Dr. Rafat Amari
1943-2015
"Though he died, he still speaks..."
An endeavor of love
The Religion Research Institute did not start as an organization. It started as a vision in the heart of its founder and its spiritual father. Dr. Rafat Amari's story is a story of deep love and compassion towards Muslims. For more than 30 years, Dr. Amari spent 8 hours a day researching and studying Islam. He also spent 5-6 hours every day on his knees praying, and praying in particular for the Muslim world whom he dearly loved.
Here are the main outlines of his story:
1943, In the very heart of the Middle East, a child was born.
1943-1960, age 0-17, He was raised in a Catholic family, and lived as a Christian in a Muslim Society. Arabic was his native tongue.
1960, age 17, He traveled to Europe
1961-1968, age 18-25, He studied Medicine in a European University
1963, age 20, He began reading the new Testament, and He felt deeply convicted.
In his own words:
"I tried to improve my behavior, but the more I tried, the more I failed.
I eventually despaired.
At a train station in Padua I prayed:
'Lord How can I have my sins forgiven?'
I remembered the verse: 'It is finished'
And I realized that I just needed to accept God's gift.
I then prayed "Lord please forgive me, save me."
And I immediately felt an immense peace."
1966-1968, He studied biblical studies in Italy
1968, age 25, He successfully finished Medical School
1970, age 27, He travelled back to the middle east.
1970, age 27, He got married.
1972-1980, He was gifted with multiple Children
1972-1986, he was heavily involved in Church Planting in the middle east
1986 - He started a prayer ministry focused on praying for the Islamic world.
This was the result of many years of loving ministry and friendship with Muslims in a Muslim country, and growing realization of the depth of spiritual need of those he encountered.
1986 - 2014, he conducted prayer Conferences in 22 countries
1989 He left medicine, started full time ministry
1985-2015, He studied and wrote 32 books about Islam
2004-2015 He started Radio ministry to help understand Islam broadcasting on 19 different Radio Stations
2007-2015 - Using Satellite TV, he began reaching millions of Muslims
2011-2015 he fought a battle with stage 4 cancer
Till the last week of his life, he continued ministry towards the Muslim world that he so dearly loved
His life was summarized by some using the words of the apostle Paul:
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day."