Roundup: Our God of Transformations

As we begin a new year, let’s reflect on some stories of how God is drawing Muslims to Himself.

islam, mosqueTerrorist Transformations by Collin Abbey

Saul was a terrorist. Ananias had heard about Saul’s brutal reputation, and one can only imagine his reaction when God led him to go to Saul. But our God is gracious and merciful, and He is a specialist at transforming terrorists. Continue reading.

 

 

How ISIS is Spreading the Gospel by Dr. Dave Cashin

I have often referred Islamic radicals as “proto-evangelists” for the Christian faith because they show us what Islam is really like. As Islamic law, and the groups that espouse it, fails, where will people turn? Is the evangelical Church in America a “safe space” for Muslims? Continue reading.

 

 

Muslims Turn to Christ in Unprecedented Numbers (and Part 2) by Janelle P.

Before the war, it was rare that a Muslim would become a follower of Jesus Christ. The war has changed everything. “Since 2012, we have been living in a tent,” Amir shares. “It is not an easy life. Now, because we are Christians, others don’t want to help us.We regularly pray to the Lord, we freely worship Him, and He protects us.” Continue reading.

 

Our God is a God who changes hearts. May 2017 be a year of prayer for those God will draw to Himself. As Dr. Dave Cashin reminds us, we must ask ourselves if we are welcoming our new brothers and sisters, or are we hindering?

About Scott Gustafson

Scott Gustafson has extensive experience in the Middle East as a practitioner and consultant with faith-based charities and churches in humanitarian relief and mission work. He earned his PhD in Religion and Theology from the Vrije Universteit and researched the religious conversion phenomenon among former Muslim refugees in the Levant and the de-radicalization of some violent extremists among them. He is a member of the Extreme Beliefs/Strong Religion working group at the VU, funded by the European Research Council and is the Ambassador Warren Clark Fellow at Churches for Middle East Peace. He earned an MA in Intercultural Studies/Middle East Studies from Moody Graduate School, and a BA in Nursing and Biology from Western Michigan University. He studied Arabic at the University of Jordan and holds a certification through the Cultural Intelligence Centre as a CQ Certified Facilitator. Scott advises large funding agencies as well as indigenous organizations in the Middle East and is an advocate for peace. He speaks to groups about mission, Islam, the Middle East and countering extremism and radicalization. He also helps run a non-profit cycling team. Scott and his wife have 2 children and they live in Grand Rapids, MI. Follow his Substack.