Thousands of Syrians from traditional Muslim backgrounds are turning to Jesus Christ, reports Christian Aid.
Suspicious of the reports, Christian Aid, a US-based Christian organisation which supports international mission, investigated further, concluding the openness to Jesus and the Gospel appears genuine.
Christian Aid says the numbers are not inflated nor an optimistic estimate.
“We determine they are Christians by professions of faith – the decision to follow Christ in these circumstances means the person has sentenced himself to death and makes himself likely to be killed at any moment. So they know very well the consequences,” said the Christian Aid Iraq contact.
Conceding however some may becoming “rice Christians” who are only showing an interest in Jesus in order to receive food and clothing, a contact in Turkey reports that most accept God’s love when they see it.
“Of course a lot would come first seeking help. This is very normal in situations like this. But to say that they become Christians so they get food and clothing, I don’t think so,” says a Lebanon contact.
“What would indicate to us that a Syrian Muslim had become a Christian would be, women taking their scarves off and letting their kids join the Bible lessons.
People don’t let their kids learn a belief they don’t accept, since kids are ready to learn easily,” said the contact in Turkey.
Sources