Mirage - The Love Language of Islam

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Mirage: The Love Language of Islam

Preface from

Mirage: The Love Language of Islam

I want to begin by thanking the LORD for the freedom of speech and the liberty that I now have in the United States of America. To write this book, without the fear of having my tongue cut out or my hands severed, is indeed a great privilege that does not exist in my home country! As Americans, I hope you realize that the majority of people who live in the rest of world are deprived of the many blessings you enjoy daily.

Six years ago I had no idea the LORD would one day use a frightful and devastating set of circumstances, which occurred at that time in my life, to bring me to America! I never thought I would be living in the U.S.A! I certainly never imagined that GOD would use the many things I experienced, while growing up and living as a Christian in a Muslim country, for a spring-board to accomplish HIS purposes in my life.

As I travel and speak to American Christians regarding the mirage of Islam, I realize most are uninformed concerning its subtle and deceptive qualities. Many are unaware that the brand of Islam, which is being portrayed to and in the West today, is not the true Islam! Some have already been mesmerized by it. Nearly all are ignorant of the disguised strength of Islam's presence that is already in this country.

I wish the words in the letter (dated October 2007) and entitled: "A Common Word Between Us and You" from the Islamic scholars to Western Christendom, were accurate and genuine, but they are not. When one's actions differ from one's words, there is cause to mistrust, use caution, and question the motive and purpose of the words. I believe we must do just that. We must not enter naively, ignorantly, and foolishly into a relationship with Islam! Jesus said, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore, be shrewd/wise as serpents and innocent/harmless as doves."

Islam's words and actions are contradictory and deceptive. They have asked the Christians in the West to come to a "common ground," a "common agreement" based on "love toward God and neighbor," which they say will result in "world peace." Yet, almost every day, in their own countries and in many countries around the world, Christians are being intimidated, abused, arrested, beaten, tortured, and killed! Therefore, the amiable and inviting words of the Islamic scholars are but "a mirage."

I believe the following portion of my testimony will help you to begin to see the reality of Islam. To be able to discern between that which is true and that which is false will be of great value to you and to those with whom you will have contact in the days ahead.

As I previously mentioned I grew up as a member of a Christian minority living in a predominantly Muslim country. Christians lived under the oppression of Islam. We were deprived of the basic human right of freedom to worship without fear. There was no escape from this tyranny.

From a very young age, I had the desire to be in Christian ministry in order to equip and encourage my people through God's Word. After graduating from high school, I spent two years studying at a local college. Then, in 1989, the LORD opened a door for me to attend a Christian seminary in the Philippines, as well as study at a university in France.

For the next ten years, I worked, studied, and traveled throughout South East Asia and Europe. It was my first time to travel and live in countries that were not primarily under the strong influence and control of Islam. During this time, I experienced freedoms and observed a way of life that I had only read about in books or seen in movies. It was my first time to see couples holding hands in public and women walking and traveling alone. The overall atmosphere was not tense. There were no police or guards at every corner and checkpoint. If fact, there were hardly any checkpoints. I would travel for miles, from city to city, without being stopped or questioned. Even at government offices, I was not questioned about being a Christian.

In my country, when we traveled anywhere, we were stopped at various checkpoints and questioned. Each time we would be asked questions like: "Where are you going?" "Why are you going there?" "Let me see your ID!" "Who are you going to meet?" "What kind of work do you do?" "Where do you live?" "What is your father's name?"

I had been like a frog that had lived its entire life in a well! Now I was out! I now knew here were other ways to live! I realized there was more to life than what I had experienced in my home country. I also knew and remembered that there were millions of people in the world who have never experienced these simple basic freedoms that I had come to know.

At the end of 1999, I came back to my country. As I witnessed my people struggling to survive in our hostile environment, the burden to stand with them became my passion. I wanted to aid the poorest of the poor. I recalled what I had seen and experienced in other countries. My heart was so heavy for my people. I wanted to help them improve their lives. I wanted to encourage them.

I also knew social work and community development programs alone were not enough. I knew they needed to be encouraged by the Word of God in simple and practical ways. If they were to survive as a Christian community, I knew they must be able to bear the persecution and overcome the hatred from the extremists. I knew they were called to be light and salt to those around them.

I started laboring with a Christian team in slum areas and rural villages. We reached out to Muslims, as well as to Christians. We provided practical assistance, such as supplying used warm clothing during the winter, school supplies and uniforms, food distribution during natural disasters, and some basic medical assistance. Local Christians who had a heart to help with our ministry primarily funded all this through sacrificial giving. Some of our supporters, who were a little better off financially, were a great help. Our team worked side by side with various local churches. The ministry's goal was two-fold: strengthen the Body of Christ in the midst of persecution and, as we had opportunity, bring the Good News of Christ to the Muslim community. Our work with the Muslims had to be carried out with great caution.

In 2002, a full container of New Testaments arrived for Afghan and Iranian refugees. It was not an easy task to distribute the New Testaments. We had to be creative as well as careful. This shipment brought us in direct danger from Islamic extremists. Some Muslim militants wrote threatening letters to the regional office in South Asia and to the head office in North America stating: "Stop the distribution of your religious books. Otherwise, those responsible should be prepared to pay the consequences." Furthermore, they emphasized that whoever was caught distributing these materials would be punished without mercy according to Islamic law, commonly known as Sharia law.

The threats from the extremist Muslims were not mere talk. They were very serious. In August 2003, a dear Christian brother named L. A., one of our colleagues, a convert from Islam, was actively working among the Afghans. He was shot twice in the head in broad daylight, and did not survive. What was his crime? He was simply distributing Bibles. He was martyred for his faith in Christ! However, to his Muslim murderers, he was a kafir (an apostate, an infidel) ... so they killed him!

The Hadith states: "... if somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him." Sahih Bukhari 4:52:260

I, along with others, wanted to pursue his case. However, some lawyers, as well as the local police, warned us that anyone pursuing this case might face the same consequences.

In 2003, I received another shipment of thirteen thousand Christian books from Europe. We had some serious problems with this shipment, which we were not aware of until it arrived. First of all, the material was addressed personally to me. Secondly, the shipment did not match the description on the invoice. The third problem was that all the books were written in Persian, Dari, or certain tribal languages. Primarily the only people who spoke these languages were the local Muslims in our area; therefore, if the shipment were scrutinized closely, the authorities would know the intended use of the books was for Christian witnessing to the Muslims! The last problem, the most serious of all, was that three thousand of the books were children's Bible storybooks with pictures of Bible characters and holy prophets. Pictures of holy prophets are prohibited and considered blasphemy according to Islamic teachings. (Please compare this situation with the incident of the Danish cartoons in 2005).

This was a serious offence in the eyes of Islamic law (Sharia) and the local customs authority. I was told that the shipment would not be released; the whole consignment was under suspicion. Allegations were made that the books were to be used as anti-Islamic propaganda. Our team spent many days in prayer. We spoke with some influential people, hoping they would be able to advise and help us. We then received word that the authorities had opened the boxes and had released seventy percent of the books, those that did not have the pictures. The remaining thirty percent were being held. These were the children's Bible storybooks with pictures.

Initially, the Customs Office was very positive as they discussed the case with us, thinking they would receive a bribe. This is how it works there. However, when they reviewed the case more closely and realized the violation was against Islamic teaching, the situation changed. Within a few weeks, the following verbal response from the customs authorities was given to us: "If you had imported an entire container of alcoholic beverages, it would have been easier to release than these books."

Not only does the religion of Islam uphold that having illustrations of the holy prophets, such as: Adam, Abraham, Moses, etc. is blasphemy, but also the government of my home country. The seized books were now under further investigation. The government's stance was that this was a grave violation against Islam, showing disrespect to the prophets and Islamic teachings! It was blasphemy; an act that cannot be forgiven! Everyone in a Muslim country knows that if anyone is caught participating in blasphemy, he will be executed!

Due to the seriousness of the charge, we knew not to deal directly with the officials. It would be best to have a mediator. As long as the case remained at the initial phase, we also knew I would most likely not be arrested.

Our contact person then approached the Chairman of the CBR (Central Board of Revenue) with the case. He is the highest authority that can be contacted. The Chairman then sent the case to a CBR Director, who works under his supervision. Once again the case was reviewed. The CBR Director decided to set a panel of four people who would make the final judgment about the case.

We were told that we would need to provide a written statement answering
questions such as the following:

Who would be the main recipients of the material?
What was the percentage of the people in our churches who read in these languages?
How much material is being distributed?
What is the personal background and whereabouts of the people involved in the distribution?

The list of questions continued. We were told that the panel of four would also require the answers to these same questions when I appeared before them.

We were under constant pressure from governmental agencies. During the last week of September of 2003, we were verbally informed by the minister's office (who was a Christian) that I would be sent a letter to appear before the panel by the second week of November. He explained that his office had done everything possible within their limits to release the remaining books. They had used their connections and every means possible to help me; however they had underestimated the severity of the problem. Now it was left up to me to decide what other precautionary measures I should take to avoid digging my own grave.

It was decided that I would be standing in front of a four-person panel without any substantial or fabricated data about where and how the books were to be distributed and utilized. I did not know the religious affiliation of the people participating in the panel. Later I came to know that one was a Christian politician who was helping in the process, two were government officials, and the fourth was a Muslim clergy (imam).

The Christian politician showed concern for my welfare by pointing out that during the inquiry and hearing someone in their office might leak my identity to Muslim extremist groups. This is not unusual in blasphemy cases. This would have jeopardized my life and the future of my entire family.

My lawyer assured me that if this case was brought before the panel, my name would be added to the "exit control list." I would then not be able to leave the country at any time. I knew that once I received the summons to appear before the panel, no one could say what might happen. I would be pretty much on my own.

During this time my wife had given birth to our second child, who was now just a few weeks old. My wife rightly shared her fears for my safety, as well as her concern of the possibility of becoming a widow at a young age. At that time, we also had an adopted daughter, which added to the mounting difficulty and frightening circumstances.

Due to these grave concerns, the elders of my church, my parents, my wife and I made the decision that I should leave my home country immediately. Thank God, I already had my travel documents and a valid US visa in place. Consequently, in November 2003, I left my country seeking freedom and protection in America. At that time, my thoughts were, "In three or four months, when things simmer down, I can return home."

Instead, the event, which occurred during the next few months, proved to be the opposite of what I had hoped for. I received word that another friend back home, who was working among the refugee children, was kidnapped and killed. Two days later his mutilated body was found on a heap of garbage near a sidewalk.

          The Quran states: "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who
          disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every
          fingertip of them." Surah 8:12

I later found out that during his two days of captivity, he was constantly interrogated and brutalized. I believe whatever information the terrorists wanted from him, they were able to get, due to the extreme torture. My colleague was thirtynine years old. He had a wife and four small children.

At this point the reality kicked in that I was not returning home! I was advised that it would be best to seek "refugee/asylum" status.

Within a week, a second frightening incident occurred back home. These caring and loving followers of Islam tried to plant a time bomb close to my house (back in my country) where my wife, our adopted daughter, and our two young children were living. Thank God one of the Christian neighbors saw the man hiding something under the piles of bricks that were close to my house. He started shouting to the perpetrator, "What are you doing?" In a panic, the man fled on his motorcycle, leaving some pieces of explosive behind. Thank God the bomb did not explode. This incident brought such fear to my mind. I felt helpless. I was thousands of miles from my wife and children and could do nothing, but pray.

My family back home and I had the same fear, which my Christian colleagues and I had had earlier, regarding the murder of our dear Christian friend, Brother L. A. We felt if we were to file a complaint with the local police concerning this incident, the authorities would not be open to accept a charge stating that this was the work of a Muslim extremist. They would most likely place the blame on one of our extended family members, saying that the incident probably had transpired due to jealousy or out of revenge.

These few months that had now transpired, as well as the next two and a half years, were a time of tremendous struggle. I did, however, have the support of one of my sisters and a brother here in America of which I was most thankful. Knowing they were here was truly a comfort; nevertheless, deep down inside, I was desperately missing my wife and children. I was extremely concerned for their wellbeing and safety. I did not know what to do with my life. I did not feel led by the Lord to go into a secular profession. I knew I was called to the ministry, but did not know where or how to begin. I did not know many Christians and had no one in whom I could confide and seek godly counsel. These many hurdles looming before me brought me to my knees. I pleaded with God to encourage and strengthen me, alleviate my loneliness, and show me His direction for my life. This became one of the toughest times of my life.

By this time my "refugee/asylum" status in the United States based on religious persecution was approved, for which I thanked the Lord.

A Christian brother, whom I had met earlier, now became a spiritual father to me. He helped me to see the big picture of the American Church's situation. He encouraged me, and said, "The Lord has brought you here for a purpose." He commented: "There is great need for people like you to share their life experiences and challenges with the Body of Christ here." I listened to him and nodded my head, but within I was thinking, "Who would listen to me? America, with all of its high tech gadgets and technology, is the most advanced nation of the world. Americans must be knowledgeable of what is happening all around the world."

To my surprise, the Lord started opening doors for me to speak around the country. At first, I hardly knew where to begin. I wondered what the American Christians actually knew and understood about Islam and its harshness and intolerance throughout the world. Again I thought, "Since they live in the most advanced nation in the world, surely they know what is happening around the world. So, what could I really tell them, that they don't already know?"

As I look back over these three years, I believe it was during this time of desperation and loneliness that the Lord pruned me and truly revealed His direction for my life. I thank God that after the long separation from my wife and children, they were finally able to join me in America! The reunion with my wife and children is still one of the happiest days of my life.

Our adopted daughter, however, was not able to obtain papers to enter the United States, due to a technical matter. In our homeland, at the time we adopted her we were not aware that in the Muslim world, there is no concept of "legal" adoption. Although we had obtained all the necessary documents from the government, we later found out that this kind of adoption is more of a 'guardianship'; therefore, our adopted daughter is still living in our native country.

Despite this great disappointment, it was an overwhelming joy to see my wife and to hold my two children again. When I left, my son was almost three months old; at the time I saw him in America, he was three years old. This wonderful family reunion was the result of consistent prayer, help from friends, and the assistance from a U. S. senator who expedited the process for which I was so grateful. (There were some similar cases where the families had to wait for 5-7 years before being reunited.)

Even after my family was united in America, we continued to hear of Christian persecution back in my home country. In January of 2008, another Christian friend of mine, who was working in the same area of ministry in which I had been involved, was murdered. He was shot while returning to his home.

          The Quran teaches: "But when the forbidden months (Ramadan) are past,
          then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them,
          beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem." Surah 9:5

He was twenty-nine years old, and he had an eighteen-month-old daughter. This was now the third friend who had been martyred. What were their crimes? They simple reached out to Muslims showing the love of GOD and sharing HIS message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

I thank the Lord that He has given me a new life in this country. If I had stayed in my home country, I would have been killed long ago. I believe everything happens for a purpose. It often takes time, however, to understand the Lord's will. For me, it took some painful years before I began to understand the direction my life was to take. It is only by God's grace and through the passing of time that I continue to be restored and healed from the thoughts and pain of losing three of my Christian friends and co-laborers at the hands of the Islamic extremists.

As I go to different churches sharing the plight of Christians suffering at the hands of Islamic extremists, I am discovering that American Christians are not aware of the cross our brethren are carrying to follow Jesus. They seem to have little true awareness of the extreme cruelty and harshness that Christian believers in the Muslim world have to face every day of their lives.

Sadly too is the fact that the American Church, as well as the American government, is naive and has no idea of the real agenda Islam is carrying out around the world and within this nation. I know that the brand of Islam which is being proclaimed and practiced here in America is totally different than the one that I experienced in the East. The West is falling into Islam's trap of sweet and elusive talk, a snare that can eventually lead to its destruction. Where I came from, all we ever saw was the sword of Islam falling on innocent people who differed in their opinion, belief, or way of life.

The Lord has called me to unveil to the Christians in America the hidden agenda of Islam, exposing it for what it really is ... a mirage! Islam claims to be a "peaceful" and "loving" religion. The fact is that their plan is to conquer the whole world for the sake of Allah! Furthermore their definitions of love and peace found in the Quran are totally different from those found in the written Word of GOD.

Islam may not be as aggressive and violent just yet in the West as it is in the Muslim nations. Just wait! They are coming in the backdoor; they are slowly penetrating this land showing their presence by silencing the freedoms for which America stands. Sadly, the government and media, to be "politically correct," have fallen into this sweet intimidation.

For those people, I simply urge you to go and live among the suffering minorities in an Islamic country for some time. Then you will realize the true color of Islam that I have presented in this book.

If Islam is indeed a peaceful and loving religion, then, as I often say, that fact will not be just good news, but will be the greatest news to all people (of all faiths)! Why? Because all around the world, people who are living under the Islamic regime will be free from their cruel and intolerant rule! But, Islam is not a religion of love and peace!

As one who grew up in the Islamic world and was the son of a prominent Christian leader (who has served in our homeland for more than fifty years), I know what it is like to live as a minority there. All our lives we had to be extra careful not to say or do anything against Islam. It could lead to very disastrous consequences for us personally, for our family, and for our entire Christian community. I know, too, how the thought process of the Muslim mind works. I know how they manipulate the truth! They will say anything for the purpose of spreading Islam. That, my friends, is exactly what is happening in the West. Because I grew up and lived in the East, I am able to recognize and identify the "harmless and attractive" Islam, which they are now presenting to the West, for what it truly is,.. a mirage" luring its followers to the pit of hell!

I thank the Lord for giving my family and me a new life in the United States of America. My earnest prayer is that the Lord will continue to prosper and bless the United States in the days ahead. May the American people never forget that the blessings and freedoms of this great nation have come to them by way of God's grace through Jesus Christ. And may they never forget the high price they have paid in the past, as they stood together many times as a strong united front, against the evils that sought to take away these blessings and freedoms.

The Lord is using my wife and me to expose the form of Islam that is now being presented in the West for what it really is ... a mirage. After much prayer, long suffering, and pruning, my wife and I strongly believe that the Lord has called us to speak out and ...

Awaken the American church to Islamic persecution around the world.
Expose the hidden agenda and ultimate goal of Islam.
Explain how the Muslim world perceives the West and western Christianity.
Share the importance of building relationships with Muslims, and how to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Share how women in the Islamic world are treated and the consequences of marrying a Muslim.
Remind western Christians of the freedom, equality, and prosperity they are privileged to have.
Emphasize the importance of the Word of God and prayer in their lives.

I thank the Lord that even in the midst of trials and persecution He has been faithful, and continues to protect and use me beyond my expectations. The persecution of Christians in Muslim countries around the world continues to increase. It is heading our way! During this critical time I am committed to do my part to preserve the freedoms of this great country and share the true love and mercy of God demonstrated in Christ Jesus our LORD.

I hope that this book will open your eyes to the pressing situation at hand. There is an urgent need for Christians to embrace fully the Living Christ. May you be stirred to return to the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), hiding it in your heart (119:11), and living it in your life (II Cor. 5:15; II Cor. 3:2). You too must do your part."

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