Secret Believers
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Dear Maaria,
is difficult sometimes to imagine all the difficulties you are
I like free Christian, I have so many privileges that often goes unnoticed.
With the blog posts that you and the other brothers do I change my reality to be more grateful for the blessings.
Know that you live in my heart, I ask for the Lord to fill me with compassion and so never forget you! One day we will all be together in heaven, where not to cry, not the war, infinitely together in peace with God!
I wonder how you see your future, what is your biggest concern, in order to be praying, interceding for it.
With love Heloisa (Brazil)
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Thank you for your beautiful message. If by the blogs the Lord is able to help you see us and yourself in this way then already a great work has begun. Through you the story will spread and more and more people will look to pray for us and raise awareness of our plight. We are so thankful for your love and your concern for us.
When I look to the future I know that more and more Christians will leave Pakistan. I know God wants me to serve in my land so I know I will be here for a while. But I have to be honest I am scared of how lonely it will get to stay here when all our support groups and community will leave and it will be only a handful of us staying behind of our own will and those who are forced to stay behind will be those who have no other choice. Things will possibly become more difficult, a more extremist Islam will probably be left behind because moderate Muslism will also either leave the country or become extremists and so the Church will have a hard time. Persecution will only increase but we ask that you will pray that as persecution increases so will our faith and our strength and our love for Jesus.
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Dear Brother Andrew.
I would like to communicate directly with a member of the persecuted church..is this possible and if so could you recommend somebody. I operate an unostentatious web site if you need to check my bona fides. viz; www.born-again.faithweb.com
In Him,
Don M.
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Dear Friend, We give you access to persecuted Christians through this website. To give you access to their personal emails and information and to put them or you in touch with one another would be to put their lives, their churches and their church communities at risk so we are not able to do this. That is why this website runs in order for you to be able to communicate with believers in the Persecuted Church. God be with you.
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Dear Butros, I am from Australia and I have never been out of Australia, so I know little of overseas countries, apart from what I read or view in the media etc. I want to ask a question which both a friend of mine and my father have mentioned to me. As the case is with persecuted Christians as well as with other human rights violations like child slavery, slavery in the fishing and chocolate industries etc. Is there any protection for you, your family and all secret believers through the United Nations Human Rights bill? It seems there is no protection for Christians, women, children and many other people from all sorts of persecution and slavery. Is there any form of protection for you and other secret believers in legal terms, like through the Human Rights bill. I also am referring to the apostacy law in Iran for instance, surely there should be some human rights implemented there to protect the Christians who leave Islam. I'd just like to add secret believers who face persecution like yourself are a great inspiration of genuine Christianity to us here in Australia. You truly are very courageous and wonderful faithful people.
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Thank you for your question. Although these bills and laws make it seem that we can cry out for help and there will be someone to save us, more often than not those who are in genuine need of help and protection do not have access to this. The reason is that if they expose themselves, then they more or less invite the wrath of the community and local governments on themselves. To get to bodies like the UN they have to become exposed to local communities that in itself is a risk. More and more commonly bodies like the UN are treating cases of religious persecution with suspicioun. Increasingly we find people who try to escape from the country being sent back and then being at greater risk. Also there is no legal paperwork when a Muslim converts to Christianity and often this is required as a major part of the ayslum process. It is very complicated and we feel that we are forced to be silent and there is very little access to justice and escape for Secret Believers. Thank you for your words. Please pray for us and for courage and wisdom for us in these days. We are blessed by your.
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how many muslims have you seen come to Christ ?
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It is hard to put this into numbers. There are hundreds of pockets of hundreds of believers!
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How did the project advance that Botros started when they aquired a piece of land to build a sort of community center for CMBs to meet?
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Continue to pray for the Community Center for protection'. Muslims are never pleased when Christians are able to do something and do it well. Butros had to face all kind of corrupt practises when trying to build the center and it was not easy because he refused to pay bribes and provide false documentation. The process continues. God is blessing the work but so much more needs to be done. Pray for the 'living stones' that God is building in these lands and for the renewal they will bring to the Church here. Pray for those who persecute them that they will be transformed and will also come to Christ.
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I recently had the priviledge to visit Egypt and the Middle-East on a outreach mission,and the Lord gave me a heart for these Muslim countries and especially the women and children.I also wore the Abaya, and felt as if a depressed and a dead spirit came over me.I don't know much about the Muslim culture/religion - but why are the ladies wearing this dress and why particular black? Is there a curse on these dresses?
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No my friend the curse is not on the dresses. They are simply a representation of the insecurities and deadness of Islam. I would like to encourage you that although it is hard and depressing to be wearing black all the time, many who are enrobed in the black and vieled by it, hidden from human vision, are not hidden from God and He is working to bring them to Salvation even in the midst of all the bad news that comes out of the Muslim world.
Although the abaya is designed to hide the form of women and make them all look the same and unattractive, to God we are all beautiful because we are made in His image. Let the Abaya remind you that behind the black fabric is a woman who is beautiful to Jesus and who can be reached with His love to minister to many others.
Do not be afraid of the Black Abaya and Veil. Many Christian women are enabled to reach into the secret world of Arab women because they wear it and many women are accepted into the 'inner circle' because of the Abaya and they are able to share Jesus with thsoe who would otherwise not be able to come out of their 'private world' and meet other Christians. Pray for such women and thank you for your care and concern. We are blessed by the hearts of those like you.
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How did you become so brave in your faith?
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I am not brave. I am very scared a lot of the time but then I remember perfect love casts out all fear and I am filled with the peace that passes all understanding and am able to stand. I love Jesus with a passion and rely on His perfect love. I totally adore my Jesus and He walks with me and many other believers through the valleys and the barren placesm talking to us, leading us and guiding us. The Battle is His not mine so I trust Him.
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Dear Maaria, I'm just sending this message to tell you that I read your blogs regularly and you and all the Christians in Pakistan are always in our prayers with the current situation you are all in. We pray regularly for the members of the Taliban to find the love of Jesus and we are very concerned about the current events happening in your country at the present time. I have written to Australian Politicians about the cruelty done to young Christian women in Pakistan and please be assured of our prayers for Brother Jay also. You are not alone, our prayers and thoughts are with you. May the love of Jesus be with you from Gordon, Australia
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Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your prayers and for seeking ways to intervene and be of service. It is in the one's and twos when you reach out and engage and minister that we will see the power of God manifested in our situations. Thank you for caring and loving us so much. We are empowered by your prayers and then we stand strong in the storm. God bless you
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Mryam & Marzi still in Jaol from march 10 up to now only because they beleive in the Lord Jesus Christ our saviour can we do something more ecxept pray for them? it is hard not doing something more for your beloved friends.
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When you pray you open up a gateway for the power of God to intervene in their situations. Nothing is more powerful than that. Sometimes we have to trust that if we try to do anything other than pray, we are actually doing less. Because ultimately prayer is the most powerful force ever and that is what has given us this miracle!
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When a women in Layla's situation manages to escape, are they able to marry, and have a family? Or are the stuck living in hiding from their captors?
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Thank you Kara for asking this. It is such an important aspect of what women like Nadira hope and pray for. Sometimes it is very difficult for them to have families as there is always a risk involved. But we have known of many who have known the transformational power of Christ in their situations and have been able to meet with men who are able to protect them and give them a new life. Please pray for more men in the Muslim world to be willing to put common notions of honour and shame aside and be willing to respond if God directs them to be a carer to such women. Sometimes to take a girl like Layla and marry her or take her into your home as a daughter can put their family at risk or bring their own lives into question. Women like Layla will always struggle and be vulnerable. They may also fall prey to abusive men who could do them even more harm. So please never ever stop praying for them and give thanks that they know that Jesus he is the lifter of their heads and restorer of their honour and their shepherd. Thank you for caring.
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hello, i have 2 questions. 1. How do you celebrate birthday´s down there? and would someone secret believer write me? i´d love to talk and pray with you, love inkeri
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Dear Inkeri,
Thank you for your message and your questions.
It is not safe for us to give you details of a Secret Believer and give you access to them however that is why we have the blogs from Maaria and Butros so you can have fairly regular news from the world of our Secret Believer family. You can read those and pray for their needs. They would be ever so blessed by that.
Birthdays- we celebrate them much like any where else. Some times there is cake but almost always there are sweets. Sweets tend to be a demonstration of a celebration, the sweetness and thankfulness for a new year of life. Whether celebrated by Christians or Muslims, there is a time of prayer and thanksgiving. In fact believers use the opportunity to have prayer meetings and can say without lying that it is a birthday party. That is a fantastic way to have a Bible Study and fellowship meeting. It is also always a valid reason for believers to meet and have a good time together.
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Salima I just wanted to encourage you by saying that I amd in prayer for u, concerning doubt, depression,fear, I pray that each day as you wake the Lord will fill you with Joy, for the Joy of the Lord is our strength! your daily supplement and hope to make it another day, knowing that he is there with u holding u up!I Pray that each night u will lay down on a bed of faith knowing that it has been prepared by God Almighty himself, and all u have to do is lie down and rest in him. Blessings Lupe
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Dear Lupe,
Thank you for your kind and very very precious words. What a Blessing to Salima when she hears these words. Thank you and may the Lord continue to use you to be a blessing to many. Thank you. your words have been a blessing. Dont ever stop praying for the Salimas and other Secret Believers in the world.
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how being a muslim feels when converted
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Well once the Holy Spirit touches their lives they are no longer Muslims. They are free. And it is important to make that distinction to them. Their background then that does not change is their ethnic background. When they come to know Jesus they come to know His love and it is a time of great transition and change. So with great change comes fear and loneliness and thats where the body of Christ comes into play to stand by them. When a Muslim comes to know Jesus he comes into a knowledge of salvation, there is certainty, there are promises that will be kept, there is forgiveness, there is grace, it is time to revel in something new- thats what Jesus brings to a Muslim.
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To Maaria,
I read recently that you are on Facebook. I am new to the site, but wondered if, freedom allowing, we could connect via that site. If you would be willing I am more than happy to offer you anything that I have within my power to offer you, beyond that, I know Someone who can do the rest!! My family and I are living testimonies to an Awesome, faithful and loving, merciful YHVH.
May The Lord continue to shine upon you and His life continue to flow through you, for the Glory of His Name. Karen
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Dear Karen,
I am so pleased to hear from you. Thank you for message. I am sorry Karen but I have to ask you not to be offended when I say that wont be possible. For security reasons I have to keep my facebook very very secure and also the identity of those God brings to me to minister to. I hope you understand. But this is a great way to communicate our hearts and prayer needs to one another. Thank you for your assurance of prayer and that your family and you are there for us. We love you and are grateful for your prayers. It takes us from one day to the next
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Is it possible to correspond with one of the secret believers or MMB's?
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Well through this website you can correspond with both Maaria and Butros. However it is just to risky to actually put you in touch with them and them with you. Their computers, phone lines, every thing is bugged, which is why we began this website so you are able hear directly from our brothers and sisters and be able to access their news and information. You are able to respond to both the blogs.Thank you for your interest and concern.
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I would like to know, is there a "ministry" that is consentrating on the inner healing-area of MBBs? Do the mbbs usually start their ministries straight away after they have learned about Jesus? Is there any resources in ME to take time and pray for healing over their past wounds, healing of experiences of rejection, etc?
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Dear Laura,
That is a very valid question. In the idea world that would be the best way to do it. We try hard to do it that way but remember in lands where every thing pertaining to the Christian faith is hidden, even the MBB's dont realise some of the things that need healing. Sometimes those things only come up later. As far as the MBBs we introduce to you and Butros' and Ahmad's work is concerned, they do spend a lot time ministering to the MBB after he or she has come to know Jesus. Sometimes as I said though, the deeper wounds do not rear their ugly heads till later. Your question points in the right direction and is in fact the basis of how people are appointed to ministry but do not forget even in the West, the Christian life is one of struggles and difficulties. Their difficulty is that when those same temptations attack, they are always in hiding and must supress their own questions and they tend to put the Church first. Pray for those on the field who try to care for all these things. The Harvest is ready but the workers are few. Butros and Ahmad, Nadira and Salima, Waleed are not the only ones in Pastoral care, there are many more, but those who are coming to Christ are thousands more. So the journey continues. BY the Grace of God and with your prayers we will overcome these hurdles. So keep on praying and please do not stop.
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It has been my conviction since I came to learn about the Secret Believers that I have to spend time every day praying for my brothers and sisters in the muslim world. Lately it has been weighing heavily on me that I need to leave my job and work underground for the secret believers. Smuggling Bibles to such places is now my passion but I dont know how to go about it or who to work with. Who can I contact? I always receive the monthly newsletter from Open Doors South Africa but I have not yet met any member yet.
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Dear Nancy,
Thankyou for your email. We are so touched by it. When the Lord convicts people, it is always powerful, but what is always a precious gift to us is when you respond. Thank you for responding to your conviction. We will get back to you soon with an answer to your request. In the meenwhile keep praying and I think using the newsletter is a great way to keep connected. They will always give you up to date legitimate news and prayer needs. We are always blessed by prayer.
Blessings, Maria
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I have a growing passion for people the southern Gulf region, how can I be praying for believers or workers in Yemen and Oman?
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For their hearts to be stayed on God. There are so many restrictions and difficulties in being a Christian and practising the Christian faith in those countries that sometimes there is no one for many miles with whom to fellowship and pray. The journey as a believer can be a dangerous and difficult one at best. So please pray that their eyes and hearts and faith be stayed on Jesus and they be refreshed and strengthened by His Holy Spirit. For new believers pray that they have access to pastoral care and discipelship so they do not back slide from lack of teaching. Thank you for your concern and your passion and may the Lord continue to give you a heart to pray for us.
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I travel several times a year to the middle east on business. Mostly to Jordan, Egypt, and UAE. If there is anyone in those areas that might have needs I would be willing to help. I'll be in Jordan on business from March 8-18th.
Calvin
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Sorry for the delay in this response. Thank you brother for your concern and your desire to be involved with our ministry of love to the Muslim world. Though it is not safe for us to give you names, we suggest that you ask your local hotel or your host to tell you of a local church. Go and worship with them, encourage them and let them know that you are there to worship God with them. The agenda must be no more than that – to worship the Lord. And faithful Father will use you, perhaps you may not even know how He uses you to encourage a heart or bless a believer. He may guide you to put your arm around someone, pray with someone, be with someone, even just smile at someone.
It is never a crime for you to go to the local established Church. You may find that it is a lively Church which may need your gifts, or you may find a church that you think is terribly clinical and controlled by the Authorities. Perhaps your gifts are needed in a church like that. Just be faithful and fellowship with your brethren.
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Ahmed I am praying everyday for you and your wife. I pray for your safety, and that the word of God will never be bound. You are truly a front line warrior for Jesus Christ. Thank God for the boldness and courage he has supplied to you.
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The Lord has laid on your heart to pray for Ahmed he needs your prayers so much in these days. Butros has blogged on their current situation on the field.
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Maaria,
Can you tell us more about what Christmas is like where you are from--what kinds of traditions and things you have. you have mentioned baking, which we do in the US, too. Do you have Christmas trees (probably not), presents, Christmas Carols, etc. What is church like for Christmas? Do you celebrate Advent? Boy, that's a lot of questions! I hope all is well with you.
Peace in Christ, Karen
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I am sorry it took a while to answer your questions and being unwell over Christmas kind of put a spanner in the works. We do have trees and Christmas, but it depends. Christians who can trace their Christian roots back before 1947 are 'legal' Christians. After that if anyone became a Christian the implication is that they converted from Islam and so they have to keep a low profile which means, no Christmas trees. That is why I mentioned to you the 'Birthday Parties' over the Christmas period so your Secret Believer family can have 'secret Christmas celebrations' where they have a nativity, Christmas prayers and a time of gift sharing.
Carols and Tableaus are very popular and a great expression of the Christmas story. Christian schools and institutions are pretty faithful and regular in the nativity plays they put up. Carol services are a regular. A friend of mine has a beautiful Christmas tree and she fills it with Christian symbols and uses it as a point of evangelism when her Muslim friends come to visit. Many of us do that and in fact find that Christmas is the best time to share Jesus, because our friends love to come over, see the pretty Christmas decorations, eat some cake, have some hot chocolate and coffee and sweet samosas and toffee. It is a great time to explain why we celebrate and let them see that it is not about Alcahol and Santa. In fact in many Christian homes, we have stopped using Santa at all as it was becoming the purpose of Christmas and distracting our Muslims friends from JEsus. I wanted to blog on this but as you know I was unwell.
Please ask more questions if you need to and thank you for your faithfulness and interest.
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Did Ahmed and his wife get to back to their country as they had hoped? Was Ahmed ever found by the police again?
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The search is always on, the pressure is always on and the anger against an Apostate is pretty much forever,unless they are challenged by Jesus and if they give their lives to him. For the committed and practising Muslim there is nothing more abhorant than converting from Islam and so Ahmad and those like him will always be followed, searched for, found, beaten. But they will also always have the Lord by their side. Keep praying for them.
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How is Salima doing? I hope she does not feel as isolated and depressed as I felt she was at the end of reading the book. I would like her to know that I am praying for her and Ahmed. I would like to tell Salima that she is my dear sister in Christ.
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Pray for people like Salima, there are many like her in her situation and we ask that you continue to uphold them and her in your prayers. The Lord delights in the Salima's of this world, just as he delights in your prayers. Thank you for your prayers and she will be encouraged to know that there is a sister praying for her.
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Butros has not blogged since January 6, is he alright?
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Al: Butros is fine. I just talked with him the other day. He is under a lot of pressure, so please keep praying for him. He will blog again soon.
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Does Kareem still hold his high government position? Has he had any more opportunities to help the church? I have been praying regularly that the King will appoint more believers to government positions in the middle east.
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Please continue to pray for him and his family. He is in a very fragile position. Soon we will have news from our friends. Please pray for him and for more like him. Not only that the King will appoint Secret Believers but also that there will be a move of the Spirit and men in high places will have a revelation of Christ and be touched by Him. Thank you for your prayers. Please do not stop. It is the prayers of saints like you that keep us going. As soon as we have more news we will let you know. Thank you
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How is Ahmed doing from the Book
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Please pray for him. He has many challenges as he ministers to and disciples the growing church he is involved with. It is not easy. He is aware of being watched all the time and being followed. This is a tiring and sometimes lonely journey. He is a wonderful brother to his people and is dearly loved but to protect them sometimes he must carry brudens that he cannot share with them. He must sometimes travel long distances to take the Gospel and resources to our secret brothers and sister. Pray for him to be strengthened in Body and Spirit and that through his faithfulness many may come to Christ and many may follow his example and disciple others.
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I want to ask for an update on Layla. I feel very concerned for her. I hope she can feel that she is loved by her sisters in Christ and by her Lord.
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If you pray and ask the Lord to bless and touch your sister Layla please be assured that 'wherever she is as we speak God will minister to her. We are waiting for an update and as soon as we have one we will respond and let you have it. Thank you for your concern and love. Thank you so much. There are so many like Layla in the Muslim world please please do not stop praying for her and those like her that they be granted strength in their difficult times and they be filled with the joy of the Lord which they testify time and again in their strength. Bless you
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How is Nadira's vision of working with vulnerable women developing? How can we pray for this work?
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Please pray hard for Nadira. She has been under much pressure lately. The needs are many but pray that God will give her discernment. Sometimes when women have been abused they develop a victim mentality and need to be weaned off the crutches they develop. Pray for her. She is gentle and not used to being firm sometimes that is important too. Pray also for the many who come to their door that God will show them who to take in. The space is small. Pray God will give them more space and make it possible for them to feed more women. Some of them are so thoroughly mal nourished and need taught to eat all over again. Some of them suffer from severe diabetes, bad eye sight, gastric problems etc... the list goes on and through it all Nadira wants to be a sister, a mother and a daughter to those God brings to her. Pray for His grace, his strength and his direction.
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In the Book Hassan talked about wanting to go on the hajj. Later Ahmed said he wanted to since Hassan could not. Has anyone been able to go?
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Not anyone we know personally but there are many testimonies of people who have gone, but it has been a struggle because there are things that the Hajj requires that are acts of Islamic worship and it puts a Secret Believer in an dificult position and one diviation and you are liable to be mobbed, attacked, rejected or condemned.
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What has happened to Father Alexander and his wife?
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Continue to pray for them for the Lord to be with them and give them a double portion of his strength and discernment as they serve whereever they are
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I would like to know how Layla is doing? Did her kidnappers search for her when she ran away? I pray not. May God give her much mercy and Grace.
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The search my precious friend, never ends. Her life and the lives of many like her will always be in danger. Continue to pray for the healing and restoration that Christ alone can bring to a buised memory. Pray that when the devil tries to fill those like Layla with fear and remind them of those days they will be able to overcome in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your concern and thoughts
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Maaria, I was reading the September issue of Christianity Today, a national christian magazine, and there was a news brief about the 2 kidnapped girls Aleena and Saba. I was heartbroken when I read that a Pakistani court awarded custody of the girls to the kidnappers. I just cannot conceive of a child being taken away from her parents, even if there was a difference of religion. In fact, in the US it is almost a rite of passage for a child to reject his parent's religion for at least a season. Know that I am so sorry that such a thing could happen. I am mouyrning with their parents. Is there an appeals process, or is there nothing else that can be done? I am still praying...Karen
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Dear Karen,
All that can be done is being done. We have reason to believe this will get better and we know that is because many many people are praying. It was the older sister I think they they refused to give back to the parents. We are trying to get facts, there is so much heresay and so much gossip attached to the case that we are not certain what is going on at the moment. As soon as I know I will write a blog to update you on the situation. Howver you are right in what you say and I understand. It is such a blessing to be free to decide on one's religious beliefs, I ache when a child goes their own way and rejects the Christian faith but at least when they come back (prayer brings them back) we know it is a decision they made with the help of the Holy Spirit and a decision that was not forced on them.
In Pakistan we cannot blame everything on the law, the law does not always cause the problem, the problem is only sometimes when Shariah Law and the Law ofthe land overlap but worse still the problem lies in the deception in the complete fearlessness attached to telling lies and fabricating evidence and events in order to make their case stand. That is the spirit of deception that rules our nation. That is what we fight on a daily basis. The law is flawed but worse still the cases are flawed because they are reported with lies and so people are defended or accused on the basis of those lies. That is how you can pray for us. Thank you for reading and taking notice of these things. Thank you for letting the Lord break your heart and using this information for praying for us.
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Brother Andrew, Butros, Ahmed, Salima, and all others part of the persecuted church. I read the book "Secret Believers" and I decided that I want to be included in this glory that God is showing to the Middle East. I wanna know, when I'm old enough and out of High School, I want to be with you in your time of troubles and needs. I want to be with you there not just in prayer, but in reality as well. Could you help me find a way to join you in this conquest of Christ?
~God Exceedingly Bless You All~
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My dear precious brother, thank you for your wonderful message. How special to read your words and your determination. You are indeed a blessing just by what you have said and by your desire to serve. The minute a brother or sister decides to want to be involved and decides to want to be part of this battle and stand with us, we are already blessed and strengthened and believe that is a REALITY. If what you want to do is God;s will for your life, he will show you exactly which path to take, which door to walk through, which relationships to enter and in all these whether its a path you walk down, a relationship you enter do so not as Josh Smith, but as Jesus Christ and thats where the difference will be. Thats when people will be freed and the Gospel proclaimed. He will show you. Continue to bless us by your very real prayers, the mission field began for you when you acknowledges the work of God through the book. You are already in active service. Thank you for standing with us in the Jesus walk. Read the blogs and know how to pray for us. Thank you precios brother.
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Not so much a question as a desire to send my love and prayers to all these brave and inspirational people. I am deeply touched by their faith and courage, each one, and am so proud to call them my brothers and sisters in Christ. I will continue to pray that the Lord will bless and sustain them and through them bring the light of Christ in dark times.
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Thank you so much my dear sister for your beautiful message. What a precious message and how precious it is that even though we are seperated by miles and circumstances the Love of Christ can draw us together and the gift of prayer can UNITE us. We want to send you love as well and let you know that you are as precious a warrior on the battlefield and we appreciate your prayers and love more than we can say.
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which scriptures keep you strong in the hard times and how can i best pray for you?
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Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"How blessed are you whenever people insult you, persecute you, and say all sorts of evil things against you falsely because of me!Rejoice and be extremely glad, because your reward in heaven is great! That's how they persecuted the prophets who came before you."
"Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matt 28:20
Job 1:5
In every way we're troubled but not crushed, frustrated but not in despair,persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.We are always carrying around the death of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may be clearly shown in our bodies.While we are alive, we are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be clearly shown in our mortal bodies.2 Corinthians 4
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10b)
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)
Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11: 28-31)
If I could I would put the whole Bible here for you in this window. Every verse encourages every day :) He is an awesom God and our eyes are ever on Him. Ask Him to show you how to pray for us and pray these scriptures for us that they be seered into our hearts and minds.
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Question
Maaria, has there been any news about Aleena and Saba--the two young girls who were taken and "converted" to Islam last month. I am afraid there probably has been no good news. Please keep us updated. Blessings to you in the name and peace of Christ, Karen
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Sadly we have very little news and we are just praying for them and believing that the Lord is at work. in this. But it is hard to not know. Please keep their parents in prayer.
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Question
I notice you said (in regards to Nadira and Butros) that depression in their context is considered a spiritual battle. I have suffered with very severe depresion my whole life (including several hospitalizations and constant suicidal ideation). I totally agree that it is a spiritual battle, but medication has literally saved my life--I would be dead without it. Is psychiatric help even available in the ME? Anonymous
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Dear Karen
Thank you for your email. Yes Psychiatric help is available but sadly it is not always the solution. Many times MBBs (Muslims who become Christians) are sent to psychiatric facilities, are written off as mad and are isolated and eventually incorrectly medicated. There have ben several such cases. None the less there are some good psychiatric facilities but these are too expensive. Another fear is that if you are a Christian you will be messed around with and will be put in danger. Yes there is a place for medication in treating depression but those are particular cases. More often that not we in the ME treat depression by being community and family to the patient and drawing them out in this way. We find that family and community based help is more affective than when we medicate people. Remember also that the dynamic of community and therefore depression is different from that in the WEST. Therefore treatment is different.
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Question
To Brother Andrew and Secret Believers,
This probably sounds crazy but I hope you will seriously consider and pray about what I ask.
I notice that secret believers are under a lot of strain and pressure and I am very concerned about Nadira's news of Butros and the strain he is under. Depression, like Salima has suffered, is a very real risk for all of these people.
This is my question.....Is it possible for us to assist our Christian brothers and sisters who are under such strain to have a holiday? Do you have such help in place already or is this something to ask the Lord about? It is necessary for all of us to be refreshed at times. Can we donate some money towards the cost of this and, if so, how?
Also, we are buying a holiday flat in the Middle East.I would like the Lord to use it somehow.It is not even finished yet but I am thinking ahead and I want to seek the Lord on this. Is it too risky for secret believers, national Christian workers or Open Doors staff to use it on occasions? I don't know-I just want to ask the question. If so I will anyway be seeking for other ways in which I can use it. (It will be in a tourist area, by the way).
I want to be very careful but I don't want to live under a spirit of fear and refuse to explore the Lord's leading.
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Dear Moira,
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. It means so much to us that you have said this and taken note of this which is a real need. I know that Nadira and Butros went for many years without a break but God is good sometimes he does raise up people like you who minister to their needs and make a break possible for them and though moments are like the clouds parting and sunshine and beauty rushing in. For Nadira and Butros and many like them those moments sometimes comes as you have suggested and sometimes through fellowship with their brothers and sisters. Many do not get that opportunity though and so we ask that you will pray for wise and safe ways for them to get those much needed breaks. But remember that depression in their context is recognised as a spiritual battle and is fought as that. Please pray for them in this regard. Thank you for noticing. Pray for them. God;s many blessings dear sister.
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Question
How is Layla? She captured my heart and probably that of many a Christian woman in the privilegded and free West.
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Loneliness, fear, anxiety are just some of the things that plague Layla and the many sisters like her. Please pray that she will know God's constant and never ending companionship and will continue to keep her eyes on Jesus and that wikk strengthen her in the face of the challenges MBBs must face. Pray for safety protection and good friends. Thank you for your concern and love.
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My heart goes out to Layla. How is she adjusting today and what are her specific prayer needs?
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Loneliness, fear, anxiety are just some of the things that plague Layla and the many sisters like her. Please pray that she will know God's constant and never ending companionship and will continue to keep her eyes on Jesus and that wikk strengthen her in the face of the challenges MBBs must face. Thank you for your concern and love
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Question
Has a whole mosque in England ever been converted? And were any of the new believers killed?
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That would be the day- :) Mosques function differently from Churches- a mosque is only a building not a family or a body - like the church which is the body of Christ. However all Muslims, not only those of a particular mosque - are the brotherhood of Islamic belivers - the Ummah. However if you mean have whole communities of Muslims in England been converted, well not exactly but there are many many Muslims in England who have come to know Jesus and yes they have suffered greatly for that. The persecution is also happening here in England when Muslims become Christians- lots to go on your knees for!!!
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Nadira, how many children do you have, what are their ages, and what are their names? (if you can say) I want to pray for them. I am praying for you and I love you.
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God seems to give Butros and Nadira children wherever they go in their country. We cannot say how many children they have but we can say this to you that their ministry and service means God has given them spiritual family, many of whom are young enough to be their children and they feel responsible for them. Please pray because many of these children are abused, alone, ill, malnourished and sadly sometimes even abandoned for coming to Jesus.
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