Caring for Converts

A Muslim who converts to Christianity may be persecuted by state officials, fired by their employer, disowned by their parents, ostracized by their friends. Infant faith meets hunger, homelessness, emotional trauma, even death threats. This Fund enables local ministries to embrace needy converts: giving food and safe shelter, creating job opportunities, providing Christian instruction and community.

Give now to assist in Caring for Converts.

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If you were born a Muslim . . .
Islam is a religious and political system that encompasses every aspect of life and denies its adherents freedom of choice. One is a Muslim because one is born a Muslim, and anyone who converts to another religion is considered an apostate and worthy of death.

In some countries, this means official execution; in others, converts are silently murdered, poisoned, imprisoned, or tortured. Those who suffer no physical violence are often abandoned by spouses and families, ostracized by their communities, fired from their jobs, and left destitute and friendless.

Amidst this spiritual darkness and mind-numbing bondage, Jesus draws multitudes of Muslims to Himself. Sometimes He sends a Christian witness—a doctor, a pastor, a friend. Other times a Muslim hears the Gospel via radio or television broadcast, or a Bible correspondence course. Sometimes a Muslim cut off from any access to the Gospel will meet Jesus in a dream. Then comes the terrifying decision. Am I willing to risk losing everything to follow Jesus? My spouse, my family, my status, my home, my job—even my own life?

As Muslims around the world consider this cost, many decide to follow Jesus. They proclaim with the Apostle Paul, “…I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)

“I would rather have the whole world against me but know that Almighty God is with me. I would rather be called an apostate but know that I have the approval of the God of glory.” -An Iranian convert on trial for apostasy

True Stories
S.A. became a Christian recently. When his employer found out, S.A lost his job. His life is in danger. His wife is not a believer and is very afraid. As a former prince, a leader of Muslim youth, S.A. is uniquely gifted and could become a vital leader in the indigenous Church. But who will provide for his Bible training?

A Pakistani multimillionaire traveled to London on family business. He was his mother’s favorite son. In London he became a believer—and was instantly cut off, brought from opulence to absolute poverty overnight. His mother sent assassins to London to kill him. Who will feed and shelter this frightened new believer?

Desperate Need
Converts from Islam struggle for basic survival: a safe place to live and food to eat. Those who have lost their jobs need the opportunity and equipment to begin a new business.

As they grieve lost loved ones, broken marriages, children taken away, and often repeated attempts on their lives by Islamic militants, converts must find love, belonging, and comfort from fellow believers.

As infants in Christ, converts often feel confused, unsure what they should and should not do as they begin to follow Jesus Christ. The fellowship of a local Christian community, and further Bible training, is desperately needed to direct and strengthen them.

Reaching Out
In order to survive, these precious infants in Christ need help from their new brothers and sisters. But the Church in the Islamic World is usually comprised of believers who are impoverished and persecuted themselves, and are unable to provide adequate support. Local churches are also sometimes wary of helping new converts, fearing harsh reprisals. In desperation, many converts from Islam flee their homeland, decimating the local church instead of strengthening it and further weakening the Christian witness in the Islamic World.

Your financial gifts can make the difference. The Caring for Converts Fund provides for the most basic needs of these new children of God who are paying a high price to follow Him. Your gift will enable Smyrna to act swiftly when the story of a needy convert reaches our office. By directing your donation through a trusted National leader, the money will be used to meet the specific needs of a new believer in the Islamic world.

Jesus gave up everything for you and me. His disciples, your brothers and sisters in the Islamic World, give up everything to bear His Name. Can you give a few dollars from your bank account, a few moments in prayer, for the Caring for Converts Fund?