I am writing this review because I have been moved to start praying for Muslims worldwide after reading two books by Mark A. Gabriel.



In reading about his life (he never portrays himself as a victim), one can start to read about the pain and suffering that must have been part of his journey. His conversion from deep seated Islam to get to the place where he acknowledges Jesus as the Son of the Living God, and the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world is nothing short of miraculous.



His story reminds me of the small warning that Esther was given by her cousin; along the lines of `who knows whether you are brought into the kingdom for such a time as this'. I strongly believe that this lovely gentleman has been brought in the kingdom of the Son of Righteousness who has risen with healing in his wings for such a `time as this'. (Est. 4:13)



Mark A. Gabriel writes in beautiful and simple style and you can see a teacher's heart shining through his style of writing. He presents the facts as they are and it is for the reader to make up his or her mind. Another thing that shines through his writing is the earnestness and integrity of ensuring that he has done proper and thorough research. He therefore presents his material from a very rare perspective: an understanding of classical Arabic; thorough research and clarification of issues; simplicity of style and language etc. In all of this, he is not taking the stance of lambasting the revelations of Muhammad which form the Quoran.



What I note the most is that in his other book `Jesus and Mohammed' he strives to keep his quotations to the words and teachings of Jesus. It could have been very easy for him to litter his book with relevant quotes from the rest of the New Testament - especially with quotes from the Pastoral Epistles. It took me a while to adjust to these constraints. As you would imagine with anyone well versed in the Bible, there is a tendency to wish to quote wider than the material or scope from the Synoptic Gospels to evidence certain arguments. I read both books within 3 days.



The parallel non-accusatory style that he used in this other book was so beautiful that I started to weep - the notion is so simple: `by their fruits ye shall know them' The question in the heart of each Muslim who (I pray will collide with destiny and read this book is this: `What fruit will/has come into my life as a result of embracing the teachings of Muhammad?'



If that person can analyse the fruit along the lines of how love in operation should act/interact; if that person has an assurance of being accepted by God - without works; if that person can give a word in season to a person in need; if that person can understand that even our own earthly children go wrong and need correction and that the parent will still accept the apology of such a child - then he/she should continue in Islam.



If on the other hand that person has but a scintilla of doubt on this very small criterion, I would urge them to embrace life in all its joy as found in the Wonderful Counsellor, the Balm of Gilead and in the Prince of Peace.



I salute Mark A Gabriel for his courage; I also salute the God I serve for using such a vessel. It is so obvious to me that the Lord had a `use for him' even whilst he was a child and started to memorise the Quoran.



I should hope that he is able to meet with the likes of Faisal Malick, GJO Moshay; Anis Shorrosh etc to create a forum that both educates Christians, Jews and Muslims and has the innate resources and experience to Islam to deal with the needs who will inevitably be brought to the kingdom as a result of their ground-breaking apostolic work - Amen