Summary
Highlights
Sammer recounts his upbringing in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, where he was taught to hate Israel and America. He was raised in a Muslim family with strong ties to Palestinian resistance movements and a desire for revenge.
Sammer describes how he became radicalized and studied with Wahhabi teachers associated with extremist groups. A turning point came when a Lebanese man offered him a Bible, which he initially took to understand his enemies but began to read secretly, finding a message of love and forgiveness that contrasted with the teachings of his upbringing.
Reading the Bible caused Sammer confusion and doubt as he grappled with contradictory teachings. He began questioning his Imam, which led to suspicion and attempts to dissuade him from Christianity, including accusations that he had been bribed or influenced by the coffee he drank.
Sammer eventually accepted Jesus as his savior and faced severe persecution from his family, who threatened to kill him if he didn't renounce his new faith. He was forced to leave his home and has been separated from his family for 15 years.
Sammer shares how God gave him a love for Israel, a nation he once hated, and how he ministers to refugees and shares the gospel in the Middle East despite the dangers. He emphasizes the need for Christians to be bold in sharing their faith and challenging the growing influence of Islam.
Sammer addresses the challenges faced by Christians in America, citing cultural Christianity and fear of speaking out about their faith. He urges believers to become more engaged in sharing the gospel and reclaiming America for Jesus, rather than relying on political solutions.