Calvin Miller writes:

I think the most vibrant missionaries I have met are medical doctors serving in lonely outposts of the Arab world. These physicians and nurses are aware that in winning a Muslim to Christ, they condemn their converts to ostracism and persecution—even martyrdom.

One doctor said to me, "How do you think I feel in longing to lead people to Christ, knowing that the moment my patients receive Christ they face a life-and-death contempt in this culture?"

"It must seem pointless," I said.

"Pointless?" he said. "This is the point of the gospel—, the cost and consequence of receiving Christ is the entire point of Luke 9:23: 'Take up your cross and follow me.'"