Author Nikki Arana & A Voice for the Persecuted
My guest today is a non-fiction author who is doing a work for God. Here’s Nikki:
“I have been blessed to have many strong women in my life. Most recently, one of the strongest gave me some advice. She is my agent, Natasha Kern. She advised me to write the book I have been given, be true to myself, and follow my heart. Having represented my four novels, she knew this non-fiction book would be a challenge. Yet she has encouraged me and supported me in every way possible. I’m so glad I listened to her. God bless the women in our lives that come along side us just when we need them.
I am often asked is it is dangerous to have a ministry to Muslims. The answer is, it can be. I not only have been called to minister to Muslims here in America, but I am also an activist in the Christian underground in Egypt and North Africa. Doesn’t this sound like a perfect fit for a blog about strong women and brave stories. Well, it is, but in a little different way than you might be thinking.
God called me to this ministry in 2006. Since then I have learned so much about Him . . . and about myself. I’ve learned it isn’t about me being strong or brave. It is about intimacy with Him. It is about letting my dreams die and being willing to live out His dreams for me. It is about spiritual growth that has nothing to do with my courage.
It has to do with sanctification, being set apart for His purposes, realizing that I am not meant to serve man, I am meant for God to serve man through me. A very different thing. I am to be a vessel of His strength, His boldness, His courage. Those things are the fruit of my relationship with Him when I surrender.
We are all called to be His vessels. I encourage you to read Through the Eyes of Christ: How to Lead Muslims into the Kingdom of God. It has been endorsed by the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton, Campus Crusade for Christ, and others. You will find scripture given for everything that is suggested. God’s grace and mercy to me on this journey has allowed me to learn how to love my enemies, do good to those who hate me, and bless those who curse me. I think you can see how this isn’t really the story of a strong woman with a brave story. It is the story of a Savior, who indwells us with a love that is stronger than death and empowers us to change the world.
You can learn more about the book at: www.AVoiceForThePersecuted.com
Available now:
How to Lead Muslims into the Kingdom of God
of Muslim Ministries, Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College
this easy-to-read book that helps all of us understand and
reach out to the growing number of Muslims in our neighborhoods.”
Warren Larson, Director of the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies,
Columbia International University
