Friendship Evangelism

I listened to a missionary tonight, who serves in a Muslim Country, tell a person to "make friends with a Muslim and let your life be a testimony; then, wait until you are good friends, before sharing Jesus with them." Granted, one must be cautious in a country where you could be imprisoned for your faith, or killed for trying to convert someone, however; even in that case, it's more important to follow and trust the Holy Spirit's prompting, then to follow fear.. Here in the United States, however; there is no excuse to wait for a friendship to develop, before sharing one's faith. Currently, we won't be imprisoned, beaten or killed for being a Christian.  Sometimes, waiting could mean one won't bring it up at all.

My concern, even in a Muslim country, is that reluctance will breed fear in disciples. I am to teach obedience to the commands of Jesus, first; by being a living example.  If I am afraid to take a bold stand for Jesus in expressing my faith, then; how can I expect them to be any different?  Just last night, I heard a testimony from a missionary, who advised a newly converted Muslim to be hushed in sharing his faith to his family. Fortunately, this man didn't take his advice, and eventually his family converted to Jesus from Islam through his determination and boldness!