June 2023 Persecution Magazine

FACING SEVERE CONSEQUENCES, EX-INMATES AND CONVERTS
CHOOSE TO FOLLOW CHRIST UNDERGROUND
Christianity is no stranger to the
stale concrete walls of a prison
cell. Throughout the Bible, we
see the Lord reach down into the
prison cell and reveal Himself in
many mysterious ways.
A small prison ministry in Tanzania
has seen God move in those
miraculous ways through the
conversion of prominent Muslim
leaders to Christianity. However,
conversion often leads to severe
persecution, ostracization, and
even death. But despite the grave
consequences of leaving Islam,
these many brave souls, who we
call Muslim-background believers
(MBBs), have chosen to follow
Christ, risking everything for their
newfound faith.
Recently, a team from International
Christian Concern (ICC) visited a
group of MBBs in Tanzania who
had converted while in prison.
During their visit, the ICC team met
with a group of 14 ex-inmates who
had come to share their stories of
conversion.
“We are touched in our hearts by
your kindness and acceptance to
listen to our stories of conversion.
We come from Muslim backgrounds,
and we have been suffering for
leaving the teachings of Allah and
following Christ,” said the prison
ministry pastor. “Through the jail
and prisons ministry, we have found
hope and a reason to continue
believing in Christ. We believe that
with your prayers and support, we
shall continue to grow and reach
out to more inmates for Jesus.”
These converts are persecuted by
their families and communities
for leaving Islam, yet they remain
steadfast in their faith.
“He brought them out of darkness, the utter
darkness, and broke away their chains.”
- PSALM 107:14
18
Persecution | JUNE 2023