense of loyalty- they are all aware it is an imposition and something they are required to do to
1. Please Allah
2. Keep the anger of their community at bay and
3. Be accepted as good Muslims.
No amount of symbolism has transforming and saving power unless it has love. For many the wearing of the hijab is a sign of always wanting to be loved- in this case even just for being good Muslims.
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Question
What can a seeker in Saudi Arabia do?
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Answer
God seems to be moving seekers to internet resources. We know of several internet sites where seekers can learn more about Christianity and ask questions in safe chat rooms. Because of the sensitivity of this ministry I’m sure you understand that we cannot reveal more to you about this work. But please pray that many more seekers will find these sites, and for wisdom for those who are boldly proclaiming the gospel on the internet.
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Question
what advise would you give the West to wake up and be alerted to the radical Islamic agenda going on right inside of America and even most Christians don't realize it nor does it seem all of the politicians and media. we are being slowly invaded without anyone recognizing it...how can we wake up??
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Answer
First, if you have not read our book I would encourage you to do so and to encourage your friends to do the same. The best advice I have to give is that we need to become friends with the Muslims and not sit back in fear.
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Question
Are most Muslims not afraid to die for their religion or does it depend on the person?
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I think Muslims are like us—they are afraid of death. That fear is intense because their faith provides no assurance that they can escape the fires of hell. The reason more Muslims seem ready to die for their faith is that they believe martyrdom is the only way they are assured of going to Paradise. I believe they are deceived. But are we as Christians, who have the assurance of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, willing to offer up our lives so that Muslims can know Christ? I believe that would be the greatest witness if we would boldly demonstrate the love of Christ to Muslims. Consider the words of Jesus: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.” Muslims should see that our love for Jesus is greater than their willingness to die in Jihad.
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Question
Dear Bro. Andrew and Al,
Thank you so much for writing this book. I appreciate what you have said about our willingness to love and pray for Ms and reach out to them with the Truth.
Blessings to you in Jesus' name,
Lorraine
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Answer
Blessings to you
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Question
What ways does the government discriminate against you?
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Answer
James: In recent years the government is using a new technique. Officials identify MBBs to fundamentalists who issue threats. Christians have their homes burned. They are being driven from their land and cleared out of villages. Security forces let the fundamentalists do their dirty work.
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Question
How are you persecuted?
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Answer
Peter (see pp. 246-49 in Secret Believers): I’d say that all Christians are persecuted, but MBBs are persecuted more because Muslims are not allowed to change religions. Christians can become Muslims with government blessing. The police will arrest us and you have to know that torture and physical abuse is standard procedure.
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Question
What challenges do you face right now as followers of Christ?
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Answer
James (see pp. 246-49 in Secret Believers): Let me tell you about my eight-year old son. Legally he is a Muslim but in his heart he is Christian. In school he is a Muslim and is taught the religion of Islam. Everyone treats him as a Muslim. But at home he is Christian and he is being raised as a Christian. As he grows older, something very terrible is happening. His friends in the neighborhood won’t play with him because he is an infidel. They tell him if you want to play a game with us, go to the mosque and become a Muslim. My son is being torn apart. He doesn’t know his identity.
I’ve had to relocate because everyone (in my family and village) knew I became a Christian. I lost my job. I need to be productive. What kind of job should I look for? In a Christian shop? As soon as they know I’m a convert, they send me away. When I work with Muslims, they try to convert me. So I work with missionaries, but they were kicked out last year.
Then there are all kinds of problems with security officials. They put my father in prison. My father has nothing to do with my work—they did it to make him reveal my whereabouts. He was asked to write a statement saying that his son was mentally deranged. I’ve been sexually abused in the police station, more than once. These are just the highlights.
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Question
Are Muslim Background Believers part of a church? Where do you meet? What is it like?
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Answer
Nadir (see pp. 212-13 in Secret Believers): We are not a formal church as you are used to it. We meet in very small groups in homes. Two or three families come together, often on Fridays. We share, pray together, then read a Bible passage and talk about it. We love to sing the psalms, but often we cannot because we don’t want to draw attention to our meetings.
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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
How can we help you?
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Answer
Peter (see pp. 246-49 in Secret Believers): First, pray. We need prayer that we remain strong and not fall back. Second, don’t forget us. People need to come here (to Egypt) more than ever. We need a new wave of missionaries. We need people with maturity. This is not a field for beginners, or people who want spectacular results. We need people who will serve the Church, not their own agenda.
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