“I’ve decided to follow Jesus,” Daoud announced. Laughter rippled through the crowd of men gathered for prayer in the mosque. “Here he goes again,” someone chuckled. “He’s mocking Christians again.” The villagers waited expectantly for Daoud to continue. As a prominent imam in the region, Daoud’s reputation afforded him a […]
Building on Shaky Ground
My knees ached after fifteen minutes of squatting by the wall of the Afghan Government office. The Afghans waiting in the long line didn’t seem to mind squatting in that position for hours, but I gave up and awkwardly stood. I had arrived an hour before the office opened to […]
Hope Takes a Taxi
Kalil embraced me as I stepped out of the taxi in the small village. It had been some time since I had seen his big smile and perfectly combed beard, but he was as affectionate as ever. Mourad stepped out of the taxi behind me, and before I had a […]
Saved by Ransom
Tariq is a typical Syrian. He is proud to be a Muslim, and he has so much love for his country that, so far, he has refused to leave war-torn Syria. My family and I lived in Syria for many years. During our years there, Tariq and I became very […]
When I am Weak
My family has lived in our host country a year and a half now. Some days, we’ve felt down and discouraged—and not just because of the large rat that recently took residence in our kitchen. (Our son keeps referring to it as the rabbit.) I’m slowly plodding along in language […]
10 Responses to ISIS
With ISIS occupying significant international media and political attention, many are wondering how we should to respond. First, how are Muslims responding? Muslims who actually support ISIS and its actions seem to be a small minority. This minority holds that ISIS is nearer to the true practice of Islam than […]
India is an Ocean
You want me to describe India to you. You want me to tell you what it’s like. I can’t. I could describe it with a thousand words. That wouldn’t be enough. I could show you a hundred photos, but it wouldn’t do it justice. Words and photos only offer a […]
The Changing Perspective of Field Life
I am struck by the brokenness of this nation. Yesterday morning, our driver picked me up and we began the trek to the village where I teach classes on maternal health. The road that leads out of the city is lined with poverty. I looked into the eyes of the […]
Transformed Through Terrorism
Samir will never forget what happened on 9/11. That was the day he turned away from Islam and began his journey toward Jesus. Samir grew up in a conservative Muslim society in North Africa. His family belonged to a slave caste. Even though his country had banned slavery, Samir and […]
From Couch to Field, Part 5: A Vision Becomes Reality
A guest blogger shares how God counseled him and his family from the couch of a pastor’s office to the mission field. In Neil’s final post, he shares the path that God has invited his family to take: a return to a much-loved desert land in the Middle East. As […]