Women Who Risk

1. Muslim women are finding hope and freedom in Jesus

"Jesus showed me the truth. He is the Truth. Are you desperate enough for Jesus to move in your loved ones' lives that you're willing to pray, fast, and get on your face before God each day?"

Breaking free from oppression. Many Muslim women feel trapped in a system that devalues and oppresses them. The stories in this book reveal how encounters with Jesus are liberating women from spiritual and cultural bondage. They are discovering their worth and dignity as beloved daughters of God.

Finding their voice. As these women embrace their new identity in Christ, they are empowered to stand up against abuse and injustice. Many are risking everything to share their faith with others, becoming powerful agents of change in their families and communities.

Hope for the future. Jesus offers these women a hope and purpose they never knew before. Despite difficult circumstances, they now face the future with confidence, knowing they are loved and seen by God.

2. Dreams and visions of Jesus are transforming lives in the Middle East

"He came to you, Amina. He sees you. Even when you didn't believe He would, Jesus honored your prayer. You prayed one time, and Jesus did all of this for you."

Supernatural encounters. Numerous stories recount Muslims having vivid dreams and visions of Jesus, often in response to sincere prayers or cries for help. These supernatural experiences are breaking through cultural and religious barriers, revealing Jesus in powerful ways.

Personal and relatable. In these encounters, Jesus speaks directly to the heart issues and deep longings of each individual. He addresses them by name, communicates His love, and often quotes Scripture or reveals Biblical truths they've never heard before.

Catalyst for conversion. For many, these dreams and visions are the first step in a journey to faith in Christ. They create an openness and hunger to learn more, often leading people to seek out Christians or secretly access Bibles to understand what they've experienced.

3. Forgiveness and love can overcome even the deepest wounds

"I was probably in worse shape emotionally, physically, and spiritually than Mohammad because of the hatred embedded so deeply in my heart. When I did forgive Mohammad, it broke the stronghold of revenge that held me captive."

Power of forgiveness. The book recounts stories of women who have suffered horrific abuse and oppression, yet find the strength to forgive through Christ's love. This act of forgiveness becomes a catalyst for their own healing and freedom.

Transforming relationships. As former Muslims embrace Christ's command to love enemies, it radically changes their interactions with family and community. Their unconditional love and forgiveness often softens the hearts of their persecutors, opening doors for reconciliation and further gospel witness.

Breaking cycles of violence. By choosing forgiveness over revenge, these new believers are breaking generational cycles of hatred and violence. Their example offers a powerful alternative in conflict-ridden societies.

4. Underground churches are growing despite persecution

"Together, sent by Jesus, they headed back to their mission—extreme, daring, dangerous. Why? Because each of them knows that every soul matters."

Creative gatherings. Believers are finding innovative ways to meet in secret, using code words, disguises, and technology to avoid detection. These underground churches provide crucial support, discipleship, and community for isolated believers.

Rapid multiplication. Despite intense persecution, the underground church is growing rapidly in many Muslim-majority countries. New believers are quickly discipled to share their faith, leading to organic multiplication of house churches and small groups.

Counting the cost. Members of these underground churches fully understand the risks they face, including potential imprisonment, torture, or death. Yet they consider following Christ worth any cost, finding joy and purpose in their secret fellowship.

5. Jesus is empowering women in patriarchal societies

"I realized hate held me captive and permeated every fiber of my being. Until I laid it at the feet of Jesus, I was its prisoner."

Rediscovering worth. In societies where women are often treated as property or second-class citizens, encounters with Jesus are helping women recognize their intrinsic value and dignity as image-bearers of God.

Finding their voice. Many of these new believers are becoming bold witnesses for Christ, sharing their faith with family and friends despite the risks. They are taking on leadership roles in underground churches and discipling others.

Transforming families. As wives and mothers come to faith, it often leads to dramatic changes in family dynamics. Their Christ-like love and perseverance frequently soften the hearts of husbands and children, leading to entire families coming to faith.

6. Former Muslims are risking everything to follow Christ

"I expect to die for Jesus. In the West, you probably won't have to die for Jesus. But . . . will you live for Him?"

Counting the cost. New believers from Muslim backgrounds fully understand the risks they face, including rejection by family, loss of employment, imprisonment, and even death. Yet they consider knowing Christ worth any sacrifice.

Creative witness. Despite severe restrictions, these believers are finding innovative ways to share their faith. They use social media, develop secret codes, and leverage cultural practices to spread the gospel discreetly.

Joy in suffering. Many testimonies recount how these believers experience supernatural joy and peace even in the midst of intense persecution. Their steadfast faith often becomes a powerful witness to those around them.

7. Prayer and faith are powerful forces for change in difficult circumstances

"Every time you cry out to Him, He's listening. Every. Single. Time."

Persistent prayer. The stories emphasize the power of persistent, faith-filled prayer. Many recount miraculous answers to prayer, from physical healings to supernatural provision and protection.

Faith that moves mountains. Believers are seeing God work in seemingly impossible situations as they step out in faith. Whether praying boldly at the Kaaba in Mecca or sharing Christ with hostile family members, their faith is unlocking God's power.

Prayer movements. The book highlights how coordinated prayer efforts are making a significant impact. From prayer walks around mosques to global intercession during Ramadan, these prayer initiatives are seeing breakthrough in the spiritual realm.

8. The gospel is spreading through personal testimonies and relationships

"I want my dear brothers and sisters in Christ to know how much I love them and thank them for praying for me. And I have a message for them."

Power of personal stories. The testimonies of transformed lives are proving to be one of the most effective tools for evangelism in Muslim contexts. As new believers share how Christ has changed them, it creates curiosity and openness in others.

Relational evangelism. Many stories highlight how the gospel spreads through existing relationships - family members, friends, and colleagues. As new believers live out their faith, it creates natural opportunities for witness.

Overcoming barriers. Personal relationships are helping overcome deep-seated prejudices against Christianity. As Muslims encounter genuine love and transformation in Christian friends, it challenges their preconceptions and opens hearts to the gospel.

9. Jesus is bringing healing and restoration to broken families

"Jesus can breathe life back into a marriage. Look at what He did with Dina and Mohammad in Lebanon. I'm praying for a miracle like that!"

Reconciling relationships. The book recounts numerous stories of how faith in Christ leads to healing in broken marriages and families. Former abusers become loving husbands, and estranged family members are reconciled.

Breaking generational cycles. As individuals encounter Christ's love and forgiveness, it often breaks cycles of abuse, addiction, and dysfunction that have plagued families for generations.

New family dynamics. Conversion to Christianity introduces new values and practices into family life. Many stories highlight how this leads to more loving, respectful, and harmonious relationships within the home.

10. God is working in unexpected ways in the most restricted places

"Jesus is setting women free, honoring and elevating them—and they are thriving! And why wouldn't they be? Jesus has arrived."

Miracles in unlikely places. The book recounts supernatural encounters and conversions happening in some of the most restricted and hostile environments for Christianity, including Mecca, Gaza, and areas controlled by extremist groups.

Unexpected allies. Stories reveal how God is using unlikely individuals - including former persecutors, government officials, and even extremist leaders - to protect believers and advance the gospel.

Creative access. Believers are finding innovative ways to access restricted areas and share the gospel. From leveraging business and humanitarian work to using social media and technology, God is opening new doors for witness in closed countries.

Last updated: November 19, 2024