The Middle East is falling apart. Hatred, death, destruction are everywhere. Country is rising up against country; people are rising up against people. Is Iran nuclear or not? Will a disagreement over oil tankers trigger World War III?

That is the news one normally hears about the Middle East. And there is reason for this. In many ways, these are sad and scary times in the Epicenter region of the world. But news reports often fail to show the causes for rejoicing that are currently taking place. Peace is breaking out between Israel and many Arab countries—former enemies becoming, if not friends, at least business partners. Nations that once warred against each other now view one another like that neighbor who maybe plays their music too loud on weekends and doesn’t take great care of their lawn, but will still let you borrow their tools if you need them.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to speak to a gathering at the U.S. State Department. At this conference more than a thousand foreign ministers, religious and civic leaders, academics, and survivors of religious persecution from more than a hundred countries had come together. My keynote address was titled “Advancing Religious Freedom in the Middle East: An Israeli Evangelical’s Perspective.” As is evident from the title, I am cautiously optimistic.

Within Israel, there is freedom to worship as you would like. Of Israel’s population, 20% are Muslims and about 2% are Christians. Yet even with traditional animosities, both religions are allowed to practice their beliefs as they choose. That’s not to say that everything is perfect. There are certain groups within Israel—ultra-Orthodox Judaism, for instance—who are not thrilled with those who hold other beliefs, and some wield a limited amount of political influence. Still, religious freedom within the Jewish State is greater than ever.

Believe it or not, this is also true among Arab countries. In my speech to the conference, I let the listeners know that it was “not long ago [that] Radical Islamists were beheading Christians in Libya, burning down churches in Egypt, waging genocide against Christians in Iraq and Syria, and vowing to exterminate Christianity through our region. Today, the situation is vastly different.” Here are five evidences of this positive change.

First, Arab Muslims have joined the fight against Radical Islam and are contributing greatly to its defeat. Second, tens of millions of Muslims, Christians, and Yazidis have been liberated from the violent rule of these terrorists. Third, more and more Arab governments are fighting an ideological and theological battle against Radical Islam in mosques, schools, and on social media. Fourth, a growing number of Arab political leaders are pushing toward peaceful coexistence with Christians and Jews. Fifth, some of these political leaders are now inviting Christians to meet with them in order to improve life for followers of Christ within their borders.

Negative news sells. Fear turns televisions on and ensures high ratings. Thus, there is a bias toward the bad. So in case all you’ve heard today is how the world is racing toward Purgatory in a pushcart, let me encourage you that God is alive and well in the Middle East. He is spreading peace and forging relationships. All the while, he is opening door after door for his truth to reach people groups who up until now have been unreachable with the hope found in his gospel.