“Can you imagine a child being tortured for being a Christian, in several Islamic ruled nations over many years? And that child growing up at age 13, fighting in a war, for survival, because of being a Christian? Renod’s story is profound, and moving. His traumatic upbringing, led to a hatred of Muslims, and turning his back on God for 25 years. 9/11 changed everything. Today, he and his wife Karen serve the people he once despised. You will be enthralled with his story and the needed transformation God brought about in his heart. Their ministry is called “I Hope Ministries”. They have a heart to help bring Muslims to Christ and help equip others to do the same.

IICor. 5:20-“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

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Points Shared:
Born in Bagdad, Iraq in a Christian Lebanese family
Raised in an Islamic ruled nation
Non-Muslims had less rights and freedoms
Unorthodox home schooling
At 5 he spoke about Jesus to friends on the street
Kidnapped and tortured by an Islamic extremist
His narrow escape
This pattern continued for 7 years, spanning many countries
He discovers the meaning of the word kafir, ‘infidel’, someone who does not believe in the God of Islam.
Anger and hate grew in his 10 yr. old heart
At age 13, he fought in the Lebanese war between Christians and Muslims for survival, for 6 months, and was also in hiding.
Flying across the world from Tripoli Libya and finding his way around Los Angeles, at 13, alone.
Culture shock and bullying in the U.S.
Walking away from the Lord for 25 years
9/11 changes everything
Mission trip back to a Muslim country
I Hope Ministries is born.

Renod Bejjani Quotes:
“I packed my bags . I would line them up in the closet. I would sleep in the closet with my arm around my bags saying ‘Lord I want to wake up with my parents.”

“Today Islam is the 2nd largest religion in the world, and out in the West including in America, Islam has been doubling every 10 years, while Christianity is declining fast.”

Links:
Website-https://ihopeministries.org/about-ihope/

Books-“Muslims: 5 Biblical Essentials Every Christian Must Know and Do”
“The Way to Paradise”

Related Episode:
Letters From Home Ep. 37-“Finding His Father” Michael McDonald

https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/podcast/finding-his-father-michael-mcdonald-bible-project-director-of-global-focus-and-strategic-relationships/

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