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Woman to Woman: Sharing Jesus with a Muslim Friend
Like many women in the Church, Joy Loewen didn't fully understand Muslim women or their roles in the Muslim culture and religion. In fact, she was afraid of them and not particularly interested in befriending them. But with prayer, wisdom, and a lot of love, Joy overcame these obstacles, found that she actually liked them, and that many of these women are irresistibly attracted to the love of Jesus. For the last thirty years she has used this knowledge to build authentic connections with Muslim women, reaching out to them in a sensitive, effective way.
In this practical and very personal book, Joy shares not only her insights into befriending Muslim women, but many helpful stories from her own experiences. Her goal is to help readers "move from fear to love and compassion" so that they, too, can love as Christ does. Woman to Woman is essential reading for Christian leaders, ministries, and any layperson who wants to grow in love for and understanding of Muslims.
In this practical and very personal book, Joy shares not only her insights into befriending Muslim women, but many helpful stories from her own experiences. Her goal is to help readers "move from fear to love and compassion" so that they, too, can love as Christ does. Woman to Woman is essential reading for Christian leaders, ministries, and any layperson who wants to grow in love for and understanding of Muslims.
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 29, 2019
This is not so much a "how to witness to your Muslim friends" as much as it is Joy's experience within the Muslim community. Loewen takes each chapter and goes through a point in the Islamic faith to illustrate a scenario in her life through her friends, and how the Islamic beliefs played a part in the picture, and how she witnessed to them. What I really liked about this was how Joy basically used the principles Christ set for us. It wasn't about making friends to convert them to Christianity. But to be a friend and companion and build a relationship and through those moments, point her friends to a loving Savior. Her friendship is not with strings attach. It remains genuine.
What was extremely helpful for me was understanding Muslim beliefs, practices, and emotions.
I would say that it all boils down to understanding; this book opens up understanding between the Western culture and the traditional Muslim faith.
What was extremely helpful for me was understanding Muslim beliefs, practices, and emotions.
I would say that it all boils down to understanding; this book opens up understanding between the Western culture and the traditional Muslim faith.
August 31, 2022
Really good. As Christians, our lives are to be about sharing Christ. And that can often mean, as it does here, reflecting His Spirit when we become a part of another's life. There is so much insight here as the author shares vignettes from her lifetime in Muslim cultures with love and respect. Really, this book is about how to be as a Christian.
March 27, 2025
De nederlandse versie gelezen. Heel herkenbaar en zeer leerzaam. Een must-read in het omgaan met moslimvrouwen. Met het diepe verlangen dat ook zij de Liefde van God leren kennen door Jezus Christus en ze werkelijk mijn zusters in de Heer worden.
October 24, 2021
this book isn’t as heady as I thought which meant less concrete advice or instruction but I did enjoy learning from Joy’s experience and example!
March 18, 2024
this book was really sweet & encouraging - it's a reminder of how powerful an "open door" can be to a stranger. the book reminded me that while Christ is the one who saves, we are the ones to plant - and that means stepping into the gardens of others and poking those holes for seeds to fall in. yes, this is uncomfortable to do and yes, it's hard, but these people need Christ.
my heart broke for the many women in this story that felt trapped inside their own religion; that felt that they had nothing to offer or simply weren't good enough because of cultural stigmas surrounding them. and then, my heart was encouraged because it shows us that we have a great opportunity to step in and show these women that there is God who not only will love them in spite of all their cracks and broken pieces, but He will actually mend them into perfection.
my heart broke for the many women in this story that felt trapped inside their own religion; that felt that they had nothing to offer or simply weren't good enough because of cultural stigmas surrounding them. and then, my heart was encouraged because it shows us that we have a great opportunity to step in and show these women that there is God who not only will love them in spite of all their cracks and broken pieces, but He will actually mend them into perfection.
July 22, 2024
Number of pages: 199
Genre: Non-fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: Joy Loewen shares her experiences in sharing Christ with Muslim women. She encourages readers not to be scared of Muslims and what the readers do not know, but to embrace the Muslims around them, and love them with Christ’s love.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Each chapter is mainly stories of Joy’s experiences with specific Muslim women or families, and a short bit on how that applies broadly to conversations with all Muslims. Personally, I liked that as I found it much more interesting to read.
I learned a lot about how important family, having babies, and purity is to Muslim women, as well as reinforcing things I’d already heard about Muslims. For example, Muslims think all westerners are Christians, Muslims are very hospitable, etc. Also, that Muslims are big on impressions (they emphasize honour/shame over whether things are inherently right/wrong), Muslims are drawn to Jesus’ kindness (especially the women, who don’t always experience this), and Muslims are (for the most part) very willing to have people pray for them, as they understand the importance of prayer.
I feel like this book really helped me to at least have a general idea of where Muslim women are coming from (culturally and religiously), and it makes me want to help them come to know Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour. Even if I never get the chance to speak with them, I can at least make a difference by praying for them. One big thing I noticed from the book is I definitely don’t pray enough.
Overall, I think this was a really interesting book, and would be very helpful for people who want to witness to Muslims and don’t know where to start.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Non-fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: Joy Loewen shares her experiences in sharing Christ with Muslim women. She encourages readers not to be scared of Muslims and what the readers do not know, but to embrace the Muslims around them, and love them with Christ’s love.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Each chapter is mainly stories of Joy’s experiences with specific Muslim women or families, and a short bit on how that applies broadly to conversations with all Muslims. Personally, I liked that as I found it much more interesting to read.
I learned a lot about how important family, having babies, and purity is to Muslim women, as well as reinforcing things I’d already heard about Muslims. For example, Muslims think all westerners are Christians, Muslims are very hospitable, etc. Also, that Muslims are big on impressions (they emphasize honour/shame over whether things are inherently right/wrong), Muslims are drawn to Jesus’ kindness (especially the women, who don’t always experience this), and Muslims are (for the most part) very willing to have people pray for them, as they understand the importance of prayer.
I feel like this book really helped me to at least have a general idea of where Muslim women are coming from (culturally and religiously), and it makes me want to help them come to know Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour. Even if I never get the chance to speak with them, I can at least make a difference by praying for them. One big thing I noticed from the book is I definitely don’t pray enough.
Overall, I think this was a really interesting book, and would be very helpful for people who want to witness to Muslims and don’t know where to start.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
June 22, 2018
I have come in personal contact with very few Muslim women, but there are a growing number where my husband and I minister. I picked up this book because I want to know them better and want them to see God’s deep love for them through His Son, Jesus. I loved this book and found it convicting and moving.
February 6, 2026
I absolutely loved how I could learn so much through the stories from Joys life. She went beyond theology into real conversations and interactions. Joy so clearly rests in Gods sovereignty yet carry’s herself with boldness. Super encouraging and interesting!
February 28, 2017
This was a relaxed read with good reminders of loving our neighbours as she weaved her personal testimony of God's restoration in her life from one of fear to love and compassion.
August 3, 2016
The subtitle is a bit misleading because it seems to imply that this might be a how-to book on witnessing to Muslims. That's not quite the purpose. This simply written book presents vignettes about friendships between a Christian woman and her many Muslim friends. Since I teach Muslim students, I found it to be an enjoyable read. The main message here is one that I feel rather passionate about: Do not be afraid of Muslims. Reach out to them with friendship and compassion!
March 22, 2013
I loved reading about Joy's heart for Muslim women. She shared some stories and experiences that she has had and shed some light on what it is like to build friendships with women from a different cultural background.
May 9, 2012
Some great insight into Muslim culture and how Christian women should reach out to Muslim women.
March 28, 2013
A great tool for those who wish to start a dialogue with Muslim people about Jesus.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews