Converts in Iraq
In Iraq, being a Christian is dangerous—but being a Christian convert from Islam takes even more courage. Compass Direct News writes, “Whereas Assyrian Iraqis are accepted as Christians by ethnic identity, Iraqi Muslims believe Arabs have no business becoming Christians; it is not possible, according to society and the constitution.”
Listen to their stories:
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“The government said, ‘We will not support you financially,’ and we said, ‘OK, no problem.’ They said, ‘Don’t evangelize in the street publicly;’ we said, ‘OK, we won’t do that. But you should give us another chance. We want to register [as Christians].’”—convert in Kurdistan
In Kurdistan, this Iraqi convert from Islam is the only person in Iraq to have tried to change the religion on his government ID card. Lawyers turned him away, and a judge refused even to take his case, saying that it was “impossible.” He is campaigning hard for the sake of his son, for whom he wants freedom of religion. Right now, his son is considered to be a Muslim because of the father’s background. This brave convert has sought to rally other Christians as well. He says there are as many as 2,000 other Kurdish converts like him, but only 200 of them overcame their fear and signed a petition to change the religion on their ID cards.
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“Some people tell me it’s my fault we have troubles because I tell people I am a Christian. I am so confused. Even some Christians tell me it’s my problem. I am reading the Bible, and it says that whoever denies God in public, God will also deny him, so what can I do?”—convert in Kirkuk
Even Kurdistan is considered to be relatively peaceful compared to Kirkuk, where this believer and his family reside. As Arab converts to Christianity, they would be viewed with suspicion if they tried to move to Kurdistan. Unlike Christians from non-Muslim (Assyrian) backgrounds, they have difficulty getting through the checkpoints even to visit Kurdistan. Their landlord in Kirkuk has threatened eviction, increased rent, or extortion. Because their older daughter has “Muslim” on her ID card, she had to leave the Christian (Assyrian) school she was attending. She and her sisters are criticized by Muslim relatives if they accidentally hum a Christian song in their presence.
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“I never went to God, and I didn’t look for Him. He came to me and turned me into a pastor to serve the Iranians here. My life is in His hands. I will go where He sends me.”—Iranian convert living in Iraq
This Iranian family who became Christians in Iraq also has “Muslim” displayed on their government IDs. They have received death threats. Their son was beaten by a teacher in front of the class and called an infidel. Their daughter was so traumatized by her teacher that she stopped attending school. The siblings are beaten and robbed by other children. Yet still, the family perseveres.
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven…”
—Matthew 10:31-32
“To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”
—Revelation 2:17b
News Source: Compass Direct
