BabuLife

Israel: A Moment with my Pops

On day one of our trip to Israel, we had the privilege of visiting the spot where my Dad's book opens up.  One of the fiercest battles in Israeli-Palestinian fighting.  Check out the video below:

 

Gaza Update

Below is the most recent note sent to the "Once An Arafat Man" Facebook Group members.  If you'd like to join the group, sign up for a Facebook account and join the over 270 people on the "Once" Group Page here.  To all who have asked how my folks are....THANK YOU.  Your prayers and concern mean more than you know...

Hello "Once" groupers!

As you know, there's a lot happening right now in Gaza where my folks have been working over the past couple of years. Thankfully, they are safely outside the borders of Gaza...however, there are many friends and partners within. We covet your prayers for the people of Gaza and the people of Israel during this time.

Many have asked for information on where my Dad (Tass) and Mom (Karen) are. Currently they are in Israel doing what they have been called to do. If you've read the book, you know there's no stopping them from doing what the Lord has called them to do.

Today, my Dad put a post up on the blog www.OnceAnArafatMan.com to give you some insight into his thoughts regarding the current escalation in Gaza. You can read it here:

http://onceanarafatman.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Keep your ears to your radios and eyes to your TV sets, as all attention is being drawn to Gaza and Israel, you might hear or see my Pops sharing his story of redemption. He's been on several shows recently including Janet Parshell, Jay Sekulow among many others.

Thank you all so much for your support! And please...keep passing the book around! There's no better time than now to share the story with your friends and family...the world is watching, wondering what exactly this whole conflict is about.

God bless!
-Ben (Son of Tass)

A Former PLO Sniper was Loved Today

Thanks to my fellow worship/blogging buddy Jeff Miller for reading my Dad's book and posting a  fantastic review today.  He pretty much sums up in a nutshell what I'm hearing from many people who grab me at the church or in my various circles.  What I hear a lot of is "I had no idea". Seriously...if you've not read the book...if you've not considered reading the book...you need to.  It has the possibility of giving you a completely different perspective on scripture, the middle east and the Islamic people.  Here's a snippet of his review below.  Be sure to go read it in it's entirety here.

Once an Arafat Man’s sub-title couldn’t be a better synopsis of the book in general, “The true story of how a PLO sniper found a new life.” The opening sequence of the book reads like some of the best action oriented fiction out there, but you have to keep in mind that not only are the related events actual parts of our world history, but they are also a first-hand account of the man writing the book.

I don’t want to give away a ton of what goes on in the book and steal that pleasure from you, but the book is a real eye-opener for someone like me who has always been a firm (sometimes zealous) supporter of Israel. When you peek into the life of a Palestinian born in a tent near the beginnings of the last century’s conflict between Jews and Arabs, you cannot help but have your worldview shifted somewhat—maybe not so much a shift in thought but an increased clarity because of learning about the other side of the issue.

Read the full review here.

"Once" Arrives on My Doorstep

Amazon didn't send my "Once an Arafat Man" book by mail...it arrived in the hands of the author himself...my Pops!  Mom and Dad received their 2 boxes of 36 each direct from the publisher...and I'm one of the first to get it! Woohoo!!!  It appears that the book will arrive on shelves sometime during the first week of October...my best guess is Tuesday, October 7.  Tuesday seems to be the release date for books and CD's.

Congrats to my Mom and Dad.  It's a story in the making for a long time. 

Go order it on Amazon here. for only $13.59.
Visit the "Once" blog here.

My Experience at a Muslim Background Believer Conference

I've never considered myself an actual MBB (Muslim Background Believer) for a few reasons.  The main reason being that growing up, my father never taught me much about the Muslim faith.  Periodically he expressed to me that I was Muslim...simply through inheritance.  I accepted this fact partially...after all...how many other kids were able to say they were Muslim? Kind of a "cool" factor for a teen surrounded by Baptists in a Kansas City suburb. However, when asked, it was difficult to explain my beliefs.  Because I was confused religiously...with a Muslim Father and a semi-practicing Catholic Mother, you can maybe imagine the religious identification dilemma that presented me.  So what did I do?  I made up my own faith...a hodgepodge of principles rooted in both faiths.  My commandments were simple "Don't drink, Don't smoke, Don't do drugs, Don't kill anyone and of course...Don't cuss in public".  These were the rules I was banking on as my way through the gates of heaven.  That is until I met Jesus Christ as an 18 year old kid.  Everything changed from that point on.  I never looked back.

This past weekend I experienced something that is honestly quite difficult to explain.  I was invited by my parents to participate in the annual Muslim Background Believers Conference located this year in PA.   While my Dad is in Switzerland I went to "represent" the ministry of Hope For Ishmael, Seeds of Hope and OnceAnArafatMan.com.  A very sobering responsibility for a "whitish" kid from the midwest.  I was looking forward to once again being surrounded by the Arab culture...something I often was steeped in when my Dad's friends and relatives would come together for a large feast or celebration.  This conference brought back many of those great memories.

Around the nation there are many ex-Muslims who are now a part of the Body of Christ.  Many are quietly making their way through the American church trying hard to "fit" in and find their place in their local church.  Unfortunately for many of them, it is a difficult thing to transition from one religion to another.  Many have the initial impression and feeling that they are the only former Muslim who accepted Christ as their savior.  Growing up they are told as Muslims that there are absolutley no Muslims who become Christians. They live with threats and lies about the Christian faith which cripple them in their initial walk with Christ into believing they are alone.  Hence the reason this particular conference I attended began some 4 or five years ago.

The MBB Conference has become a place of encouragement and refuge for these former Muslims to share their stories, to comfort each other, to celebrate what Jesus has done in their lives and to pray for their dearest friends and relatives devoted to religion of Mohammed.  I was truly touched by the love these people show each other during this weekend.  I was honored to have been a part of this event.

During the weekend we heard from speakers providing some encouragement, exhortation and practical advice that hopefully will give these believers the tools they need to be a part of the local church in their communities.  One of those speakers was Steve Johnson.  His religious path is unique in that he was raised in a home with a Catholic father, Jewish mother then converted to Islam rising to a significant position within a large Isl@mic Society in North @meric@ then met Christ and is now a Christian who counsels former Muslims...wow.  As he addressed the MBB's at the conference, he provided strong practical teachings that I found fascinating.  Here are some of his thoughts:

• For a MBB, becoming a Christian frees you from a god that treats u like a child to one that treats you as an adult. Muslims deal with several rules such as "paying close attention to what foot you use to step out of a restroom" to "watching how you use your left hand".  Imagine how freeing it can be to come to the realization that God does not want you to live that way...there is true liberty in the freeing power of the blood of Christ.  It's just getting to that point that can be difficult for a former Muslim.  Even after they've begun a relationship with Christ, the temptation is to adopt rules from their former faith that can lead them down a road of legalism.
• MBB's feel they have to become little Americans when they convert. The purpose of becoming a follower of Christ is NOT to make you a cultural American. While it's important to adapt to the culture you are in, it does not mean you negate who you are.  The MBB must understand that Jesus Christ was NOT American nor does he think you have to be American.  What many in the American church need to understand is this...YOU DON'T HAVE TO MAKE AN MBB CONFORM TO AMERICAN CULTURE.  The church needs to help them adapt to society, but don't supress their culutral identity.  You will choke them out of their walk with Christ eventually chasing them back to their former faith...it happens too frequently.
• MBB's need to stop renting space in their minds to Allah and Mohammed...Jesus should rule.  Many MBB's get consumed with the false teachings of Islam that they completely disregard the teachings of Christ which should be transforming their minds.  A natural reaction to discovering that the faith you once held so dear is a lie...is to want to uncover the truth immediately so much so that it stunts your spiritual growth with Christ.
• MBB's deal frequently with "trophy syndrome". Churches need to help former muslims grow beyond their testimony of conversion.  Too frequently ministries want the world to see and hear the story of a former muslim that they often elevate them to the stage when the MBB is not ready.  The church needs to do its responsibility in helping the MBB grow beyond their testimony of conversion.  This attitude will destroy the growth of a MBB.  They aren't trophies...they are real people dealing with real issues in a very real world...they need discipleship.
• MBB's struggle with inferior feelings to longtime Christians.  What the MBB must remember is that God has given them a story.  Their time as Muslim believers was not wasted, God wants them to use it.  MBB's must realize they have the same Christ that older Christians have.  

Excellent stuff that really any follower of Christ can apply in some way to their walk.

Later that night we worshipped together following a dinner banquet where we heard testimonies from various MBB's.  Most of the MBB's in that room came to Christ after being in America, but some were led to Christ by "underground churches" within their countries. One MBB came to Christ in Saudi Arabia...one of the most stringent countries following Sharia law. It just shows that the light of Christ cannot be completely choked out of a nation no matter how hard it tries to eliminate Christ from its borders.  Simply amazing.

I was enthralled with the worship time with my brothers and sisters in Christ from nations all around the world.  There were people from Iraq, Yemen, Turkey, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Egypt, Algeria, Somalia, Lebannon, Uzbekastan, Malaysia, China and the U.S. The worship leader was awesome.  I told Pastor SarKis Diarbi I'd share with my BabuLife readers his website.  Please stop by his site and if you feel compelled, order a CD here.  He is truly a talented man who loves the Lord. I was blown away by the joy these people were genuinely celebrating together...celebrating the freedom they have in Jesus Christ.  In many of the nations they are from, they would be imprisoned for assembling in such a manner.  This realization makes faith more real than what many Western believers dare to understand. 

 As I witnessed the dancing, the crying, the laughing, the shouting, the hugging and the praying...I asked God to deliver this level of joy to myself and to the people Grace Church.  All too often we take our faith for granted.  I prayed for a discomfort within myself and a feeling of angst that would drive me to a place of unceasing praise, worship and adoration of my God.  I want God to ruin me in a way that keeps my faith from becoming a dead religion.

Thank you to my brothers and sisters in Christ who showed me the love of Christ and shared their incredible stories of faith.

To you BabuLife readers, I'd like to ask you to do something.  Would you take a moment and pray for these people?  Pray that they will find their place and Gods plan for their lives as they continue down their spiritual journey with Christ. These MBB's need a savior, a friend and a safe place to go when they've joined God's family...not to be our trophies...but to be a part of this beautiful thing called the church.

On a side note...I'd also like to ask for your prayers for my Dad's book coming over the next few weeks.  As Once An Arafat man hits shelves, undoubtedly it will receive some negative "feedback" from the Isl@mic community.  The struggle is real...and our God is just as real...and the souls of men and women are equally real.  Pass the word along.

Gaza Update: Trouble

Hey all.  It's been some time since I've reported anything regarding the ministry of my folks in Gaza.  They had some terrible things happen a couple of weeks ago.  You can read more here detailing the events.  You can also read author Joel Rosenberg's blog post here.  Here's the post:

Dear friends of "Once an Arafat Man".  It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. Our humanitarian organization in Gaza was ransacked...no...not ransacked...but robbed.  By who you might ask.  The answer is one that may surprise people...but to those who are educated in middle east politics, particularly in the Palestinian world, it may not come as a shock.  The governing body in the Gaza Strip, Hamas, has taken it upon themselves to destroy all the good that is being accomplished through the cultural center in Gaza.

I received a phone call early this morning informing us that our home in Gaza was robbed by Hamas.  What they could not take, they destroyed.  Bullets shot through windows, bullets shot through walls, furniture taken, pictures, books and the front door...yes the front door.   If the home was not enough, they took everything from the cultural center.  Computers, desks, chairs, sofas, furniture...all things being used to help the poorest citizens of Gaza.  In addition to our home and cultural center, they took it upon themselves to destroy the Hope Kindergarten facility.  Taking playground equipment, toys, and educational material...surely the soldiers of Hamas will find them useful while the children who received joy and education will now be without.

This "governing" body is on a mission to eliminate hope in it's people...but be assured...as long as the Body of Christ continues to commit itself to the purpose of hope, love, peace and reconciliation to God...Hamas and the dictatorships like it will never succeed.  They will only continue to fan the flame quietly burning in the hearts of their people.

In a time such as this, with the political future of the United States being decided in November, it is  becoming increasingly important for the Body of Christ to educate itself in the story of the Middle East.  While intentions of former presidents visiting the leaders of Hamas may seem purely motivated, it only emboldens these governments to pursue acts such as these.  My hope is that the book "Once an Arafat Man" will be a helpful tool for all who wish to understand the volatile situation in places like Gaza.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

-Tass

Thanks so much to all of my friends both on the web and in "real life" for your prayers and support for my family.  We're anxious to see what God does moving forward with Gaza.

Arafat Man Excerpt Posted

Recently my Dad decided to go ahead and post some excerpts from the upcoming book "Once an Arafat Man" over on his blog.  I had a chance to read through the book and all I can say is...wow. Last Thursday I opened it up to read a couple of pages then looked at the clock to find forty minutes had passed.  It's a book that has the power to change the American churches perspective in it's response to the middle east crises in very positive ways.  Too often I hear from many folks who are oblivious to the world beyond our borders and how it impacts our lives.  By the way...he's going to be swinging through the U.S. this summer and if you have any interest in exploring the idea of having him share his story at your church or missions conferences, you can shoot him an email here.

Here's an excerpt from the book found on his blog:

Deadly Surprise

The growling of the IDF engines grew louder. My heartbeat began to pound. I positioned myself for steady action as I peered through my scope. The enemy convoy reached the edge of the village. I picked out my closest target. I trained the weapon on his head … and ever so carefully squeezed the Simonov’s trigger.

At nearly the same moment, my comrades in the village began firing from their hiding places. The firefight exploded all at once. The noise was deafening. The Israeli infantry at that time had no flak jackets, so we were able to wound or kill them right away. All hell broke loose that morning in al-Karameh.

Of course, we began taking our own casualties, too. Every Fatah fighter knew this would happen. None of us counted on surviving this day, in fact. We were fully prepared to die. We might never see the moon again, but we would regain our honor. That was in fact the meaning of this village’s name, Karameh. It was the Arabic word for “honor” or “dignity.”

The street battle raged on at full force, while I kept picking off targets from the hillside. Minutes passed, perhaps even a full hour. There was no subtlety to our approach; we were going with every thrust we had to inflict mortal damage on the Jews. Then a massive bomb blast shook the entire valley. Our troops had blown up the Allenby Bridge, cutting off the escape route if the IDF tried to pull back. The Israelis were now trapped on our side of the Jordan—the east side—and would have to fight to the death. Only a miracle of Joshua-sized proportion would save them now.

A few minutes later, my commander shouted at me with alarm in his voice. “Do you hear that? Helicopter gunships are coming!” I had been too focused on my targets to notice. “Get off this hill!” he ordered. “If you stay here, they’ll blow you to bits from the air! Get down into the village with everybody else!”

I scrambled down the hill to join my comrades in the fight. There the conflict grew increasingly close-range. You hardly had room to use a weapon. It became a hand-to-hand brawl with fists, knives and even rocks. We put our karate and judo training to use immediately. The two sides were so intermingled that their helicopter gunners couldn’t sort us out. At this point, I was fighting on sheer instinct. There was no time to think or strategize. I simply kept bashing the nearest IDF soldier before he could bash me.

I could tell the enemy was bewildered at our bravery. They had expected us to act more like classic guerrilla fighters, feinting and withdrawing. Instead, here we were in a no-holds-barred fracas. Guys were screaming, blood was splashing, the wounded were moaning, and all of us were jumping over an increasing number of dead bodies to keep up the attack. I glanced down at several cuts on my arm but paid little attention. The kick of adrenalin was too strong to worry about it.

We Fatah fighters were in fact more agile than the IDF, since we carried less gear than they did and could therefore run faster. We also had our bayonets already fixed on our weapons and ready to use, while the Israelis were still fumbling to get theirs off their belts and attached. At times they literally ran into our knives.

Whenever they tried to regroup behind one of their tanks, a suicide bomber would leap down from a rooftop with a thunderous explosion of nails and other metal bits. Blood spattered and body parts flew through the air.

Once in a while throughout the afternoon, there would be a short lull in the fighting when the Israelis barricaded themselves in a house. We would quickly set up in the house across the street, where we would then open fire again. We stormed building after building.

This excerpt is from the forthcoming book "Once An Arafat Man" arriving on shelves September 15, 2008 published by Tyndale House. Visit the blog "OnceAnArafatMan.com"

"Once an Arafat Man" Facebook Group

Check out the new Facebook Group page for my Dad's upcoming book "Once an Arafat Man" here.  I had the privilege of reading a copy of it last week and wow.  I was blown away by the content, the way it was laid out along with the surreal factor of reading stories I lived through.

Check out these to links:
"Once" on Facebook
"Once" blog