Enduring legacies of faithful and foundational service

We of course continue to mourn the loss and presumed loss of two of the best in the mission fields of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East: Bibles for Mideast’s former director, Pastor Paul* (who recently graduated to his heavenly home), and his second-in-command, Pastor Peter Haneef (last known to be imprisoned in Tajikistan). The missionary exploits of these two remarkable men formed the backbone of the ministry, and many if not most of the stories on this site. I will of course let you know if/when we hear any news of Pastor Peter.

Zwemer ‘fitting in’ in the field

A missionary you have likely never heard of, however, is believed to have contributed more to mission work among Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa than anyone else.

Born in in Vriesland, Michigan to Dutch immigrant parents and later nicknamed the ‘Apostle to Islam’, Samuel Zwemer’s work is considered foundational in mission efforts among Muslims. His passionate prayers for the Muslim world mobilized countless missionaries to join the cause.

While he didn’t record or experience instant, flashy miracles, Zwemer’s work was instead marked by profound perseverance, answered prayers, and the miracle of widespread missionary mobilization sparked despite incredibly difficult and hostile environments.

Zwemer was not only a faithful missionary, but a fervent mobilizer for the cause of mission to Muslims. God blessed him with the ability to communicate well and to inspire young people to pray, give, and engage in the mission of God among Muslims.

Writer, Publisher, and Theologian

Today, Samuel Zwemer is best known through his extensive writing and theological contributions to Christian mission among Muslims. Over the course of his life, Zwemer authored over 50 books. He was more prolific with the pen than perhaps any other missionary to Muslims in history. One cannot accurately understand Zwemer’s influence on Christian mission to Muslims without understanding his role as a foundational theologian.

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*You can find more on Bible for Mideast’s former director, Pastor Paul, here: Testimony of Pastor Paul of Bibles for Mideast, a former Muslim.  A search on this site (simply enter his name in the box under Search this site) brings up countless stories of his incredible adventures in the faith, at least the recorded ones.