Islam converts, opportunists or victims of missionaries

[Wesley Briggman]

Christianity grows in Syrian town once besieged by Islamic State - Reuters

"“They seemed happy and all talked about love. That’s when I decided to follow Jesus’s teachings,” Maxim Ahmed, 22, said, adding that several friends and family were now interested in coming to the new church."

"Some in Kobani reject the growing Christian presence. They say Western Christian aid groups and missionaries have exploited the chaos and trauma of war to convert people and that local newcomers to the religion see an opportunity for personal gain."

No mention of or credit given to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.

 

[Reformed]

No mention of or credit given to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.

First, you are not going to get solid theological reporting from Reuters. Second, we just do not know whether these are genuine converts or not.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

Christianity grows in Syrian town once besieged by Islamic State - Reuters

"“They seemed happy and all talked about love. That’s when I decided to follow Jesus’s teachings,” Maxim Ahmed, 22, said, adding that several friends and family were now interested in coming to the new church."

"Some in Kobani reject the growing Christian presence. They say Western Christian aid groups and missionaries have exploited the chaos and trauma of war to convert people and that local newcomers to the religion see an opportunity for personal gain."

No mention of or credit given to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.

Just as it has always been, there will always be some who are sincerely coming to God and some who really seek worldly opportunity, including some who inwardly are wolves. Every pastor and every flock should be aware of this and get prepared, and remain so.

 

[tyndale1946]

Just as it has always been, there will always be some who are sincerely coming to God and some who really seek worldly opportunity, including some who inwardly are wolves. Every pastor and every flock should be aware of this and get prepared, and remain so.

I really cannot say one way or the other as only God knows the true nature of the situation... I will leave it in his hands... Brother Glen

 

[Baptist Believer]

I have friends who have worked with the refugees in Syria as missionaries. There is no need to be skeptical of their sincerity, any more than one needs to be skeptical of converts in the United States. In fact, converting to Christianity is much more dangerous for them in the event that ISIS or another terrorist group comes to power.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Christianity grows in Syrian town once besieged by Islamic State - Reuters

"“They seemed happy and all talked about love. That’s when I decided to follow Jesus’s teachings,” Maxim Ahmed, 22, said, adding that several friends and family were now interested in coming to the new church."

"Some in Kobani reject the growing Christian presence. They say Western Christian aid groups and missionaries have exploited the chaos and trauma of war to convert people and that local newcomers to the religion see an opportunity for personal gain."

No mention of or credit given to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.

As has been said, I don't think one should expect very much in the way of theology from Reuters. Here's something from a Christian source: 'The World Behind Me, The Cross Before Me'—New Christians in Syria Risk It All to Follow Jesus
There does seem to be something remarkable happening in several Middle eastern countries, including Iran. Don't forget to pray, and maybe to give.