*Representative photo used to protect identity
Of the 1.6 billion Muslims in the world today, over 200 million of them belong to the Indo-Malay ethnic group in Southeast Asia, home to Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. A few of these Muslims profess their faith in Isa and yet, for their safety, cannot disclose their Christian identity to their neighbors. Each of them has a name, a face and a voice, and a few are even gifted with musical talents. The following are some glimpses into their challenges and victories.
Quotes from Secret Believers
“My relationship with my girlfriend is not the most important relationship in my life; it can wait. My relationship with Jesus is urgent and more important.” – Secret believer after he found Christ.
“What you have, I also want!” – Secret believer who accepted Christ after Christians showed him love and cared for him when he was living as an outcast in a city dumpster.
“Because we believe in Christ, Muslims consider us apostates and outcasts. But Christians also do not wholeheartedly accept us. Why? Because my wife still wears the head coverings even though she is a believer. She wears it because she feels more comfortable with it than without it.” – Secret believer, sharing the challenges he faces as an MBB (Muslim Background BelieverA Christian from a Muslim background who comes to Christ. More).
“My husband left me because I did not want to renounce my faith in Christ. I did not know what to do so I prayed to God. I prayed until 3 a.m. As I was about to fall asleep, I heard footsteps entering my room. I was stopped from looking but I felt His touch. I felt flowing warmth from head to toe and all my burdens were lifted up. Now, I can face the world, even without my husband, because I have Christ!” – Secret believer.
Worship Songs Composed by a Secret Believer
“Three years ago, I dreamt of making this music album. Now, it has come to pass! All glory to God. Thank you to all those who have helped to make this album a reality. Some helped to write the songs, some composed the lyrics, and some helped to sing some of the songs in this album,” said the composer, who dedicated this album to “all whose faces are unknown yet love the Lord and love the people out there.”
“You are my heroes who deserve my respect,” he continued. “Let us all continue to love Him and to love the people out there.”
BAPA BOLEH OUR FATHER IS ABLE
Bapa boleh (boleh, boleh) Our Father is able
Dia boleh (boleh, boleh) He is able
Bapa kami di syurga Dia boleh Our Father in heaven is able
Chorus: Chorus:
Marilah kita percaya pada Ilahi Let’s put our faith in God
Tiada sesiapa seperti Dia No one compares to Him
Marilah kita memuji pada Ilahi Let’s raise our voice for Him
Tiada kuasa standing Dia No power is greater than His
Bridge: Bridge:
Puji syukur, hormat, kuasa pada Dia Praise, honor, power unto Him
Puji syukur, hormat, kuasa pada Dia Praise, honor, power unto Him
S’lamanya Forever
ALLAHU AKHBAR HOW GREAT IS GOD
(Tuhan Yang Maha Besar)
Chorus: Chorus:
Allahu akhbar (4x) How great is God (4x)
Allah yang besar The almighty God
Allah berkuasa The ruling God
Allah yang Esa The one true God
Pohon akan berbuah Trees will bear fruit
Air akan mengalir di gurun Water will flow in deserts
Tanah yang rendah ‘kan ditinggikan Low ground will be lifted up
Gunung-ganang akan diruntuhkan Mountains will collapse
Marilah kita menunggu di dalam Dia Let us wait in Him
KasihNya menjangkau semua His love reaches everyone
Belas kasihnya ke s’luruh umat His compassion reaches all mankind
Yang berkekalan selamanya His love and compassion are eternal
Karna dia Bapa kepada semua Because He is the Father of all peoples
Marilah kita semua mengasihi Dia Let us respond by loving Him
Bridge: Bridge:
Tetapi orang-orang yang But those who
menanti-nantikan Tuhan wait for Him
mendapat kekuatan baru will