“You deserve to be dead.”
Those are the words Sarah* heard from her father. He had just discovered her secret Bible. In their strictly Muslim household in North Africa, owning a Bible is considered shameful enough – but Sarah had just told him something even more shocking: “I quit Islam and became a Christian.”
Sarah’s father beat her, then threw her out. As a woman on her own, she was incredibly vulnerable. Thankfully, she was able to find help through her local church and Open Doors partners who, thanks to your prayers and support, provided essentials and somewhere to stay.
Despite being treated appallingly by her family, Sarah still loved them and wanted to see them. And they were willing – but on the condition that she got married.
Sarah married a man who, at first, seemed tolerant towards her faith. “After our marriage, he suddenly turned against me,” says Sarah. “I experienced physical abuse, disrespect, mistrust.” One day, Sarah’s husband ordered her to leave the house. “You’re not useful anymore,” he said. Sarah hoped her parents would accept her home again, but they told Sarah to go back to her husband.
Open Doors local partners were again able to be there for Sarah, and are still helping her rebuild her life – including providing discipleship training and a job, so she can become financially independent.
“I knew that so many others, whom I didn’t know in person, were praying for me,” shares Sarah. “That brought me joy and made me feel that God was with me.”
Another way you can remind Sarah that God is with her is by writing to her. She’d love to hear from you!
*name changed for security reasons
Send your messages to letterstonorthafrica@opendoorsuk.org
And we'll do the rest!
Please note this campaign ends 31 August 2022
Your support helps persecuted Christians continue to courageously follow Jesus.
Together, we can reach those where persecution hits hardest.