Muslim Refugees in Greece Converting to Christianity, Planting Churches as They Help Spread Revival

Refugees from the Middle East who have found refuge in Greece have not only begun converting to Christianity. They have also started sharing God's love to their fellow migrants.

In an article posted on Desiring God, Christian leader David Crabb shared how the kingdom of God "is growing" in Greece, where 97 percent of the population are Orthodox Christians. Most of them, however, affiliate themselves to the church culturally, and not necessarily in the religious sense.

Even amid this environment, more and more Muslim refugees in Athens are becoming open to the Christian faith. Javad, an Iranian Muslim convert, for instance, is even helping in promoting Church growth in Greece.

According to Crabb, Javad first heard God's Word through a satellite radio when he was still living in Iran. There, he did not know any Christians, and did not have access to the Holy Bible.

When Javad sought refuge in Greece, he had the opportunity to fully embrace and even spread the Christian faith, even if it would cost him his life and safety under Islamic law, which treats converts to other religions as apostates.

"When I came to faith, I knew I could never go back to my family or to Iran, but it's worth it because I have Jesus," Javad told Crabb, as quoted by the Christian Broadcasting Network.

The Christian convert now goes to the streets of Greece to share the gospel. During one of his ministries, Javad met a veiled Muslim woman, who said bad words to him while he passed by.

Because of Javad's persistence, however, something miraculous happened.

"A few weeks later, he was preaching again at church, and after the service a woman — with no veil — came up to him and said, 'I heard you preach in the park a few weeks ago and cursed you, but now I have eyes to see that Jesus is the Son of God,'" Crabb recalled.

related articles
\'We are living in darkness\': The heartbreaking suffering of refugees stranded in Greece
'We are living in darkness': The heartbreaking suffering of refugees stranded in Greece

'We are living in darkness': The heartbreaking suffering of refugees stranded in Greece

ISIS using fake passports to send fanatics to Europe in preparation for attack, top intel official warns
ISIS using fake passports to send fanatics to Europe in preparation for attack, top intel official warns

ISIS using fake passports to send fanatics to Europe in preparation for attack, top intel official warns

Refugee Council blasts May\'s emphasis on border control as UN summit begins
Refugee Council blasts May's emphasis on border control as UN summit begins

Refugee Council blasts May's emphasis on border control as UN summit begins

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.