Muslims Disillusioned by ISIS Terror 'Leaving Islam', 'Begging' Christ for Healing

By Leah Marieann Klett
Refugees and Migrants from Middle East.
President Donald Trump's decision to prioritize Christian refugees over Muslims will only hurt - and not help - those persecuted for their faith in the Middle East, a leading Christian patriarch has warned. ISIS militants have forced about 1,500 families to retreat with them and abducted 295 former Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) members from villages on the outskirts of Mosul. Photo: Reuters

Thousands of Muslims disillusioned by the violence and unrest in Mosul - ISIS' last stronghold in Iraq - are embracing Christianity and "begging" Christ for healing after experiencing the love of Christ and hearing the truth of the Gospel.

A ministry director working in in northern Iraq's autonomous region of Kurdistan shared with Christian Aid Mission how his organization has been distributing Bibles, leading Bible studies and holding discipleship training sessions for displaced people for more than two years.

He revealed that before ISIS seized Mosul in 2014, it had the reputation as the Iraqi city that was most closed to the gospel. However, triggered by the lack of freedom in Islam and gratitude to Christians offering help to refugees fleeing war-torn countries, thousands have turned to Christianity.

"So now they see the true face of Islam, they saw the teachings of Islam and they know what it means to be under the Islamic State," he said. "I believe a lot of heart-breaking stories will come out of Mosul with people who are ready to leave Islam and beg for Christ to take their lives and give them healing."

As Iraqi forces push ahead with their offensive to drive ISIS out of their stronghold, militants have forced about 1,500 families to retreat with them and abducted 295 former Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) members from villages on the outskirts of the city, Reuters reports. Eighteen of the town's 30 sheiks have been killed, according to a report received by the United Nations.

The reports of the abductions and killings come in the wake of the discovery of a mass grave outside Hammam al-Alil, a town south of Mosul recaptured Monday from ISIS.

"They're keeping a lot of people hostages - anybody running away, they're killing," the ministry director said. "There were two brothers; they killed one of them while he was running out. Most of the people are hostages right now. They want to flee, they just can't. What's happening right now in Mosul is what they did to the Christians; it's genocide. They're killing everyone who's not working with them or not helping them."

The ministry director said his organization is getting ready to help hundreds of such families who will be evacuated to camps for displaced persons: "We're getting ready for them - if we start seeing groups coming our way, then we're going to minister to them," the Christian leader said, adding that his organization needs assistance to prepare aid supplies. "We don't have many resources. I don't have a lot of food and medicine and other items, but we're going to do as much as we can."

Currently, the ministry is asking for assistance to purchase food, clothing, blankets, tents, medicines and Bibles.

"I want to encourage people to supply whoever is working there, whether us or anyone else, to help these people, supply them with the Word of God, supply them with the tools they need to work with these refugees who are coming," the director said. "And if Mosul is going to get liberated, Lord willing, we will be going to Mosul to do some work there. I hope to put a Bible in every house in Mosul and declare Christ as King of kings and Lord."

To learn how you can help, visit http://www.christianaid.org/

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories