'West Bank evangelist Terry McIntosh.

Rami Khader Ayyad, 32, was the director of the Gaza Strip's only all-Christian bookstore.

Ayyad was a prominent Gaza Christian, who disappeared on Saturday, following months of death threats from local Muslims. He was found stabbed to death on Sunday (October 7) in what appears to have been an act of Muslim aggression.

Ayyad ran the Teacher's Bookshop, which is a ministry of the Palestinian Bible Society and the Gaza Baptist Church. Ayyad was accused by area Muslims of spreading the Gospel.

"Rami Ayyad's death is the result of a radical belief system that demands adherence to Islam. He was killed because he was demonstrating the love of Christ to Muslims. He was murdered by cowards in the disguise of religion, and it was not a pious act. It was murder," McIntosh said.

"Islam must purge itself of extremists, and civilized people must take a firm stand against its radical teachings. Some moderate Muslims are doing that, but it will take many voices to apply pressure upon the Islamic world to police themselves. I eagerly add my voice to the collective effort and say to radical Islam 'Count me as your enemy.'"

"At the same time, it's important that we do not blame the entire Muslim community for this tragedy. Radical elements within Islam are harming their own people, and innocent people should not be unjustly held accountable. It was a criminal act by criminal extremists."

McIntosh, a Kentucky native, has been involved in Israel and Palestine for 15 years. His evangelistic work includes the founding of a Christian chapel in the West Bank as well as numerous radio and TV appearances on Islamic owned media.

Takes to Arabic airwaves, points to Christ on Islamic TV

Islamic owned and operated television in the West Bank features McIntosh presenting Jesus Christ as the solution to a lasting peace in the Middle East.

The unprecedented appearance on Islamic TV is being broadcast out of the Jericho Al Nour station which reaches all of Judea in the West Bank, including parts of Jerusalem, and Amman, Jordan.

McIntosh points Israel back to God and calls upon Israel to give life, dismantle the Separation Wall, and follow the way of God. He charges Palestine to seek lasting peace through Jesus Christ.

Although he acknowledges that many listeners will consider the dual message a political statement, McIntosh says the message is a spiritual one that demands spiritual discernment.

He says: "Palestine must understand that the way to peace is through the Messiah Jesus instead of armed conflict attributed to religious ideology. They must choose to love the Jewish people and live among them peacefully. It is not just about land issues. It's about people. It is about showing the love of God and following the One who can actually make a real difference. The truth must be proclaimed, and we are pointing them in that direction on a national level."

Regarding Israel, McIntosh says, "The Jewish State must realize that God's way is different, and they should not depend upon anything other than Christ for a lasting peace. The Wall creates an Apartheid mentality, and represents Israel's dependency upon man's wisdom in fighting terrorism. It cuts through villages, which in turn separates families and prohibits people from reaching jobs and children attending school. This creates further despair turning moderates into radicals. The natural problem is the result of spiritual disobedience manifested in the natural realm. Jesus Christ is the only hope for any nation. True friends will point this out to Israel."

He adds: "Religious leaders must provide direction. This message is for the benefit of both Jews and Palestinians. Among other things, following the Messiah will compel Israel to give life to the Palestinians and aid them in pursuit of a decent life. Following Christ will compel the Palestinians to lay aside armed conflict and seek the way of peace."

Scheduled air times can be confirmed by contacting Al Nour TV Station in Jericho, Israel at 02.232.4141.

McIntosh has recently returned to the states and can be reached at tel/fax 270.534.0792 or 800.872.1205. Email contact is: terry@usajourney.us  

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. His weblog appears at: Michael's Wor(l)d BLOG