As Muslims have fled the violence of the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq, hundreds of their children have found their way into programs run by Christian aid ministries along the way. And as those children have embraced the stories of Jesus and His love for them, they’ve gone back and shared those stories with their families.
The result is whole families of Muslims turning to Christ, according to The Christian Post.
According to a ministry director with Christian Aid Mission (CAM) in northern Iraq, 600 children participated in one program — and the result was that adults came to Christ too.
One night after sharing the gospel with the children “we asked the kids to go tell their parents about what they had heard and share the story of Jesus with everyone,” the director said. “Mahmood’s father came the next day complaining to us about our influence in his kid’s decision to accept Christ.”
The man, whose son was 10, had never heard about Jesus, so CAM staff had the opportunity to share the gospel with him.
“Not long after that he accepted Christ and took Bibles for his wife and two daughters,” the director said.
In the time since, the father has embraced the Christian faith and started a Bible study in his home on Friday mornings, the day of Muslim prayer, according to the Post.
CAM also reported that a number of other parents have decided to follow Christ because of the influence of their children, and they’ve done so in the face of possible backlash and persecution.
CAM has stepped into provide for their humanitarian needs as much as possible, as well as those of other fleeing families, hoping to introduce them to Christ as much as possible, according to the Post.
CAM’s ministry leader said, “Despite the region still being in a state of war, large groups of displaced inhabitants are risking their lives trying to return home. Although this is dangerous, because of the living conditions in the camps, the lack of resources and the cold weather, many are still trying.”
The widespread refugee crisis caused by IS has opened hearts, according to Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC), which supports Christian radio broadcasting in the area.
“There are thousands upon thousands coming to Christ,” VOMC told BosNewsLife. “We are in regular contact with our FM stations in Iraq and have talked with many people who have family in the Middle East.”
Missions group Elam Ministries said church leaders believe that discontentment with Islam has caused a spiritual hunger that could bring millions to the Church in the next few years, according to the Post.
In addition to the new Christians reported in Iraq, many conversions to Christianity have happened in refugee communities in Europe. (TAB)
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