From time to time in this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. The following are the words of Pastor Daniel Nalliah author of “Worship Under the Sword.” Click here to receive a free publishing guide and to receive more information on self-publishing your book with WestBow Press.
I was working in Saudi Arabia 40 minutes from Mecca and very involved with the underground church 
(unbeknownst to my Muslim boss). One day a lady, fully clothed in a hijab with only slits for her eyes, came to my door with her two young teenage sons (14 and 16) and asked me to tell her sons about Jesus. I was not sure if this was a set up or not as preaching is forbidden in Saudi Arabia, let alone talking to minors. Inside the house the lady explained that she was an American who had married a Muslim and when they visited Saudi Arabia he announced that they were not returning to America and she was left virtually a hostage in her own home.
I used wisdom and told my testimony of how Jesus had come into my life, as I was then just telling my life story, not trying to convert anyone. The boys responded by falling on their knees and wanting this Jesus who had done such amazing things in my life to do the same for them. The lady, who had removed her hijab by now to reveal blonde hair and blue eyes, then pointed her finger at me, and told me “You must write a book. You cannot keep what God has done in your life to yourself. Others must know this too.” I had not planned to do this, but thought it was a good idea to share my journey with a broader audience to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (I Peter 2:9).
As the only computer I had at the time was my work one, I wrote the book on my work computer. Had this been discovered, I would probably not be here to tell my story at all, as I would most likely have been beheaded. I finished writing a few weeks before I left Saudi Arabia and transferred the book to a disc which I could bring with me.
I hope that by sharing what God has done in my life, you will be encouraged, challenged and inspired to trust Him who is faithful in all circumstances. Be blessed.
WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress, by tweeting us @westbowpress, or by emailing kgray@ westbowpress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.