Central Asian pastor defiantly preaches the Gospel despite death threats from extremists

Jardine Malado Thursday, January 19, 2017

Militant Islamist fighters ride horses as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province, June 30, 2014. | Reuters/Stringer

A Central Asian pastor refused to back down from spreading the Gospel despite receiving constant death threats from Islamic extremists. Through his determination, his church started to grow.

Pastor Amin, who leads a large church in an undisclosed location in Central Asia, thought it would be his last moments on earth when he had an encounter with Islamic extremists.

"I am a faithful Muslim . . . so I have to participate in jihad," his would-be assailant told him in a threatening tone, according to Open Doors USA.

The pastor tried not to show even the slightest bit of fear, although his heart was beating wildly. "Kill me if you must. Here I am!" he defiantly told the two extremists who intended to attack him. The jihadists were dumbfounded by the pastor's courage and calmness. They were not able to inflict violence upon the pastor as though God had put a shield around him.

The news about the Pastor Amin's boldness was heard throughout the region. He continued preaching the Gospel to Muslims and distributed Bibles as well as Christian literature in youth evangelistic trips.

"My place is here, preaching the gospel to Muslims," he said. "If you love Christ, you follow Him and do His will. If you love and follow Christ, you will not be afraid," he added.

His church, which consists mostly of former Muslims, has grown as a result of his boldness and dedication to the Gospel. He has established a rehab center for drug addicts and alcoholics. He has also operated missionary schools and summer camps for Muslim children.

He still receives death threats regularly, but it has not changed his determination to bring Muslims to Christ. According to Open Doors USA, he has asked Christians to pray not to be removed from danger, but to be strengthened so that he could continue preaching the Gospel.

Open Doors has provided Pastor Amin's church with Bibles and Christian literature donated by Christians.

The organization recently released its World Watch List of 50 countries where persecution of Christians is the worst. Islamic extremists still remain as the most deadly force for Christians across the globe, according to Open Doors and its supporters in Congress.