A local Muslim leader has spoken out against the bible in the Middle East, after Christian literature generated great interest among the community.

WEC churchplanter Leanne reports that during a local secular book fair, 25,000 bible portions were distributed, prompting the local Muslim leader to preach against the bible.

"We were giving out literature the other day and a man told us that the local Imam - Muslim leader - had been preaching that they should not read the injil - new testament," says Leanne.

The Christian book stall at the fair generated much interest from locals, with a constant line up of people throughout the event.

"The 25,000 bible portions given out really represent whole homes and could touch about 100,000 people," says Leanne.

"One of the brothers on the stand said he was particularly encouraged by the number of women in head scarves that were keen and wanted to talk."

"In giving out literature on the street it is harder to reach women."

One man returned after receiving some literature, and gave the stall-holders a poem he had written about Jesus being the 'bringer of peace to the world'.

At the opening of the book fair, bibles were given to the Prime Minister and other government representatives, who appeared glad to receive them.

"The staff of the library where the book fair was held said that although they have had book fairs in the past, they had never seen anything like this," says Leanne.

Leanne continues to meet regularly with a woman who has been sharing her faith with others using bible stories. "We continue to do storying but she is discouraged at the lack of interest from those she has tried to tell the stories to," says Leanne.

"She has no one wanting to listen."