Stories of spiritual transformation continue to emerge from the Middle East, with the latest report surrounding a purported Islamic State leader who plotted to kill a Christian man — but ended up changing course and converting to Christianity.
That militant, who is being referred to as “Muhammad” (a fake name used to protect his identity), reportedly connected with a man named Peter, a staff member of Leading the Way, a Christian organization that broadcasts the teachings of Christian pastor Dr. Michael Youssef.
After seeing one of the group’s broadcast, Muhammad reportedly called a phone number on the screen with the claim that he wanted more information about the Christian faith — but in reality, he planned to kill whomever answered. As it turns out, it was Peter who answered the phone and Muhammad requested to meet him in person.
Leading the Way trains its follow-up team to vet callers before meeting anyone in person, but Peter apparently felt God urging him to further speak with Muhammad, the Gospel Herald reported.
“This time is different. Go and meet this man—and be bold with him,” Peter reportedly felt God telling him.
So, the two apparently met up and Peter shared the Christian message with Muhammad; then, something unexpected happened. It was after that meeting that the message of Jesus’ life and death started resonating with the Islamic State-aligned militant. Soon after, a massive change unfolded.
“After they parted ways, God continued to speak to Muhammad, revealing Himself in a dream and bringing great conviction upon him,” Youssef wrote. “He shaved his beard — the symbol of his radical devotion to Islam. He decided to follow Christ. And he reached out to Peter once more, desperate to meet with him.”
It was when Muhammad and Peter met up again that Muhammad revealed the real reason he had reached out to him, before repenting for his plot and converting to Christianity.
“Peter, I have a confession,” Muhammad told his newfound friend. “The first time I was going to meet you, I intended to kill you, and I am sorry.”
Muhammad has apparently been baptized and is now living as a Christian, leading Youssef to conclude: “Only God can change an ISIS leader.”
Read more about the story here and here.
(H/T: Gospel Herald)
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