A
former Muslim and Pastor in the world largest Muslim nation of Indonesia
has revealed that many are embracing Jesus Christ in huge number in the country
despite serious persecution.
The
pastor noted that as part of his ministry working in the field, he has heard
many stories of former Muslims who have decided to come to Jesus.
He
insisted that he doesn't say that "because I am a Christian, just to
excite the Christian body, but this is what I personally see happening.
"Yes,
the number is growing. I think a lot of Muslims are realizing that Islam is
false; they see the bombings and terrorist attacks done in the name of Islam,
and they wonder 'Is this it? Is this what I want?'" he stated.
"They
realize there has to be a better way, and then they find Christ."
In
his words, "The numbers are getting bigger and bigger in many parts of Indonesia.
There is steady growth," while noting that there is concern among
some parts of the Islamic community over the rise of Christianity.
The
pastor, going by the name Kongkin, told The Christian Post in a phone interview
weekend, that his ministry in Jakarta helps persecuted Christians
and makes sure their stories are heard across the country and abroad.
"When
one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it," Kongkin said.
He
told CP that he is a former Muslim, and that it was the Gospel message itself
that convinced him to start following Jesus Christ.
"The
call of Salvation by Christ," he described as the main reason for his
decision to convert. "The message of forgiveness, which extends to
sinners. I realized I was without hope" while part of the Islamic faith,
he explained.
"I
heard the Gospel from my friend and I saw his family's testimony, [his] walk as
a Christian," and the "peace and joy" that came with it, and
thought "that's what I want."
"I
started searching for the Lord, and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior,"
he said.
Kongkin
noted that his Muslim family "thought I was crazy" at first, that his
conversion to Christianity was "part of my rebellious spirit," and
even though they first hoped that he would go back to Islam, eventually they
realized he was committed to his new faith.
The
pastor explained that he did not suffer beatings and was not cast out by his
family, who he described as more "modern Muslim," but he was treated
differently by other relatives who follow a stricter version of Islam.
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of Form
He
said that while they still wanted to have a relationship with him, they would
do things such as refuse to greet him at Christmas, and made it clear that
"we are on different sides."
Indonesia
is the world's largest Muslim nation, and though Christianity only makes up
seven percent of the population, according to the CIA Factbook, Kongkin said that more
people are embracing Jesus.
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