Reema Goode

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 show more 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. show less

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, show more 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. show less