Christian missionary and author Samuel Zwemer is sometimes referred to as "Apostle to Islam."  Between 1890 and 1929, Zwemer traveled extensively and ministered to Muslims in Bahrain, Egypt, Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the countries of North Africa.  According to the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies, 

"Zwemer was ready to travel anywhere Muslims could be found.  He was passionate about the importance of personal evangelism, and he followed a familiar pattern.  He would address Muslims with the gospel by whatever available means, he would promote the publication and circulation of tracts, and he would challenge Christians to be more active in witnessing to Muslims, particularly through bibles and other Christian literature." (1)

And yet, according to Ruth A. Tucker in her book From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, Zwemer's "converts were few--probably less than a dozen during his nearly forty years of service." (2) 

The reality is that certain mission fields are just very difficult!  For another tough example, let's turn to North Korea.  Because of government restrictions and severe persecution, it's dangerous to openly share the Good News of Jesus within North Korea.  That's why Christian radio is so vital to evangelizing the North Korean people.  Since 1995, TWR has been using shortwave radio to deliver the Gospel into their country.  And while we receive secondhand reports that North Koreans are listening, it's rare to hear directly from a listener.  On today's Footsteps, TWR's Boaz Seong shares one of his ongoing prayer requests: "Please God, give me proof somebody is really listening (to) our broadcast to our audiences in North Korea."  Has God answered Boaz's prayer?  Listen to today's program! 

Click here to learn about TWR's outreach to North Korea

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(Photo of Andy Napier and Boaz Seong)

1. "Samuel Zwemer: A Brief Biography," Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies, accessed March 27, 2026, https://www.zwemercenter.com/brief-biography-of-samuel-zwemer/. 

2. Ruth A. Tucker, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions, 2nd Edition (Zondervan, 2004), 241.