Operation Desert Light: Standing Up for Those Caught in the Middle East Crossfire

"Operation Desert Light" is similar to Brother Andrew's previous book "Light Force". Both accounts contain some very interesting points of view about the Palestinian/Arab conflict with Israel that many evangelical Christians are unaware of; especially in America. Andrew lays out some history of the region and even provides the reader with a Palestinian perspective of the situation, which I was, pretty naïve about being an American "pro-Israel" evangelical Christian. I found it especially helpful to know there are Palestinian Believers who are working and praying diligently for a peaceful solution to the bloody conflict. He boils it down to the fact that the only lasting peace for this area is if the "Prince of Peace" resides in the hearts of those who are players in this "war". Using the power of the Gospel to change not only peoples thinking but also their hearts, of both Arab Muslims and Israeli Jews, is the only key that will defuse the situation. The "Light Force" in this volatile area are the Arab/Palestinian and Jewish Believers who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is only they who can display the reconcilable power of God to bring hated enemies together as brothers in Christ. The ministry of "Musala" is just one example of how the Lord is working to bring both Jew and gentile (Muslims and ethnic "Christians") to display the glory of God to the lost. Not only does Andrew reveal some of the roots of the conflicts as seen by both the Jews and Palestinians, he also provides us, the Western Christian; with practical ways of how we can assist in this work of recollection. I highly recommend this book to every Believer in America, especially if you're "pro-Israel". I still support Israel but I now have a slightly different and in many ways fuller view of the Middle East conflict. As one Palestinian evangelical pastor humbly requested said...."We don't want you to stop loving Israel, but please love us also". How can one argue with this?? These Arab and Palestinian Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are a part of the Body of Christ just as we are. And "IF ONE MEMBER SUFFERS THEN ALL MEMBERS SUFFER WITH IT. OR IF ONE MEMBER IS HONORED THEN ALL MEMBERS REJOICE WITH IT.", 1Cor. 12:26

Brother Andrew, well known during the Cold War-era as God's Smuggler, has been called by the Lord to go to the Middle East as friend, prayer partner, advocate, and amanuensis. Operation Desert Light tells the engrossing story of these adventures over the last several decades. From country to country, chronologically presenting the growing story, Operation Desert Light gives intimate glimpses into the lives of endangered, dying, and dead Christians as well as others from Lebanon, Gaza, and Israel. Armed only with his Bible, Christian literature, love flowing through him from God, and God's directive, Brother Andrew lived with these people, learned their problems first hand, and sought ways to help them help themselves. He went to all who needed an understanding ear and voice: Palestinian, Israeli, and terrorist. This is not a politically-correct volume. There is no rhetoric, just a heart-stopping, direct account. Brother Andrew tells why Christians hurt, sometimes in graphic detail, and how they help or harm each other in these terrible situations. He gives reasons why terrorists hate. He never takes any one side, sometimes even wondering how he, who loves God's people, the Israelis, can feel so much sympathy with other groups. With both tragedy and triumph portrayed, as you read this book be prepared to think the thoughts of other people, feel their desperations, and agonize as they seek the Lord's will for their lives. Be prepared to be moved out of your comfortable American way of life and thinking. Operation Desert Light is the youth version of the 2004 book Light Force. Keeping the same narrative, important side bars and closing materials have been added. I would encourage you to read one of these books - either Operation Desert Light or Light Force. Another good companion book to these, one which I have just recently reviewed, is Paul Meets Mohammad by Michael Licona. - Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com

"Operation Desert Light: Standing Up for Those Caught in the Middle East Crossfire" written by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen ISBN: 080075980X trade paper (softcover, but not mass market paperback) 6x9" 2005-09 304 pages Revell Books (a division of Baker Publishing Group) I 'revoked' one star because a compact mass-market paperback copy (pocket book) would be more affordable AND allow an international traveler to bring along at least one copy: less weight and volume Look before you leap; size up the SITUATION in this other volume: "Light Force: A Stirring Account of the Church Caught in the Middle East Crossfire" (also written by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen) ISBN: 0800731042 (this is for the less-expensive, softcover one) An affordable abridgement on 4 audio-CDs exists; ISBN: 0800744349 2005-09 336 pages OK, now back to the book which is the focus of our attention, ODL Description: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to shine light into the most volatile region on earth. Bringing hope to the Middle East. Sound impossible? Brother Andrew didn't think so. He proved that one person really CAN make a difference. In the midst of riots, suicide bombings, and constant war, he risked everything to encourage weary Christians and church leaders to become a force for change. Recounting Brother Andrew's incredible journeys, Operation Desert Light introduces you to the people behind the news statistics: people who, like you, have families, friends, hopes, and fears. In these pages, you will find - behind-the-scenes accounts, - Q & A sections, - maps, and - helpful sidebars that will put the people, places, and events of the Middle East conflict into perspective. So what does this have to do with you? Operation Desert Light will take a look at your mission--your calling from God-- on how to be a source of true peace and light to the people in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, and at home!