International (MNN) ― Open Doors' Brother Andrew says now, more than ever, the belief systems of Islam and Christianity are clashing head-on. "The conflict that we face today is a new one. We've never, in the history of the world, faced a situation like this where they (Muslims) have unlimited resources, strong belief and eschatology, their right to be heard, not only by the power of persuasion, but by the power of the sword."
The resulting tensions have fueled a great deal of persecution against the indigenous church, especially those who've converted from Islam. Their plight is behind Brother Andrew's most recent book Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ.
In it, he and coauthor Al Janssen tell the stories of Muslims who encounter Christ and determine to become Christians, despite ostracism and death threats. It also shares the reality faced by Christians struggling to become mature in their faith in the midst of a hostile and increasingly violent Muslim society.
That is born out in the mass exodus of Christians out of the war-torn Middle East. In many of these areas, the conflict has forged a stronger, more determined remnant church, while in others, the fighting has created a "diaspora" effect, resulting in great change.
Why change? Part of it is Islamic disillusionment, but Brother Andrew says the love of Christ helps believers be part of the "peace" solution. "They must first see Jesus in me. I have to first open my heart and embrace them, even if they hold a gun in their one hand. I still have the other side of their body to hug and say, 'I want to be your friend because Jesus is my friend. Let me introduce that Friend to you.' Then you are part of the solution."
