Esther

Defending women through prayer and advocacy

Like Esther, we too can speak out on behalf of God's threatened and suffering people by petitioning those in power for justice and mercy for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

Esther was greatly used by God to advocate for His chosen people. The Jews were facing annihilation at the hands of wicked officials, but Esther had the courage to speak out. She petitioned the King to have mercy on the Jews – and the nation was spared.

Chely de Vinatea is one woman who has done just that. Her husband David spent eight years in prison in Peru for a crime he didn't commit. David's imprisonment shattered the de Vinatea family, bringing them untold suffering and endless trials. But with Open Doors' support, during those eight long years, Chely spoke out tirelessly against the injustice they were facing.

"The hardest thing was that my husband was treated so unjustly," explains Chely. "You know, he was transferred to a maximum security prison, put in an isolation cell and all his benefits withdrawn. And then they released the real person responsible for his crime."

Speaking out for justice

"Yes, they were very hard times," Chely continues. "I had to be both mum and dad in our home, and try to make ends meet every month. I went to visit David twice a week. I also oversaw the judicial process on behalf of my husband."

Last November, Chely's prayers and petitions were answered when David was finally released from jail:

"We were overwhelmed with joy," she recalls. "We did not stop thanking our Lord, and also our Open Doors family for all your prayers and support."

Pray without ceasing

Chely tells us how we too can continue to make a difference for brothers and sisters facing injustice and suffering around the world. Her answer reflects Esther's priorities:

"First and foremost, pray without ceasing," Chely says. "Your prayers will sustain and encourage God's suffering people.

"My husband always says that your prayers and letters have been like oxygen to us."