Christian conversion and development experiences of Muslims

The research was a descriptive study to gain a better understanding of converted Muslims and to identify their Christian development experiences. Thirty converted Muslim men and women living in the state of Illinois were selected to be interviewed. Four criteria were used: ability to communicate orally in English, agreement to be interviewed concerning their conversion to Christianity, representative of a region from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and selection of subjects from a list in an alphabetically order. Data were gathered by using an ethnographic interview approach.; The research indicated some significant findings: (1) The importance of Christian-Muslim relations was evident. Christians and Muslims are discovering an understanding of each other's faith. A mutual trust is built through friendships and an interest in each other's family. (2) Dialogue concerning Christianity and Islam by adherents to these faiths created openness toward each other. Issues concerning the Bible and the Koran were discussed in a forum to establish a mutual understanding of each other's beliefs. (3) Christian-Muslim co-operation is needed for reconciliation to take place between the two communities. One of the consequences of Christian conversion was suffering. The Christian community has provided counsel, comfort, and temporary shelter for converts who are forsaken by family members.; The conclusions focused on a Muslim convert's shift of thought in his worldview from Islam to Christianity, and hinderances to the acceptance of the gospel. A new convert faces tensions within the family and community, pressures from the Islamic authority, and the weight of the social system. The conclusions were also topics for recommendations for educational and mission planning in the church and for further research: (1) Train Christians in relationship skills for an understanding of and sensitivity to Muslim friends. (2) Develop the present study on the findings concerning suffering as a consequence of conversion and use reflective questions to interview converts living in a Muslim country. The purpose is to learn how best to minister to converts in a wholistic manner.