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Which None Can Shut: Remarkable True Stories of God’s Miraculous Work in the Muslim World
“See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.”—Revelation 3:8
Imagine a place where becoming a Christian is a punishable crime—and your own family exacts the punishment. Where those who spread the gospel among locals are deported if discovered. Where converts to Christianity face persecution, isolation, or even death as the price for their faith.
“Reema Goode” and her family are Christians working in a closed Middle Eastern country where all of these things are true. Yet they are also firsthand witnesses of a whole new trend that is taking shape in missions to Muslims. Despite all obstacles, God is opening miraculous doors in the Islamic world, where an unprecedented number of Muslims are becoming followers of Jesus.
In this powerful collection of personal stories, Reema takes us deep inside her Arab neighborhood to show how God is opening doors in just one of many Islamic communities. As she walks us through everyday life in a Muslim town, she reveals the diverse, creative, unexpected, and thrilling ways God is reaching her neighbors with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Imagine a place where becoming a Christian is a punishable crime—and your own family exacts the punishment. Where those who spread the gospel among locals are deported if discovered. Where converts to Christianity face persecution, isolation, or even death as the price for their faith.
“Reema Goode” and her family are Christians working in a closed Middle Eastern country where all of these things are true. Yet they are also firsthand witnesses of a whole new trend that is taking shape in missions to Muslims. Despite all obstacles, God is opening miraculous doors in the Islamic world, where an unprecedented number of Muslims are becoming followers of Jesus.
In this powerful collection of personal stories, Reema takes us deep inside her Arab neighborhood to show how God is opening doors in just one of many Islamic communities. As she walks us through everyday life in a Muslim town, she reveals the diverse, creative, unexpected, and thrilling ways God is reaching her neighbors with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2010
22 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 16, 2013
The good is a irrepressible love for the gospel and the Muslim people. The author bubbles with both and the desire to love her neighbor. There are wonderful stories told within this very easy to read book and I found myself with tears in my eyes as I read each of them. I greatly delighted in hearing how so many of the people desired to hear or read the Scriptures themselves.
The "not-so-good" is something that I don't want to call "bad." Though I have also read and heard of many Muslims who have visions of Jesus I often found myself stumbling over her and her husband's decision-making. Not everyone will agree with me on this point, which I thoroughly acknowledge. However, their dependence upon feelings and senses as a basis for what God wants is fraught with problems. Of course these stories all work out well, but as a pastor I have witnessed untold bad decisions and actions all based upon a fervent belief that God is "leading" them to do "something."
However, the issue with decision-making did not detract from very encouraging stories of the gospel continuing to go forth into very dark areas and transforming people into followers of Jesus the Messiah. I give much thanks for this!
The "not-so-good" is something that I don't want to call "bad." Though I have also read and heard of many Muslims who have visions of Jesus I often found myself stumbling over her and her husband's decision-making. Not everyone will agree with me on this point, which I thoroughly acknowledge. However, their dependence upon feelings and senses as a basis for what God wants is fraught with problems. Of course these stories all work out well, but as a pastor I have witnessed untold bad decisions and actions all based upon a fervent belief that God is "leading" them to do "something."
However, the issue with decision-making did not detract from very encouraging stories of the gospel continuing to go forth into very dark areas and transforming people into followers of Jesus the Messiah. I give much thanks for this!
February 19, 2017
From the time I was a little boy, I remember being fascinated with missionary stories. I'd find the country on a map and visualize myself going to that distant land with the Gospel. Africa, South America, Asia -- all were equally enticing destinations. On-screen slide projectors introduced me to the mud huts, shacks and cardboard cities of extreme povery, to exotic animals, tropical paradises and beautiful vistas, and most of all, to the faces of people who need Christ. In my background, however, I can't remember many tales of missionaries to Muslim countries. Closed countries were just that, and with the response to the Gospel in more reachable lands, the prospect of outreach to Muslims wasn't raised.
My experience is certainly not unique. It is only in the past 20 years or so that missions to Muslim-controlled nations have become the dream of Christian young people. A dream and a reality. Two American wars in Iraq and the constant Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have kept the Middle East, and its Muslim religion, at the forefront of our global vision. And many American Christians have taken it upon themselves to pray for the advance of the Gospel (not the same as the success of America, mind you) in these dark lands.
That I call Muslim-dominated lands "dark" is not a popular sentiment in today's pluaralistic age. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is about spreading the light. And Christian missionaries have laid down their lives to spread that wonderful story of Jesus throughout the ages and all over this world. Sadly, many Muslims today mistakenly think Christianity is represented by America's policies and the evil practices she tolerates. Such is not the case. True Christians serve a Kingdom not of this world.
American Christians like me are beginning to hear of the inroads being made by the Gospel in Arabia and other such places. But what we hear is often only bits and pieces of what God is doing. For Americans in general, and Christians too, there remains a fear of Islam and a mystique to Arabia. Few are willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the gospel, and many don't even know what missions to Muslims would even look like (here in America even, and especially over in a "closed country").
A new book, shines a beacon on what God is doing in Arabia, and what it is like to be a missionary there. In Which None Can Shut: Remarkable True Stories of God's Miraculous Work in the Muslim World Reema Goode (and I assume that to be a pen name) shares some of her real life stories of being an American woman ministering to Muslims alongside her family in an Arabian country. Along the way we share her joys and sorrows and come to know more clearly what it is to be ministering God's love to Muslims in a far away land. The book is a breathtaking tale that is sure to elicit both praise and prayers to God for Him to do even more.
The book is a quick read, and the story moves along quickly. Goode shares the struggle of fitting in to a new culture, and her fear for her children. She describes the people and customs of Arabia well, and draws you into the story. Over and in all of the stories we can see God's grace and His Spirit at work. God gives Reema and her husband just the right words to say, over and over again. Incredible opportunities to share the Gospel are commonplace, as the people of that land are curious to learn more about Christianity and life in America. Through the Eastern emphasis on community, and the sharing of one another's lives, the people get to see what a Christian really is.
God's miraculous power is seen too. Dramatic healings, protection in demonically charged encounters, and the beauty of conversion to Christ are all recounted. Testimony to God's working in people's lives prior to and apart from Christian missionaries is amazing as well. And the author insists these stories are representative of God's work in many lands and many cities all across the Muslim world.
I couldn't put this book down. And when I did, I was moved to pray more intently for the continued advance of the Gospel in Muslim lands. I fear that many Christians in America are more focused on the encroaches of Sharia law and Muslim suicide bombings than they are on the need these people have for Jesus Christ and the Gospel of God's grace. May this book serve to elicit prayer rather than prejudice from God's people.
I think the book could become a best seller and open the eyes of many Christians to the thrill of missions in general, and Muslim missions in particular. May God inspire many more Christians to follow Reema Goode and her family into Muslim lands with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
Pick up a copy of this book at Amazon.com or through Tyndale House direct. An expanded version of this review, with links to video clips and additional resources, will also be available at CrossFocusedReviews.com.
My experience is certainly not unique. It is only in the past 20 years or so that missions to Muslim-controlled nations have become the dream of Christian young people. A dream and a reality. Two American wars in Iraq and the constant Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have kept the Middle East, and its Muslim religion, at the forefront of our global vision. And many American Christians have taken it upon themselves to pray for the advance of the Gospel (not the same as the success of America, mind you) in these dark lands.
That I call Muslim-dominated lands "dark" is not a popular sentiment in today's pluaralistic age. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is about spreading the light. And Christian missionaries have laid down their lives to spread that wonderful story of Jesus throughout the ages and all over this world. Sadly, many Muslims today mistakenly think Christianity is represented by America's policies and the evil practices she tolerates. Such is not the case. True Christians serve a Kingdom not of this world.
American Christians like me are beginning to hear of the inroads being made by the Gospel in Arabia and other such places. But what we hear is often only bits and pieces of what God is doing. For Americans in general, and Christians too, there remains a fear of Islam and a mystique to Arabia. Few are willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the gospel, and many don't even know what missions to Muslims would even look like (here in America even, and especially over in a "closed country").
A new book, shines a beacon on what God is doing in Arabia, and what it is like to be a missionary there. In Which None Can Shut: Remarkable True Stories of God's Miraculous Work in the Muslim World Reema Goode (and I assume that to be a pen name) shares some of her real life stories of being an American woman ministering to Muslims alongside her family in an Arabian country. Along the way we share her joys and sorrows and come to know more clearly what it is to be ministering God's love to Muslims in a far away land. The book is a breathtaking tale that is sure to elicit both praise and prayers to God for Him to do even more.
The book is a quick read, and the story moves along quickly. Goode shares the struggle of fitting in to a new culture, and her fear for her children. She describes the people and customs of Arabia well, and draws you into the story. Over and in all of the stories we can see God's grace and His Spirit at work. God gives Reema and her husband just the right words to say, over and over again. Incredible opportunities to share the Gospel are commonplace, as the people of that land are curious to learn more about Christianity and life in America. Through the Eastern emphasis on community, and the sharing of one another's lives, the people get to see what a Christian really is.
God's miraculous power is seen too. Dramatic healings, protection in demonically charged encounters, and the beauty of conversion to Christ are all recounted. Testimony to God's working in people's lives prior to and apart from Christian missionaries is amazing as well. And the author insists these stories are representative of God's work in many lands and many cities all across the Muslim world.
I couldn't put this book down. And when I did, I was moved to pray more intently for the continued advance of the Gospel in Muslim lands. I fear that many Christians in America are more focused on the encroaches of Sharia law and Muslim suicide bombings than they are on the need these people have for Jesus Christ and the Gospel of God's grace. May this book serve to elicit prayer rather than prejudice from God's people.
I think the book could become a best seller and open the eyes of many Christians to the thrill of missions in general, and Muslim missions in particular. May God inspire many more Christians to follow Reema Goode and her family into Muslim lands with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
Pick up a copy of this book at Amazon.com or through Tyndale House direct. An expanded version of this review, with links to video clips and additional resources, will also be available at CrossFocusedReviews.com.
September 1, 2015
An inspiring book about the authors adventures with Muslims. I laughed, I cried, it's great to see such a humorous account of a Christian missionary in the midst of the Islamic world. It seems to quickly place you in the middle of her neighourhood and friends.
I may have to read it a few more times - Just for fun.
I don't like to give out 5 stars very often. But this was incredible. I only wish it was 500 pages longer.
I may have to read it a few more times - Just for fun.
I don't like to give out 5 stars very often. But this was incredible. I only wish it was 500 pages longer.
April 2, 2011
This book changed my life. It tells true stories of situations and places similar to what I'm going into. A number of times, even while reading this book in public places, I wept. God is moving. I wish everyone in my life would read it to understand better why I do what I do.
May 15, 2018
Loved this book! Quick read, great stories of how a missionary family was able to witness the power of God working in their relationships with Muslim friends. This book touched my heart and called me to pray harder for Muslims and for me to learn more about them and to not be afraid of them!! God will lead me and put the words in my mouth to show them His love!
January 18, 2020
Remarkable things that God is doing in Arabia 😭😭 This book was so refreshing, humbling, and convicting. Super quick read too at only 165 pages. Read it in 2 hours. Wow, I love the Arab world and praise God for his mighty deeds there.
November 20, 2023
Inspiring stories from the Arabian Peninsula.
July 26, 2023
Es un libro hermoso. Disfrute de la lectura y me alegraba muchísimo saber de la extensión del evangelio, mi corazón fue conmovido mientras leía como las personas buscaban de Dios, como escudriñan su palabra para conocerlo y saber la verdad que Jesús es su salvador.
July 14, 2016
Especially since 9/11 there has been a resurgence of interest in Islam and the Muslim world among Americans. For American Christians there is an interest in promoting Christianity in such lands. Yet the challenges seem insurmountable: while Muslims certainly appreciate the freedom of religion and freedom of expression that exists in the West, they do not provide such freedom in their own lands. While some countries tolerate Christians and others to practice their religion, they still demand a payment of a tax, and they are forbidden from proselytizing. The real danger is for the Muslims themselves: if they convert to Christianity, Islam demands their execution. Those who convert them also risk great personal danger to themselves.
On account of these challenges it is easy for Christians to dismiss Islamic lands and focus on other places where there is a wider opening. Nevertheless, the call of the Gospel is to go out to every creature, even if it is illegal to do so (cf. Mark 16:15, Acts 5:29). Furthermore, despite the official lines, the ignorance, and the misinformation, many in the Arab world are curious about what Christianity is really about. Should they be deprived of the Gospel?
There are some people who attempt to promote the Gospel of Christ in Arab lands. One such person has recently written an account of her activities in promoting Christianity there in a book entitled Which None Can Shut: Remarkable True Stories of God's Miraculous Work in the Muslim World written by "Reema Goode" (true name withheld, no doubt, because of security concerns).
"Reema" seems to be an Evangelical with perhaps Pentecostal leanings. She describes the stories of how she worked among men and women in an undeclared Arab country. She talks about how the culture gave her an opening to advance her purposes: the women frequently visit with one another and talk about all kinds of things. Most of the discussions she has takes place in this environment.
The Muslim women feel that they need to bring her to Allah; she feels as if she needs to bring them to Jesus. She demonstrates her methods-- the questions she asks them, the questions she is asked, the demonstration of the Christian life, her praying, casting out of demons (so believed), signs and wonders (so believed), and so on and so forth.
While I am certainly in no position to limit God and His power, I am also not convinced, personally, that there is a need for casting out of demons and the "signs and wonders" mentioned in the text. I am in no position to judge what is being claimed, but I retain my skepticism about such things.
"Reema" certainly feels as if the Lord constantly speaks to her in some way or another, and again, I am not in a position to judge. I have some concerns about theology also, since the "believers" are encouraged to "pray" to receive Jesus as opposed to following the Biblical pattern of being immersed in water for remission of sin to put on Christ (Acts 2:36-38, Galatians 3:27).
Nevertheless, the book has value in showing that many Muslims do want to learn about Jesus, that prayer has value even today, and that with the right people, the right manner of life, and the right information in place, many Muslims are willing to have their viewpoint challenged, are willing to see the bankruptcy of Islam, and are willing to become believers in Jesus, despite the risks.
Which None Can Shut demonstrates that we should never write any group off and that we must find ways to get the Gospel-- and Jesus' representatives preaching the Gospel-- into Muslim lands.
*--book received as part of an early review program.
On account of these challenges it is easy for Christians to dismiss Islamic lands and focus on other places where there is a wider opening. Nevertheless, the call of the Gospel is to go out to every creature, even if it is illegal to do so (cf. Mark 16:15, Acts 5:29). Furthermore, despite the official lines, the ignorance, and the misinformation, many in the Arab world are curious about what Christianity is really about. Should they be deprived of the Gospel?
There are some people who attempt to promote the Gospel of Christ in Arab lands. One such person has recently written an account of her activities in promoting Christianity there in a book entitled Which None Can Shut: Remarkable True Stories of God's Miraculous Work in the Muslim World written by "Reema Goode" (true name withheld, no doubt, because of security concerns).
"Reema" seems to be an Evangelical with perhaps Pentecostal leanings. She describes the stories of how she worked among men and women in an undeclared Arab country. She talks about how the culture gave her an opening to advance her purposes: the women frequently visit with one another and talk about all kinds of things. Most of the discussions she has takes place in this environment.
The Muslim women feel that they need to bring her to Allah; she feels as if she needs to bring them to Jesus. She demonstrates her methods-- the questions she asks them, the questions she is asked, the demonstration of the Christian life, her praying, casting out of demons (so believed), signs and wonders (so believed), and so on and so forth.
While I am certainly in no position to limit God and His power, I am also not convinced, personally, that there is a need for casting out of demons and the "signs and wonders" mentioned in the text. I am in no position to judge what is being claimed, but I retain my skepticism about such things.
"Reema" certainly feels as if the Lord constantly speaks to her in some way or another, and again, I am not in a position to judge. I have some concerns about theology also, since the "believers" are encouraged to "pray" to receive Jesus as opposed to following the Biblical pattern of being immersed in water for remission of sin to put on Christ (Acts 2:36-38, Galatians 3:27).
Nevertheless, the book has value in showing that many Muslims do want to learn about Jesus, that prayer has value even today, and that with the right people, the right manner of life, and the right information in place, many Muslims are willing to have their viewpoint challenged, are willing to see the bankruptcy of Islam, and are willing to become believers in Jesus, despite the risks.
Which None Can Shut demonstrates that we should never write any group off and that we must find ways to get the Gospel-- and Jesus' representatives preaching the Gospel-- into Muslim lands.
*--book received as part of an early review program.
Read
October 17, 2010"See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it" Revelations 3:8
Imagine a place where becoming a Christian is a punishable crime—and your own family exacts the punishment. Where those who spread the gospel among locals are deported if discovered. Where converts to Christianity face persecution, isolation, or even death as the price for their faith. “Reema Goode” and her family are Christians working in a closed Middle Eastern country where all of these things are true. Yet they are also firsthand witnesses of a whole new trend that is taking shape in missions to Muslims. Despite all obstacles, God is opening miraculous doors in the Islamic world, where an unprecedented number of Muslims are becoming followers of Jesus. In this powerful collection of personal stories, Reema takes us deep inside her Arab neighborhood to show how God is opening doors in just one of many Islamic communities. As she walks us through everyday life in a Muslim town, she reveals the diverse, creative, unexpected, and thrilling ways God is reaching her neighbors with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This book, is full of true stories and events that happened to Reema, her husband Mike and their children. She tells of events about living in a community full of Muslims and their mission to tell the story of Christ and His love. This story, or rather these stories are scary at times. You want to read faster to find out the outcome!But there are also stories told in this book where I found myself cheering for her and/or her husband; and even their son on one occasion. This book was very inspiring and reminded me that even though a person goes through persecution either from their own family members, friends or even stangers because of their faith, atleast we live in a country where we have freedom of religion/faith. She reminded me of how lucky and blessed I am.
She reminds us to keep the faith, keep praying; because praying does do a whole lot. She also reminds us that God is in control; if we let Him. Do we want God to take the wheel or not? Do we trust Him to take over or do we know better? Or maybe next time because this time isn't good for you or me.
Within the pages of this book Reema and everyone else (in this book) keep reminding us a much needed reminder I think; Trust in Him. He is in control. This read is inspiring and a great thrill to read. It made me realize that I take my freedom for granted at times, I need to work on that:) Freedom of religion/faith, freedom of speech. We have that here; in the US of A.
Reema also made sure to note that her and her family didn't shove The Word down people's throats. They prayed for God to open a line of communication for them to share the Bible with non-Christians . And He provided just that.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Christian or non Christian. It not only is full of great stories but also a learning tool for Christians to have if they want to better reach the non Christian and have a meaningful conversation. It also opens your eyes to what is going on outside of our country.
I received my complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publisher
Imagine a place where becoming a Christian is a punishable crime—and your own family exacts the punishment. Where those who spread the gospel among locals are deported if discovered. Where converts to Christianity face persecution, isolation, or even death as the price for their faith. “Reema Goode” and her family are Christians working in a closed Middle Eastern country where all of these things are true. Yet they are also firsthand witnesses of a whole new trend that is taking shape in missions to Muslims. Despite all obstacles, God is opening miraculous doors in the Islamic world, where an unprecedented number of Muslims are becoming followers of Jesus. In this powerful collection of personal stories, Reema takes us deep inside her Arab neighborhood to show how God is opening doors in just one of many Islamic communities. As she walks us through everyday life in a Muslim town, she reveals the diverse, creative, unexpected, and thrilling ways God is reaching her neighbors with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This book, is full of true stories and events that happened to Reema, her husband Mike and their children. She tells of events about living in a community full of Muslims and their mission to tell the story of Christ and His love. This story, or rather these stories are scary at times. You want to read faster to find out the outcome!But there are also stories told in this book where I found myself cheering for her and/or her husband; and even their son on one occasion. This book was very inspiring and reminded me that even though a person goes through persecution either from their own family members, friends or even stangers because of their faith, atleast we live in a country where we have freedom of religion/faith. She reminded me of how lucky and blessed I am.
She reminds us to keep the faith, keep praying; because praying does do a whole lot. She also reminds us that God is in control; if we let Him. Do we want God to take the wheel or not? Do we trust Him to take over or do we know better? Or maybe next time because this time isn't good for you or me.
Within the pages of this book Reema and everyone else (in this book) keep reminding us a much needed reminder I think; Trust in Him. He is in control. This read is inspiring and a great thrill to read. It made me realize that I take my freedom for granted at times, I need to work on that:) Freedom of religion/faith, freedom of speech. We have that here; in the US of A.
Reema also made sure to note that her and her family didn't shove The Word down people's throats. They prayed for God to open a line of communication for them to share the Bible with non-Christians . And He provided just that.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Christian or non Christian. It not only is full of great stories but also a learning tool for Christians to have if they want to better reach the non Christian and have a meaningful conversation. It also opens your eyes to what is going on outside of our country.
I received my complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publisher
November 20, 2015
This book is about the experiences of Reema Goode and her husband as Christian missionaries in an Arab nation. In it she tells about a people whom God loves and who are not the horrid caricatures all too often made of Arab Muslims by recent events. It was a blessing reading of the wonderful ways in which the Gospel has successfully led many Muslims to Jesus Christ via their ministry and via other incredible means. Because of Islamist terrorism, some Christians have bought into the fear and prejudice against all Arabs to so far an extent that they've gotten away from seeing Muslims as God sees them --- as people whom He loves and wants to have a relationship with via His Son, Jesus Christ. Mrs. Goode shows a different way, a better way ---- and I was glad to read her book as a reminder to see these sons of Abraham and Ishmael the way that God wants Christians to see them and how He is working in their lives.
January 1, 2013
It took some time to decide what rating to give this book. At times the enthusiasm of the writer is infectious, especially in the last chapter, because it is good to see people being freed from the arduous restrictions that those who call themselves Muslim by and large (it seems to me) submit to. But I have many objections, and I got quite angry while reading it at times. I no longer call myself a Christian, preferring anyway not to take on any label, but I haven't given up on Jesus of Nazareth completely; of everyone who has lived so far, he seems to me to be the best bet or to give the greatest hope of permanent relief from toil, trouble, and torture. However it is a long, long way from a sure thing, given the tenuous evidence there is. His reported life and teaching leaves a lot to be desired (I won't detail that here), and people's misery has in general scarcely if at all been reduced since he left. I suppose this makes me a maverick – and you haven't had the half of it yet.
I don't doubt that the stories related in the book are true. But it is bizarre that these things should happen so arbitrarily and sporadically. It doesn't convince me that the God they are praying to is reliable, just as the God I've been praying to for decades has not proved himself reliable. Why do tragedies happen at all? What sense does the notion that God is both all powerful and all good make when there is or has been or will be any suffering at all, and when God's blessings are mostly conditional on, or only occur after (and not often at that), self-inflicted burdens ("sacrifices") or periods of anguish or agony? (This is another topic I could go on about at length.)
I'm also put off by the author's overweening confidence in the superiority – supremacy, in fact – (measured by its degree of truthfulness) of her worldview (though if she is right about that then I hope I'm convinced of it sooner rather than later), which includes the flawlessness of the so-called Bible (presumably the Protestant canon), her division of reality or experience into the "spiritual" and something else, her failure to ask any of the questions I'm asking, her reluctance to cast aspersions on God without immediately and self-accusingly taking them back, and her unhesitating identification of various circumstances and events as being God's doing (but then what is not God's doing if he is all powerful?) or as being "used" by God (but then if God is all powerful how is his "use" of something distinguishable from his simply making something happen, and how does it even make sense for God to "use" something?).
The way the term faith is used without qualification, as though it didn't matter what or whom one put one's faith in or to what avail it would be if one did (in short, what one relies on to achieve what), bothers me as well. I get the impression that what is meant is trusting that everything will be all right (eventually), in which case the attendant injunction would be "relax, take it easy; don't worry, be happy; fear not" – in other words, perhaps, "be optimistic". Now such cognitive behavioural therapy – counting one's blessings, looking on the bright side, making the best of a bad situation, Philippians 4:8 – may well be helpful in many circumstances (though it is still an assignment, a task, a burden, a pain), but what about being on one's guard, 'watching and praying', 'fearing God', 'testing the spirits' – assessing of the effectiveness of a particular course of action (or inaction) in achieving a particular outcome? Does "having faith" preclude this? I suspect it is frequently meant to imply just that, because it often comes across to me as being pitted against using "reason" (and I could go on at great length about the nonsensicality, as I see it, of what I take this opposition to mean), and I don't see what such blind trust has going for it – at least for those who exercise it. Except in cases of pure good fortune, it defeats itself, and makes out of its practitioners easily exploited and oppressed underlings – regardless of whom they see themselves as loyal to or of how they address or what they name him, her, them, or it. Doesn't it?
It seems to me that the anecdotes in this book are consistent with there being various incorporeal personal beings of whom one or a group at various times and places gets the upper hand. The same goes for a few other books I've read, like Jackie Pullinger's and Andrew Quicke's Chasing the Dragon. One Woman's Struggle Against the Darkness of Hong Kong's Drug Dens, Bilquis Sheikh's I Dared to Call Him Father, Grant Lock's Shoot Me First, and, most bizarrely of all, Brother Yun's and Paul Hattaway's The Heavenly Man. The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun (which I've only managed to read half of).
I hope there is a good (for me) or loving (of me) power that will eventually win and rescue me (and everyone else) permanently from my (his/her) misery (by which I mean to imply rescue from oblivion too). And I hope that I (and everyone else, past, present, and future) will have done whatever it takes, if anything, to secure such a rescue. In other words, I hope that I (and everyone else) also win.
The testimony that constitutes this book only very barely bolsters my hope of this. Such power for good as is evident in it has not been strong enough to reveal convincingly (to me) its friendliness to me (or its concern for me, to put it another way) or any instructions on how to use what power I have in concert with its power to overcome our common (personal or impersonal) enemies – how to help it help me, in other words – or to convince me that such disagreeable (at least in part in the short term) intervention on my part (obedience, "sacrifice", "surrender", submission, service, works) is necessary for my rescue to succeed (or is otherwise worthwhile). (If the power that requires this is all good, then it must be unable to overcome my adversity on its own, and is thus not all powerful; if it is able to overcome my adversity on its own but still "requires" that I take pains, then it is not all good – indeed it is somewhat sadistic.)
But mention of the means, if any, including any role of individuals, is superfluous to the expression of the hope of the end, namely, that it will eventually (the sooner the better) be all good for me (and you) – that I (and you) will eventually feel entirely and everlastingly well, and experience endless ease, enjoyment, entertainment, and elation (and that precludes boredom, disappointment, fatigue, anger, fear, shame, and everything else unpleasant).
If I could I'd give this two-and-a-half stars, since it's better than merely OK, but it irritated me too much for me to like it as a whole. On Amazon, though, I'd be less hesitant about giving it three.
I don't doubt that the stories related in the book are true. But it is bizarre that these things should happen so arbitrarily and sporadically. It doesn't convince me that the God they are praying to is reliable, just as the God I've been praying to for decades has not proved himself reliable. Why do tragedies happen at all? What sense does the notion that God is both all powerful and all good make when there is or has been or will be any suffering at all, and when God's blessings are mostly conditional on, or only occur after (and not often at that), self-inflicted burdens ("sacrifices") or periods of anguish or agony? (This is another topic I could go on about at length.)
I'm also put off by the author's overweening confidence in the superiority – supremacy, in fact – (measured by its degree of truthfulness) of her worldview (though if she is right about that then I hope I'm convinced of it sooner rather than later), which includes the flawlessness of the so-called Bible (presumably the Protestant canon), her division of reality or experience into the "spiritual" and something else, her failure to ask any of the questions I'm asking, her reluctance to cast aspersions on God without immediately and self-accusingly taking them back, and her unhesitating identification of various circumstances and events as being God's doing (but then what is not God's doing if he is all powerful?) or as being "used" by God (but then if God is all powerful how is his "use" of something distinguishable from his simply making something happen, and how does it even make sense for God to "use" something?).
The way the term faith is used without qualification, as though it didn't matter what or whom one put one's faith in or to what avail it would be if one did (in short, what one relies on to achieve what), bothers me as well. I get the impression that what is meant is trusting that everything will be all right (eventually), in which case the attendant injunction would be "relax, take it easy; don't worry, be happy; fear not" – in other words, perhaps, "be optimistic". Now such cognitive behavioural therapy – counting one's blessings, looking on the bright side, making the best of a bad situation, Philippians 4:8 – may well be helpful in many circumstances (though it is still an assignment, a task, a burden, a pain), but what about being on one's guard, 'watching and praying', 'fearing God', 'testing the spirits' – assessing of the effectiveness of a particular course of action (or inaction) in achieving a particular outcome? Does "having faith" preclude this? I suspect it is frequently meant to imply just that, because it often comes across to me as being pitted against using "reason" (and I could go on at great length about the nonsensicality, as I see it, of what I take this opposition to mean), and I don't see what such blind trust has going for it – at least for those who exercise it. Except in cases of pure good fortune, it defeats itself, and makes out of its practitioners easily exploited and oppressed underlings – regardless of whom they see themselves as loyal to or of how they address or what they name him, her, them, or it. Doesn't it?
It seems to me that the anecdotes in this book are consistent with there being various incorporeal personal beings of whom one or a group at various times and places gets the upper hand. The same goes for a few other books I've read, like Jackie Pullinger's and Andrew Quicke's Chasing the Dragon. One Woman's Struggle Against the Darkness of Hong Kong's Drug Dens, Bilquis Sheikh's I Dared to Call Him Father, Grant Lock's Shoot Me First, and, most bizarrely of all, Brother Yun's and Paul Hattaway's The Heavenly Man. The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun (which I've only managed to read half of).
I hope there is a good (for me) or loving (of me) power that will eventually win and rescue me (and everyone else) permanently from my (his/her) misery (by which I mean to imply rescue from oblivion too). And I hope that I (and everyone else, past, present, and future) will have done whatever it takes, if anything, to secure such a rescue. In other words, I hope that I (and everyone else) also win.
The testimony that constitutes this book only very barely bolsters my hope of this. Such power for good as is evident in it has not been strong enough to reveal convincingly (to me) its friendliness to me (or its concern for me, to put it another way) or any instructions on how to use what power I have in concert with its power to overcome our common (personal or impersonal) enemies – how to help it help me, in other words – or to convince me that such disagreeable (at least in part in the short term) intervention on my part (obedience, "sacrifice", "surrender", submission, service, works) is necessary for my rescue to succeed (or is otherwise worthwhile). (If the power that requires this is all good, then it must be unable to overcome my adversity on its own, and is thus not all powerful; if it is able to overcome my adversity on its own but still "requires" that I take pains, then it is not all good – indeed it is somewhat sadistic.)
But mention of the means, if any, including any role of individuals, is superfluous to the expression of the hope of the end, namely, that it will eventually (the sooner the better) be all good for me (and you) – that I (and you) will eventually feel entirely and everlastingly well, and experience endless ease, enjoyment, entertainment, and elation (and that precludes boredom, disappointment, fatigue, anger, fear, shame, and everything else unpleasant).
If I could I'd give this two-and-a-half stars, since it's better than merely OK, but it irritated me too much for me to like it as a whole. On Amazon, though, I'd be less hesitant about giving it three.
July 9, 2019
This book is about the experiences of Reema Goode and her husband as Christian missionaries in an Arab nation. In it she tells about a people whom God loves and who are not the horrid caricatures all too often made of Arab Muslims by recent events. It was a blessing reading of the wonderful ways in which the Gospel has successfully led many Muslims to Jesus Christ via their ministry and via other incredible means. Because of Islamist terrorism, some Christians have bought into the fear and prejudice against all Arabs to so far an extent that they've gotten away from seeing Muslims as God sees them --- as people whom He loves and wants to have a relationship with via His Son, Jesus Christ. Mrs. Goode shows a different way, a better way ---- and I was glad to read her book as a reminder to see these sons of Abraham and Ishmael the way that God wants Christians to see them and how He is working in their lives
May 10, 2024
Absolutely loved this short book. Reema and her husband Mike have moved to "Little Town" on the Arabian Peninsula as missionaries. In this book, she shares numerous opportunities they have had in friendship evangelism, apologetics, and power encounter evangelism. She does an excellent job of sharing both the spiritual eagerness for truth that currently pervades so much of the Muslim world as well as the incredible difficulty and danger people face in Muslim majority nations in turning from Islam to Christ. While not exactly in chronological order, the book does flow in one coherent narrative culminating with an appeal calling the rest of us to prayer. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who have a heart to see the Kingdom advance in the Muslim world.
May 29, 2020
Reema Goode shares some of her experiences as a missionary in the Arabian peninsula. The accounts of God's working among Muslim people to bring them out of the darkness of Islam are amazing. God is doing a mighty work in that part of humanity, and Goode's account is but one of many available. Through her book, we learn more about the power of prayer and the importance of implicit obedience to the Holy Spirit. This book is an uplifting and challenging read.
February 15, 2019
This review is pretty much exactly what I wanted to say about this book, only I couldn't have said it half so well.
The reader was just wrong for the book. It's a woman's personal reflections and should have been read by a woman.
The reader was just wrong for the book. It's a woman's personal reflections and should have been read by a woman.
July 17, 2019
I was really encouraged by this week and pleased to hear how God is moving around the world. Sometimes we don't get to hear the amazing things God is doing and get discouraged by the news. This is a great reminder that God is sovereign and his will is done even in closed countries that are opposed to the gospel.
July 17, 2019
Great read... an inside look at the Muslim world from a vantage point of God's love and truth. The stories are encouraging snapshots of God at work and reveal Him again as the God who calls us into personal relationship with Him. The book also exhibits a genuine love & respect for Muslims, too often lacking from Christian evangelistic efforts.
July 16, 2019
An inspiring read by a couple living in the Arab world showing their gentle and friendly way of relating to their Arab neighbours. Wonderful to see how God is moving among Muslims to create interest in Isa, the Messiah.
April 2, 2021
I never tire of hearing accounts of God’s mercy to all people, and of the miraculous ways that he draws people to himself. This book encouraged my heart and challenged me to pray for my fellow believers who are sharing the gospel around the world.
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August 30, 2021God is working
This book gives personal accounts of missionary work in a Muslim nation. It stirs one to hear of God's work and the prayers of His people. It compelled believers to pray.
This book gives personal accounts of missionary work in a Muslim nation. It stirs one to hear of God's work and the prayers of His people. It compelled believers to pray.
October 19, 2024
A quick read, a collection of stories of a Christian missionary family living in Iran with Muslim community. It was a little disjointed, lots of small stories that didn’t really link into a big story but lots of awesome miracle stories of God working in this place.
April 5, 2025
I read this with my daughter as part of her 8th grade curriculum. It was unlike any book we read this year. We really enjoyed it. My daughter exclaimed at the end of many chapters, "What a testimony!"
July 5, 2025
Wonderful book, God is present and active in all his creation! The God of Love is working in Muslim communities and through our prayers. His name will be known and all people will praise him. What a beautiful collection of testimonies of Gods grace and care toward those who seek his face.
June 22, 2017
Fast read and so incredible to see what Jesus is doing in the Middle East.
Read
December 30, 2019Interesantes historias acerca de misioneros es países islámicos. Sirven para aprender acerca de la paciencia y la sabiduria fundamentadas en Dios y puestas al servcio de la evangelización.
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February 14, 2020Apasionante
September 5, 2021
Powerful read! This book was filled with testimony of God’s faithfulness through ministering to the Muslim culture. I was so inspired by this read!
January 17, 2022
Hermoso libro. Amo la cultura musulmana. Este libro habla sobre cómo va la evangelización cristiana en tierras árabes. Es hermoso ver la mano de Dios en esas tierras obrando.
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