This is the story of a man who is almost what you would call a modern day Saul turned Paul. Tass Saada grew up with intense hatred toward anything Israel and Western. Having run away from home at a young age to train to become a ruthless killer and Fatah fighter, Tass achieved respect, training, and an outlet for revenge. His family eventually tricked him into returning home and completing his education. However, Tass expressed rage in just about any situation while living under his parents' roof. In an effort to distract Tass from his destructive path, his parents agreed to allow him to travel to America. Tass married, worked hard, ran a kitchen, had children and . . . much to Tass's surprise discovered Jesus and love for the nation of Israel.
Though Once An Arafat Man is a quick read, it is packed with a powerful testimony of how Jesus is still transforming lives and revealing Himself to people of other faiths. Be prepared to learn about history, the Bible, Palestinian culture, how God is working in the Muslim community, and the amazing work Tass and his wife, Karen, are doing through their ministry called Hope for Ishmael.
Be sure to visit the Once An Arafat Man Blog!
I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid for this post nor do I have to return the book. I was and continue to be challenged to discover my role in sharing in the work of The Great Commission that Jesus has called us to . . . and am left wondering why God continues to put books and people like Tass into my life. I will continue to pray about our family's role in sharing the Gospel message.
