Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Turn to Christ?

by Brother Andrew

What happens when a Muslim, born and brought up in a Muslim family in an Islamic country, converts to Christianity? In this unique book, Brother Andrew describes the personal, cultural, spiritual and life-threatening challenges that they face.
Most of the book is written as a thrilling novel, tracing the intertwined lives of a small group of believers in an unnamed Islamic country. The story becomes all the more fascinating as we realise that the stories are all based on the actual experiences of real people Andrew meets on a regular basis.
SECRET BELIEVERS is the most topical, eye-opening Christian book of 2007.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Faith, Christianity, Islam, Christian Non Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

Andrew van der Bijl (born 11 May 1928 in Sint Pancras, Netherlands), known in English-speaking countries as Brother Andrew, is a Christian missionary famous for his exploits smuggling Bibles to communist countries in the height of the Cold War, a feat that has earned him the nickname "God's smuggler". Brother Andrew studied at the WEC Missionary Training College in Glasgow, Scotland. Brother Andrew was born in Sint Pancras, the Netherlands, and was the fourth of seven children to a poor, near deaf blacksmith.

Reviews

[Carlito Centeno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am often disappointed when I hear Christians lash against Muslims or Islam or Palestinians without the slightest clue to any of their history or circumstances. These Christians lack a relevant context from which they can judge or criticize. The book, Secret Believers, sheds light on what's going on in the Middle East, especially with Muslims who are coming to Isa (Christ). It provides a perspective that allows those of us who are disconnected from Islamic culture to put ourselves in a Muslim's shoes. It invites us to put self aside and put Muslim first when trying to understand the Truth. Though the authors of the book are Christians, they present a narrative that lay aside blind prejudice agendas while not compromising the Gospels.

I believe love requires us that we put ourselves in another person's shoes. It requires us to at least try to understand another person's life and situation. Within the context of Islam, love requires that we not only listen to an "American" conservative perspective but that we also listen to Muslims, who know more about Islam and its traditions than any of us would. In this way, we diminish the stereotypes and discrimination that is based not in love but fear.

I also recommend Light Force, written by the same authors. Light Force shares more details about the conflicts that exist between Palestinians and Israelis, though its main focus concerns the local churches caught in the crossfire. Many of us are completely oblivious to what's going on in the region. This book will provide the reader a clearer and fairer perspective on the Middle East.

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book inspirational and fascinating. It tells of the spiritual journey and struggles of several Muslims who convert to Christianity inside a Muslim nation. It is a story of courage and faith that, as an American Christian, humbled me ---- that we have so much in freedom that we take for granted. It also challenged my own faith ---- if faced with such daunting threats and troubles as these new Christians faced, how would we American Christians fare?

This book made me think about Muslims in a different way --- not as the way they are portrayed so often in Western media --- but as men and women that God loves, and whom we as Christians should care about and pray for --- and to pray especially for those Christian brothers and sisters in Muslim lands who, every day, find their faith tested by the fire of a culture that comes down hard upon Christian converts in a way the world has not seen since the days of the First Century during the Roman Empire.

[Suzannah Rowntree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Believers is a truly challenging and heartrending book about the plight of Muslim-background believers in Islamic countries. Since sharia law considers conversion to Christianity punishable by death, these believers face unimaginable disgrace, ostracism, difficulty and danger should they convert, and receiving baptism is like putting a price on your own head.

This book explores their situation--their extreme vulnerability and their staggering, inspiring courage--through a lightly fictionalised narrative which follows a typical cast of struggling Christians through ten years' worth of discipleship and missions in a generic Middle Eastern country. I personally found it difficult to get into this segment of the book since the writing style was not terrific and I'm kind of sensitive to clunky narrative writing. It's hard to do properly, folks! That said, with a little perseverance I soon found myself immersed in the narrative.

This is followed by a very short section from the authors, challenging Western Christians to respond to militant radicalised Islam in four ways: to see them as fields "white unto harvest"; to offer forgiveness when we are attacked; to embrace a cultural reformation by striving to imitate Christ so as to bear witness to Islam by holy living; and to commit to prayer for and if possible personal commitment to evangelism to Muslims.

I'm writing this review just a couple of days after the Paris shootings of 2015 and although this book was published before the Arab Spring and the rise of the Islamic State, I could not be reading anything more relevant to these times. Each of these challenges deeply impressed me, and the last, to my surprise, echoed my own thoughts on this most recent act of terrorism:

"If our only response is to go out and destroy Muslim fundamentalists, we won't win a single soul. We cannot win the war on terror with guns and bombs because everyone we kill is replaced by dozens more who seek revenge. The only answer is total, radical commitment to Jesus Christ."

Amen. If you are concerned about the right Christian response to militant Islam, I don't believe you can do better than read this book and take these four challenges to heart: love them enough to want to see their conversion, learn to turn the other cheek where appropriate, set yourself apart from our decadent Western post-Christian culture, and commit to pray for or go to win Muslims to Christ.

[Yibbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

On this second reading, I find I have to drop my rating by a star. Things that I remember bothering me at the time seem to stand out even more strongly than they did the first time I read it. This is in no way meant to show any lack of sympathy and support for our struggling brothers and sisters. It is simply to explain my thoughts on this book. After all, what could be more amazing than souls saved and lives transformed? Or is there anything more wonderfully encouraging than hearing of other Christians standing faithfully for Christ?
I completely understand that names must be changed and circumstances obscured. But doing so could also make it hard to clearly explain the doctrines and practices that these believers are preaching. So perhaps with clearer details or at least a fuller understanding of the true events, some of these concerns would be cleared away. With all that said…
What bothers me is the ecumenical push that underlies this story. I first became aware of the ecumenical nature of Brother Andrew’s ministry in another book, but it really comes through in this one. I can fully support his ministries of getting the Bible to every person, Bible literacy, and evangelism. What I can’t support is his seeming dismissal of vast doctrinal differences between some of the groups he tries to support and strengthen. Even though there is an active Evangelical church growing and evangelizing, the point of this book seems to be in supporting the Coptic church more.
Other concerns are a couple of the teaching sections at the end. He seems to be teaching a form of passivism on a national level. Forgiveness is a beautiful Christian virtue, but it can not be applied at a national level when things such as terrorist attacks are happening.
Next was the implication that Muslims, the world, hates Christians because we aren’t loving enough to each other or to them. It almost seems that he is saying that if we were just good enough Christians the world would accept our message. While I firmly believe that our actions can bring terrible dishonor to the name of Christ, I also believe the Bible teaches that this world hates us for Christ’s sake. I’m not saying that we don’t all need improvement, sanctification. I’m just saying that to blame Christian’s lack of unity or fervor for the mess in the Middle East is laying a burden of guilt on people that the Bible doesn’t.
I would recommend being careful with this book. Every salvation is a cause for joy, every life rededicated to Christ is a reason to be encouraged, but don’t let that sway you from the clear teachings of scripture.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, refreshing, and motivating. Secret Believers tells the story of secret Christians in the Middle East. The majority of the book narrates the stories of several different Muslims and what brought them all to Christ. The last quarter is more of a reflection on how Western Christians view Muslims and how we can pray and love them more.
It is a simple, yet eye-opening read. Despite a few "dated" references, I think this book is even more applicable today than when it was published. It is a reminder of our brothers and sisters and the persecution they experience. It is also a call to love. That is one reminder I always need.
I very much recommend this one.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a reason stories move us more than stats. Human faces give flesh and force to things that would otherwise be abstract or distant.

Here, written through people rather than pie charts, are the trials of Christians, the nuances of cross-cultural evangelism, the slow germination of faith and hope and love. There are names, and conversations, and pastries.

Secret Believers cheats slightly by combining multiple true stories into a single, interconnected narrative. This gives a snapshot flavour of life as a Muslim convert to Christianity in the Middle East - and protects the identities of those involved. Every element is true, but the result is symbolic rather than literal. Despite this, it’s stuck in my head and lodged in my heart.

[Erika Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking, well told.


Two or three short paragraphs (in separate chapters) of torture scenes I skipped over.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just Wow!
This book is a glimpse into the church in the Middle East and all the face, but also a call for us to set aside our fear and love like Jesus.
I'll be thinking about this a lot in the months to come.

[Hogfam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a fiction story for 3/4ths of the book. Really good and eye opening!!

[Kendra Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book told a compelling story about the church in the heart of the spiritually darkest parts of the world. I love that it read like a novel but was based on true stories. I had to continually remind myself that these are true stories, not a fiction tale. It’s heartbreaking to hear what so many believers around the world are enduring but beautiful to see how God is using their faith and growing the church! I loved the application at the end of the chapter and the call to remain engaged with the secret church. This opened my eyes to a reality I don’t often think about and compels me to be in regular and persistent prayer. I would 100% recommend this book!

[Daniel Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does an excellent job of stirring your heart to reach Muslims with the gospel! Definitely worth your read.

[jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

rarely ever give 5 starts to books, infact i refute it because there’s always going to be a book better but wow.
this book was amazing, i loved the telling of MBB ( muslim background believers) in a fictional manner despite them all having been drawn from real life testimonies.
this book is a book that reminds me of my privilege to read my Bible without fear of persecution or injustice and i should use my privilege more to advocate for those without - after all it’s the same God who made both me here and them over there.
truly incredible book ! read 3 from this author and each one has changed my perspective on faith for the better

[Carrie F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brother Andrew lives on the cutting edge of Christianity-- going into places in the world where Christians are persecuted. It gets my blood pumping and seems like really living the gospel. Why is it that the rest of us Christians don't do likewise?

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book to be encouraged in your faith and convicted of the call of all Christians to deeply love Muslims.

[Jarmo Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her skriver Broder Andreas og Al Janssen på en engasjerende og spennende måte om en gruppe tidligere muslimer som har blitt kristne og hva som er typisk for slike å møte på av hat og forakt etter å ha forlatt islam. Boken er skrevet i romanform og er en sann historie om virkelige folk, selv om navnene og stedene er anonymisert av sikkerhetsgrunner. Som tidligere muslim er det ikke lett å være trygg, noe boken får fram på en god og sterk måte.

Boken innholder også akkurat en passe mengde med karakterer slik at man ikke faller ut av handlingen og hvem som er hvem. Vil du vite hvordan kristne i muslimdominerte land, og da spesielt tidligere muslimer, blir behandlet og vil kunne møte på, så les denne. Da innser vi hvor godt vi har det og hvor bortskjemte vi troende egentlig er her i vesten

[Beth Keeping · Rating 4 out of 5]

So inspiring and beautiful, and at times heartbreaking. There were a few moments where I disagreed with the theology presented to new believers about marriage (the verse 'Man is not meant to live alone' does not mean every man needs to get married...!!) and I struggled at times with the cultural roles of men and women. But a fantastic and important book, would highly recommend.

[BJ Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme of the book can probably be summed up with this quote:

"Duty before self-preservation—that is a very important principle in Scripture. Do you remember when David confronted Goliath? He said that when a lion or bear attacked his father’s sheep, he went after it and killed it and rescued the sheep. Duty before self-preservation. Both father and son expected that David would do his duty to save the sheep. The heavenly Father had the same attitude toward Jesus."

The story follows the lives of a few different converts from Islam into Christianity in a country where such a conversion equals death. Brother Andrew, the head of Voice of the Martyrs knows many such real-life individuals, but to tell their stories is not safe for them or their ministries. So instead he has written a fictionalized story based on their real-life experiences and dilemmas. In this, the story is excellent and should be read by all. From my own experiences and acquaintances, I was putting names of people I know too many of these characters because there are so many similarities. Brother Andrew clearly knows what he is talking about when he writes.

What keeps this from being five stars, however, is that BA simply does not write fiction. I applaud the effort, but it is not his strength. In addition to that, those times where he inserts himself into the narrative seemed a wee bit self-promoting at times. I don't think that was the intention at all, and I do not know him to be a proud man, but it did come across that way to me in the book.

Both these flaws seem minor compared to the major truth of what is happening in many parts of our world held under the thumb of oppression called Islam. Even in so-called free democratic Muslim states (like my home, Turkiye), it is very often not free or safe to be a vocal Christian. How much more so is the situation in countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iran? Through VotM and this book, BA is doing a very worthy job of keeping the situation of what is happening on our Western, free, radar. Another great tidbit from the end of his book we all need to remember...

"How long will this conflict with Islam and terrorism last?” My usual reply is, “It will last until we Christians have found the answer to the question, 'Who is God?' and are able to verbalize it and prove by our actions that God is not the God of revenge but a God who forgives.”

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The religion of Islam has alot of explaining to do if they think this kind of behaviour is acceptable and authorized by their god Allah. Of course Christianity has a similar history of horror against those who disagree with their faith and deity. However, the problem is: Christians(?) are often bad because they don't understand or even try to comprehend their scriptures (the Bible) - and Muslim's are often good because they don't fully comprehend their scriptures (the Quran). I know; i've read them both.

And this book brings us to reality. If you walk away from Christianity in this day and age: generally nothing happens (although some families are very abusive and missed the whole LOVE part of the Bible). The Israelites of the Old Testament had laws that were abusive during a period of history where God gave orders to protect morality and family goodness. But we no longer live in that world.
Islam demands that all who walk away from its beliefs be punished. It comes across as a scared and worried belief system that can only survive by force and persecution. My advice: If Allah doesn't like someone's behaviour - let him personally come and deal with it.

And this book by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen show us what its like to attempt to live surrounded by Islam. Many Muslim's declare that Islam is a religion of Peace and Love. And they are partially correct. As long as you do everything you are told and hate the right people at the right time then you just might have peace and conditional love.
Here's an easy challenge to Muslims: the next time you hear an Imam say something hate filled and unloving in a Mosque stand up and correct him. See what kind of response you will get.
And this book shows you what would happen as a result of sharing true peace and love. You will be persecuted.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unless Christ returns first, we can be certain that we will die physically. If each of us will die, is it too much to ask God that He be glorified in our death? What is holding us back? If we are convinced that Jesus paid the price for our sins and that when we leave this life we enter into his presence, we should not be afraid to die. [p. 525]

This is truth -- all Christians know it, but how many of us live it?

I like Brother Andrew's books because he understands discipleship. He does what God tells him to do. He refuses to argue theology and quibble over denominational differences when people the world over long for the truth about God and His Son. I don't know about you, but being a disciple of Jesus is hard for me. Brother Andrew's books show real people living it out which gives me practical applications... and assures me it's possible.

On the actual subject of this book: I think Islam is a greater threat than Communism ever was because Communism completely denies the existence of God while foundational to Islam is belief in one powerful God. That's why Muslim fundamentalists are willing to give up everything for the cause and it's why violence isn't a particularly effective way to counter their attacks. They aren't afraid of pain and death -- dying in jihad assures them of eternal reward. Brother Andrew points out that what we need is Christians who are just as radical in their obedience to God, who are willing -- even eager -- to die fighting in God's army.

[Leah Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, challenging book!

Open this book and meet Christians who are courageous in the face of persecution. Butros, a Christian man with a heart for the church. Ahmed, Mustafa and Hassan, devout Muslims until their hearts are changed by the Truth of Scripture. They flee their hometowns but soon become passionate about sharing the gospel. Salima, a rich young woman loses everything when she falls in love with Jesus. How can Christianity flourish the the face of Sharia law? How can Christ's love win Muslims? What price will these believers pay for their faith?

This book is riveting. I like it because it sheds light on the church in Muslim countries. The persecution believers(especially Muslim converts) face is incredible and these Christians are so courageous. They are better at witnessing than most of us in the West are and they face much worse consequences. I love books that give me a better understanding of God and His work and challenge me in some way and this book totally did that.

Note: This book is not for young readers. The stories of what some Christians suffer are better suited for teens and adults.

[Adam Balshan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars [Anthology]
(W: 4.5, P: 4.5, T: 4.93)
Exact rating: 4.64
#1 of 18 in genre
#2 of 57 in Missions

A stunning compilation of related stories in an unnamed Arab country. Observe what persecution for one's faith looks like in the modern world. Observe how people react to it, both wrongly and rightly, both viscerally and faithfully. Observe the nuances, both fair and multifaceted, of a major world religion. Observe real Christianity, and the movement of The Spirit of God, which no human power can stop.

The final 35 pages propose a response, expressing the heart of God and worthy of being called paradigmatic. This proposal's only demerit, since it included a critique of political power, was that it omitted a counterbalancing comment of the good which can be done by governments restricting the scope of evil (a point which, however, the main body implied when a secret believer and high official of the country helped persecuted Christians).

Every Christian should read this book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just re-read this book. I am not even sure how many times I have read it...this has got to be number 3 or 4. I love the honesty of the characters (or people) in the book and how their lives are intertwined. Also, it is imperative that North American Christians are aware of the reality facing our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. Furthermore, we must think long and hard about what it means to be Christians in a world that is becoming increasing influenced by Islam. All that being said, the believers represented in the book deserve our congratulations for their ability to stay focused on what really matters...Christ and Him crucified.

[Trine · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more books like this one to show us what God is doing around the world, to show us what it really is like to be a religious minority and to remind us that the West not always is the best example on Christian living.
It is a very strong call for prayer and help for the all the Christians in the Muslim world.

[Deanna Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me so much to ponder! Not only does it help you follow the lives of Muslims who became followers of Christ, but it also issues challenges to Christian’s who don’t live in truly persecuted societies. This was directly written to bring light to the believers who must fear for their livelihoods, safety and ultimately their lives where they live. I enjoyed getting to know the believers in this book and following their journeys. While it was hard to fully understand what they are going through, it really did open my eyes to how privileged I am in the USA. I would challenge Christian’s everywhere to read this book! To understand what believers face on a daily basis when they are the minority and their society doesn’t truly support freedom of religion.

Capturing these here for future easy reference (challenges):

1. Do we view Muslims as enemies? Or are we seeking to win them to Christ?

2. Are we going to seek revenge when we are attached? Should we not offer forgiveness instead?

3. What would happen if we accepted the challenge of Islam by striving as Christians to imitate Christ?

4. Are we really convinced that we are engaged in a spiritual war? If so, shouldn’t we commit to a life of prayer?

Www.secretbelievers.org

[HisPresence MyHome · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book I wish I would have read 10 years ago prior to moving to the Middle East. Brother Andrew and Al Janssen did a fantastic job writing about the triumphs and challenges of Church Planting in the Middle East...and specifically in a country where there there is a presence of a visible Church. This true story is written as a novel would read and it is gripping. Janssen and Brother Andrew clearly lay out the many many challenges between the established (above ground) Churches and the Underground Churches and how messy it is seeking to work together. I was very thankful for part 2 of this book where the authors bring commentary to what was just read and encourage us as readers to respond to the need of proclaiming Christ to our Muslim friends. Brother Andrew makes several wonderful points in part 2 that shouldn't be skipped! On a personal note there were a few matters of contextualization that I personally would disagree with but these were minor things/statements.

This is a great book for any missionary overseas in a muslim-majority country or for anyone supporting those who have gone and seeking to know more of the challenges of Church Planting in these regions.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting and challenging read. The stories of the priest, Alexander, and the Muslim converts, Ahmed, Mustafa, Hassan, Salima etc were very engaging and it made you very aware of the how dangerous it is to be a Christian in a Muslim country. Although on paper their governments declare that they practice 'freedom of religion' in reality, this is not the case. Sharia law and your Muslim identity overrides everything else! The book was very enlightening in learning these details. However, I found myself getting rather muddled with all the different characters and situations - of which there were many - which is some way prevented my full enjoyment of the book. Nevertheless, this is a book that every Christian should read at least once and it has never been more relevant in these times.

[Frank Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book for any Christian to read who has any interest or interaction with Islam. The book starts slowly and isn’t written as well as I would have liked. As a result, I would have rated it poorly based on the first half. Then, things pick up. Brother Andrew’s commentary and challenge at the end of the book are also outstanding. The book discusses the elephant in the room when it comes to Islam, as the author portray the good, the bad and the ugly; not just providing one side. The conditions for these Christians from the Middle East is truly shocking, and shamefully they are mostly ignored by most Christians in the West. What is perhaps even more sad, is that I really don’t think many care at all, but rather are happy to live in their little happy bubbles.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

In another outstanding book by Brother Andrew, we are introduced to Christians living in the Middle East. The first part of the book is in story form. There are many characters, and I did get a bit confused when some weren't mentioned for several chapters. Still, the character development is top notch. Christians in the West have never faced persecution like these believers face. To be outspoken of your conversion from Islam to Christian is to literally risk your life.

The second part of the book contains four challenges for Christians in the West. How do we respond to Muslims who are our neighbors? Do we love them? Or do we harbor hate in our hearts? Who will show them that Jesus is the only way if not us?

The book made me think deeply about my own views.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling account of the challenges faced by Christians in Islamic countries, both those born into Christianity and those who have converted. But the strength lies in the answers given to these challenges: love, forgiveness, sacrifice, etc. in other words, the example of Christ. Would that we Christians in America would be broken and burdened for Muslims, and less focused on justice, revenge, and fear. The solution starts on our knees, in our communities, and in our willingness to reach abroad.

[Ashton E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My faith is radically encouraged. The many brothers and sisters in Christ willing to sacrifice everything to stay in their home countries and make Jesus known is always so convicting.
I loved how all their individual stories were woven together about what God was doing in many different lives at the same time.
“Even in a conquering army there are casualties. Safety is not the issue when we look at the Great Commission. The purpose of the church cannot be to survive, or even to thrive, but to serve.”