Continuing to reflect on our theme and message for the year: Do not be afraid.

‘I realise how dangerous my decision is, but I don’t care. As long as I am sure this is the right path, I will follow God.’

Tahib* is one of many former Muslims who could receive unwanted attention from the authorities, but this hasn’t stopped his pursuit of the truth. He began his spiritual journey by studying the Qur’an with a group of friends.

Tahib wondered where the order to kill unbelievers came from and discovered that it’s written in the Qur’an. This made him curious to know where it says that Islam is a religion of peace. Again, to his surprise, he discovered the source to be the Qur’an. But how could Islam be a religion of peace when the Qur’an instructs Muslims to kill non-believers?

Tahib realised that Islam is a religion of contradictions; yet he knew that a book of God could not be contradictory. At this point, he contacted us, asking for a physical copy of the Bible. He made several exchanges with our responder over the course of a few weeks before giving his life to Christ. Our responder then put him in touch with some local believers.

Paying the price

It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to live, as Tahib does, with the daily threat of being discovered by the authorities. Tahib could very well go to prison for leaving Islam.

In the same country lives Musa*, who has suffered with the consequences of leaving Islam. Musa first made contact with us in August 2017, having visited our Arabic language website. On the web form, he selected the statement, I want to believe in Christ. Our responder Mounir* soon made contact and began sharing the truth with him. It wasn’t too long before Musa accepted Jesus as his Saviour.

Two months on, Musa’s family discovered his faith and denounced him. They had Musa imprisoned by the authorities. He managed to escape with the help of a prison guard, but was shot three times in the leg. Some local Christians covered the cost of an operation to repair the damage.

Musa continues to be in touch with us and is growing in his faith, despite all this. Mounir is discipling him and we’ve recently managed to link him up with one of the local leaders.

‘The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ (Psalm 118:6 ESV)

These words were written by King David, who was pursued by Saul for many years. His experiences were not so different to those of former Muslims today. Most don’t have such dramatic stories to tell as Musa, but the authorities are much more present in their lives than they are in ours.

The Muslim world is one of the toughest places to be a convert to Christianity. (A quick scan of Open Doors’ World Watch List reveals that nine of the top ten countries for religious persecution are Muslim.) Yet, we know that more and more Muslims are choosing to leave Islam and follow the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Why? Because it remains true that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). When you know deep in your heart what Christ has done, you cannot turn back. You can only trust in his perfect plan for your life.

We always need your prayers

Please pray for us as we take this message of hope to Muslims of the Arab world. Each month, our responders are in touch with thousands of people. In May alone, 817 people were discipled online, 29 people made professions of faith, and 38 requested a meeting with a local believer. We thank God for every opportunity he gives us to reveal the truth of his love and mercy. Thank you for being a part of this.

*Names have been changed.