Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women

3.56 of 5 stars 3.56 · rating details · 257 ratings · 68 reviews

When Audra Grace Shelby and her husband felt God calling them to minister in the Middle East, she was fearful--how would she raise her children in the heart of conservative Islam?
Armed with prayers and a faith that always seemed too small, the family made the move to Yemen, enduring deadly illness, uncertainty, and the unnerving experience of being Christians in an Islami...more

Paperback, 243 pages

Published September 1st 2011 by Chosen Books

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 463)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jun 20, 2012 Alexia rated it 3 of 5 stars

I felt the author was very truthful about how she felt about everything she went through. I could really relate to her and respect her. I liked how the book wasn't shocking in its imagery. It was worth the read. I never read non-fiction books and I'm happy I read this. It kept my attention and I was truly interested about their life in Yemen. I learned a lot about what is truly behind the veils of Muslim women and their struggles. Please keep this people group in your prayers.

1 like · like · see review

Dec 28, 2012 Yiya rated it 5 of 5 stars

A missionary woman, responding to God's call to serve in Yemen - that is what this book is about. Audra Grace Shelby sees her faith challenged as she goes through the initial period of her introduction to a country and people who have so many different customs and habits, but who are, just as the rest of us, people with feelings, interest and worries. A wife, a mother, a friend and a witness to God's grace and love for Yemeni women, Audra faces difficult moments that shake her emotions and her d...more A missionary woman, responding to God's call to serve in Yemen - that is what this book is about. Audra Grace Shelby sees her faith challenged as she goes through the initial period of her introduction to a country and people who have so many different customs and habits, but who are, just as the rest of us, people with feelings, interest and worries. A wife, a mother, a friend and a witness to God's grace and love for Yemeni women, Audra faces difficult moments that shake her emotions and her different roles, but prays to become the tool that would be able to share Jesus in such a way that Muslims would understand. It is easier said than done. There were many risks involved, but she and her family decided to stay faithful to God. She tells about how even her relationship with Jesus changed; she learned to trust Him completely, even when things did not make sense to her and finds solace in the peace that God gives, as a constant companion through hardships.

During the years of her life described in the book, we learn how she befriends Fatima, a woman who teaches her Arabic and the ways of the culture, and introduces Audra to her family (mainly women relatives) and closest circle of friends. She gets a peculiar glimpse at the women behind the veils, who slowly come to accept her (some just agreed to put up with her). The more and more familiar she got with Fatima and the others, the more Audra becomes aware of the heavy burden that restricts Muslim women, going way beyond their clothes; it comes to the fact that they are not even allowed to learn how to read or write, so their faith and ways are a result of what they are told, either by men or by older women who were also just told about the Muslim ways. This fact also translates into further abuse, like not being given the right change when buying groceries in the market (they just do not know how to count), or cheated out of estate ownership or inheritance.

Little by little, Audra becomes a living testimony of how interested God is in having a relationship with us, and bravely does and acts Christian in a society that rejects her and her family. For example, she describes the prayer ritual and how meaningful it is for Muslims to wash before praying. When she asks if she could pray and does not wash, the women around her are shocked, but that allows Audra to explain that Jesus is not interested in how clean our outside is, but is rather interested in the cleanliness of our heart. With precious moments like this one, she is able to tick the women who have been in such a need of love and acceptance.

Her story does not talk much about her husband's ministry, about which I often wondered; however, don't let that hinder you from reading this book. It is a treasure. Personally, it has reminded me of how blessed we are to live in a time and place where we are free to learn and study the Bible in so many different ways. It gives a wonderful picture of what the personal life of a missionary is - a fact that would help us pray for those who have been sent and their specific needs. Also, it is a challenge for Christians, to love and see people more the way God does, and not the way we do, taking away prejudice and preconceived notions, and just loving them the way they are - after all, Jesus died for all of us, equally and with no distinction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. In no way has this influenced my opinion on the book or on the author. (less)

like · see review

Dec 28, 2011 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Audra Grace Shelby, in her book, Behind the Veils of Yemen, describes the stark realities of how difficult it is to bridge a relationship in order to witness in a Muslim country. The first thing she did in order to accomplish this was to wear the customary garments of the Muslim women so she could blend in better, though word always seemed to advance before her arrival–a mussihiya [Christian].

Though her faith was challenged at times and she faltered, Audra learned to rely heavily on her trust in...more Audra Grace Shelby, in her book, Behind the Veils of Yemen, describes the stark realities of how difficult it is to bridge a relationship in order to witness in a Muslim country. The first thing she did in order to accomplish this was to wear the customary garments of the Muslim women so she could blend in better, though word always seemed to advance before her arrival–a mussihiya [Christian].

Though her faith was challenged at times and she faltered, Audra learned to rely heavily on her trust in and prayers to the Lord to know what and how to do things, what to say, and when. Her personal encounters during a Muslim wedding, the treatment of Muslim women overall, and her personal doubts and fears are all penned to display their life in Yemen. Learning what the women wore under their outer garments was shocking, but gave me a bird’s-eye view of women in general worldwide!

I must admit that at first I thought this was a simple book. But as I thought and prayed about it, I came to realize that I overlooked some simple and major issues. Thus my idea of going oversees to bring Jesus to Muslims has been broadened significantly as Audra dealt with the entrenched mindset of the people and their customs. Little did I understand the difficulties and accommodations that needed to be applied. It opened the door to understand better how to pray for a Christian witnessing in a land hostile to Christians.

The Shelby’s love for the people compelled them to return to the region after their furlough. It reminds me of the verse, “…we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

I could easily recommend this book as a tutorial for training for missions to other countries. My thanks to Audra for being transparent in her time as a missionary.

This book was provided by Jim Hart of Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.(less)

like · see review

Nov 10, 2011 Sunflower rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-book-reviews, bethany-reviewed

"Behind the Veils of Yemen" by Audra Grace Shelby, is a fascinating and eloquent true story, of Audra's and her family, personal experience, when they relocated to Yemen, to begin work there as missionaries.

Filled with rich details of the Yemeni culture from meals to wedding traditions to basic phrases that are customary to greet each other, what makes, "Behind the Veils of Yemen" stands out, is that this isn't about just the women of Yemen, that Audra encountered and ministered, but how her and...more "Behind the Veils of Yemen" by Audra Grace Shelby, is a fascinating and eloquent true story, of Audra's and her family, personal experience, when they relocated to Yemen, to begin work there as missionaries.

Filled with rich details of the Yemeni culture from meals to wedding traditions to basic phrases that are customary to greet each other, what makes, "Behind the Veils of Yemen" stands out, is that this isn't about just the women of Yemen, that Audra encountered and ministered, but how her and her family life there, were transformed and their faith in God was strengthened by their personal experiences.

The stories she shares are haunting and presents a look, "Behind the Veils of Yemen" , that those in the States often don't hear or maybe only hear very brief glimpses of and the way, Audra, writes, is a story that is filled with strength and hope, in and through our Father in Heaven.

I felt that the ending of the book was a bit rushed and yearned to find out more about what happen after the events in Yemen, but the rest of the book, is a powerful testimony to the spirit of faith, hope and persistence.

The reader will find themselves hanging on to the detail of daily life of the Yemeni culture as shared by Audra and the complicated interactions she find, living as a foreigner among the Yemeni people.

Her experiences are both eye-opening, heart breaking, convicting and live readers asking, how strong are they to be able to do the same as Audra and her family.

Although the book shares about the Muslim women that Audra encountered and befriended, if you are expecting a "missionary book" about conversions, Audra doesn't focus on that; Instead, she focuses on the real life struggles and experiences of being a missionary family in the Middle East, learning both the languages and customs, sharing personal insights into the culture and on the trials that her and her family personally endure of times of sickness that they had encountered and how as Christians, sharing the Gospel with other faiths and culture.

This isn't really a book that focuses a lot on the Yemen women or culture, but rather is more like a personal biography of one missionary families experience, but it is still a compelling and fascinating read to look into.

***This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*** (less)

like · see review

Oct 29, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Behind the Veils of Yemen by author Audra Grace Shelby is an interesting look at the life of a Christian woman and her family who left their home in America to live in the anti-Christian area of Yemen.

I was instantly drawn into this book which I found unique and hard to put down. The author (whose name has been changed to protect friends still in the middle-east) had a remarkable story to tell. She and her husband took their very young children to a country hostile toward Christians and proceede...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2011 Wanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Behind the Veils of Yemen
By Audra Grace Shelby

Trusting God Must be Enough

Well, I always knew I wasn’t missionary material and reading this book confirmed it! I can love people but I have a hard time with dirt, germs and foreign food. However that does not keep me from wanting to see people reached for God, and I guess that is why I love to read a good missionary story.

This is one woman’s narrative of going into the Islamic community and blending in with the women there so that she could show th...more

like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Alisabs rated it 1 of 5 stars

This book was extremely disappointing and reminds me why any religious zealotry, regardless of its source, is so dangerous.

Shelby didn't go to Yemen to help improve the life of the people there; she went to convert them. She didn't provide medical care, clean drinking water, or help build schools like other missionaries. Her goal was only to infiltrate communities and convince them that her viewpoint was superior.

Obviously the Yemeni women do not enjoy the same freedoms that we do in the U.S.,...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 24, 2012 Raine Lampert rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good Morning folks. Here is another great book for you to add to your list of must reads!

Behind the Veils of Yemen by Audra Grace Shelby is really a book that I looked forward to reading. Why you might ask? Well I was looking forward to the insight of a US missionary going to a foreign country, I wanted to see what she had to experience as well as how she, as well as her family were going to deal with those challenges. I would have to say honestly I was impressed by what I read.

Let me start at t...more

like · see review

Nov 21, 2011 Nikole Hahn rated it 4 of 5 stars

“Missionaries are not supposed to have doubts, Lord. But these questions worm into my head, and I cannot seem to keep them out. Help me to see beyond them to You.” Audra wrote this on page 87 in talking about her doubts that if she had been raised as her Yemeni friend, Fatima in Islam, would Audra, too, believe strongly in Islam? Later chapters answered that question.

Audra Grace Shelby is a missionary with her husband in Yemen. She writes of all the health problems that plagued them and the diff...more “Missionaries are not supposed to have doubts, Lord. But these questions worm into my head, and I cannot seem to keep them out. Help me to see beyond them to You.” Audra wrote this on page 87 in talking about her doubts that if she had been raised as her Yemeni friend, Fatima in Islam, would Audra, too, believe strongly in Islam? Later chapters answered that question.

Audra Grace Shelby is a missionary with her husband in Yemen. She writes of all the health problems that plagued them and the difficulties, but also the love she feels for the Yemeni people. Fatima is the woman who teaches her Arabic daily. When Fatima gives birth to a baby boy, she sees the God of the Bible work miracles as the Christian women, including Audra pray for the baby. Fatima learns about Jesus, but still holds firmly to Islam. Audra suffers from new missionary jitters, feeling uncertain, and trying to be bold in proclaiming the truth. But still the above question confused and worried her until God answered that prayer.

“I remembered more questions I had asked the Lord: If I had been raised to believe Islam, would I be a devout Muslim instead of a devout Christian? Was the difference only in what we had been taught? In the quiet of my beating heart, the answer whispered clearly: You asked for our crates to arrive the week after the children began school. The Boones’ crates were delivered on time, but your crates were lost, beyond the reach of man. Yet I knew where they were and when they would be delivered. Now you have your crates, delivered at the time you asked. Only I could do that.” (pg. 101-102)

God created us. He knows the very hair of our heads. I suppose I had a similar question and Audra answered it by telling us of her questions. The book is fascinating and colorful. This book used all five senses. From my comfortable American home, I walk Audra’s steps and experience Yemen. There was only one issue.

I expected more serious problems in the Middle East than a riot. Teaching Christianity is dangerous in the Middle East, and yet Audra seemed to encounter little danger. The tag line on the front of the book says, “How an American woman risked her life, family and faith to bring Jesus to Muslim women.” Besides visiting solitary villages and speaking to Muslim women and participating in their culture, Audra reports very little danger in that (though I’m sure there was). I think if they are going to have an exciting teaser on the front of the book, the book should live up to those expectations. The book in spite of the let down is worth reading. I enjoyed getting to know the people of Yemen through Audra’s eyes and how she challenged me in my faith.(less)

like · see review

Feb 27, 2012 Miranda Diaz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: communication, culture, religion, women

Behind the Veils of Yemen by Audra Grace Shelby offers keen insight into the unique plight of the Muslim women of Yemen through the eyes of a highly devout American Christian missionary.

The book is told by Audra, an endearing, brave and respectful missionary and mother who takes her family to Yemen to bring the salvation of Jesus Christ to dangerous pockets of the middle east. She immerses herself in the language, shows reverance to the cultural values and seems to build sincere friendships wit...more

like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Victoria rated it 3 of 5 stars

I find it interesting that there are so many one star reviews by people who were disappointed that this was a book about a Christian wanting to convert Muslims. I thought that was rather obvious from the title and wonder why these people read the book?
Anyhow, on to the review. I picked up this book because I wanted to read a woman's perspective on the difficulties of being a missionary in the Middle East. Like others have said I wish she went deeper. I wanted to know more, the insights she had l...more

like · see review

Nov 17, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was an engaging peek into missionary life in Yemen. It was fairly short and was very much an overview, not an indepth study. It discusses journey to Yemen and some of their experiences there during the first years. It focuses on several extremely difficult experiences they went through healthwise and how the kept faith in God and his plan for them in Yemen throughout it all. As it is such a different lifestyle and religion in Yemen, I would have loved a longer, deeper look at their missiona...more

like · see review

Oct 19, 2012 Jane rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adult Christian Women

This book is a must read for every Christian. Sometimes we look at Muslims and all we see are terrorists. Yet, they are people too. They have fears, hopes, dreams, and need. This is a story about a family who gave up the comforts of America to answer the call of God: to share his good news with the people of Yemen.
Follow Audra as she learns the language, the customs, and the beliefs of average day Muslims in Yemen. See for yourself what Muslim women believe, and how they live.
This book is heart...more

like · see review

Jun 19, 2012 Tara Manna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I would highly recommend this book. It was encouraging, enlightening and very, very interesting. It gave the reader a glimpse into the lives of an American missionary family, mainly a female wife and mother, and muslim women. It showed their religious point of views. It documents where Yemen women stand in their culture as well as where foreign women stand.

This book is very ecouraging in that it focuses on one woman's desire to spread the good news in a desolute, Muslim community. This book tru...more

like · see review

Sep 15, 2012 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was a little disappointed in this book, especially when it ended so abruptly...I thought perhaps my Kindle was not working properly. I kept waiting to hear about their lifes making a difference and someone getting saved...if it happened we never are told about it.

"Which None Can Shut" by Reema Goode on the other-hand is full of such wonderful stories.If you are interested in more books like this then check it out. (check out the video...you may have to cut and paste)

www.youtube.com/watch?featu ...more

like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Kc rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography

I recognized from the title that the author was a Christian and figured this would be a story about her faith journey. I expected a bit more risk considering the title "Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith" but I can understand that she was completely outside of her comfort zone. Also, I can see how moving to Yemen with small children would be a huge, worrisome undertaking. However, I would have related to this book better if I had heard more of the author's opinions and inner thoughts instead of...more

like · see review

Mar 03, 2012 Laura Schrillo rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting book. The book is the story of this young family going to Yemen as missionaries just prior to the bombing of the USS Cole. The woman's faith is inspiring, however it seems like the enormous risk she took with the lives of her family were rewarded only by strengthening her faith. It appeared she made such little headway with these subjugated women that it makes you wonder if there is hope for change in the muslim world.

like · see review

Mar 28, 2012 Diana rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was intrigued but a little put off when I picked up this book. I knew the premise of the book, so obviously, I knew what I was getting into. I will say that if I were a missionary worker, I'd hope to have Audra's approach (subtle and not in-your-face). However, I come from a "live & let live" type of approach. But back to the book: Audra writes her story well and if you're a better person that I (i.e. can take our your own biases), I'm sure you'd give it 5 stars.

As always, if you're curio...more

like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Kathy Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book - so inspiring and hard to put down once you start it. The author's story of her families' journey and mission work, her perseverance and faith were so moving. I wanted to learn more about Yemen and the culture of their country. This small look into this missionary family and their work in this country helped me look at my faith and strengthened it. Thank you Audra Grace Shelby.

like · see review

Sep 15, 2012 Kristina Seleshanko rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's rare I call a modern work of nonfiction excellent, but Behind the Veils of Yemen is. This is the story of one woman's growth in Christ and her work among Yemen women. But along the way, we get an intimate look at what life is like for the women in Yemen and how different the culture is there. Happily, too, the book is not about listing the number of conversions the author witnessed. It is more about how Christians can truly touch others - whether or not they live in Yemen. I cannot recommen...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 20, 2012 Hayley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up because I love learning about other cultures. I normally do not agree with people who try to convert others to their religion but I found the author was subtle in her approach. Instead of preaching to people, she just allowed others to witness how her faith worked in her life. Overall a very enjoyable quick read.

like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 stacie rated it 3 of 5 stars

this book was motivational in enhancing my prayer life (trust God!), but I felt like the book left me with a lot of unanswered questions, and it never seemed like she really witnessed to others or did anything all day. Fair book from a spiritual perspective but not from the perspective of getting others to know Christ.

like · see review

Oct 19, 2011 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: All my Goodreads friends

True story with interesting insights into the difficulty and beauty of living your life for Christ in another context. This book is a call to seek greater dependence on the Holy Spirit in all things as well as a highlight of the need for more Christ-followers to reach out to unbelievers and share God's Truth.

like · see review

Aug 13, 2012 Susanna rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is an easy read and an interesting insight into life in Yemen for an American woman. She faces a number of trials - health scares and an unexpected pregnancy - and I appreciated her honesty as she shared how she faced trials and the difficulties of making friends with Yemeni women.

like · see review

Aug 26, 2012 Vicki rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: autobiography, christian

Audra Shelby went to Yemen with her husband and children to share Jesus. She was open and honest about her struggles in Yemen. She is very transparent about her faith walk. Her struggles with trusting God in the midst of the unknown, is so true for everyone.

like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Elaine rated it 4 of 5 stars

I find the lives of women in other cultures very interesting to read about. The author is an American missionary and the book shares the trials and the adjustments that her family made to the middle eastern culture. I loved it!

like · see review

Jun 30, 2012 Kara Ripley rated it 2 of 5 stars

I don't think that because you suffer is proof that you are doing God's work. Also, I can't believe that parents would risk their family. But aside from those two things, this was an interesting book about women's life in Yemen.

like · see review

May 18, 2012 Carlanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book . I love books that give you an insiders perspective on different cultures and people weather a novel or non-fiction.
This reads like a novel but isn't . Too bad the author has not released another book yet, I will anxiously await it.

like · see review

Aug 09, 2012 Jan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Social work needed, yes! Social work part of Christianity, yes! Conversion? Do good works and conversion not necessary. The goal throughout the book weighed on my ability to find the good being done.

like · see review

Apr 27, 2013 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone

I love reading about how God calls missionaries to do what He wants them to do and how they don't let anything stand in their way...it is inspiring to me. It was a great freebie...

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 15 16 next »

Biography

7 users

Christian

6 users

Religion > Islam

4 users

Autobiography > Memoir

3 users

Biography > Autobiography

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Audra Grace Shelby

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Behind the Veils ...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women
avg rating	preview: Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus t Goodreads rating: 3.56 (257 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11044754-behind-the-veils-of-yemen?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348309512l/11044754.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11044754-behind-the-veils-of-yemen?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women by Audra Grace Shelby[/url]

Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Audra Grace Shelby

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Behind the Veils ...

Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Audra Grace Shelby

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Behind the Veils ...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)