“I live by the grace of God” – Ana shares her story

Like so many in Mozambique, Ana’s journey of faith has been shaped by family rejection, daily uncertainty and desperate need – but also by deep dependence on God’s provision. Please pray for Ana and our brothers and sisters facing persecution in Mozambique.

Another sun rises over northern Mozambique and another day begins. For Ana*, it is yet another day marked by two hungry stomachs and two weary bodies.

“My husband has been sick for 13 years, and I am the one taking care of the home,” she shares. “I am doing everything I can and trying to run a small business to support my husband.”

In the town where they live, they have no family network to support them, no relatives visiting to bring food or help them with medical costs. That’s because Ana made a decision several years ago which would set her life on a totally different course. She had decided to follow Jesus.

Carrying one’s cross

As for many individuals in Mozambique, converting from Islam to Christianity can bring heavy burdens. Threats of attack and violence by Islamist extremists often hold northern Mozambique especially in a vice-grip. In the past year, numerous incidents have stricken Christian communities and devastated churches – for instance, a church was reduced to rubble in the volatile Cabo Delgado region.

However, persecution also regularly comes from one’s own home and loved ones. The risks are manifold – being cut off from support, loss of custody of children or brutal violence are frequent experiences of believers in the country. Such tragedies are a stark reminder of the cost our brothers and sisters count for following Jesus.

• Why are Christians persecuted in Mozambique?

The cross Ana carries is heavy, but it is not one she regrets. She states simply, “I live by the grace of God.”

“I am grateful to the brothers and sisters”

Day by day, Ana and her husband live off the meagre profits she makes from her trades at the market and the support of their church. When Open Doors local partners heard about their situation, they met with them to provide spiritual and practical aid.

“I am grateful to the brothers and sisters who have been supporting me with food, and with that I have been able to care for my family,” Ana shares. “I thank those who have always shown mercy to me by helping with food.”

In among the struggle, Ana has not given up faith. Her heart directs itself towards the Lord in prayer. “I am very thankful, and I ask even more for your prayers. I am always praying and seeking God so that He may help me, so that I may have more strength as a woman to support my family.”

Because of your generosity, Ana has been reminded of her global church family standing with her as she perseveres each day. Her story of enduring faith is shared by many across Mozambique and sub-Saharan Africa, as they hold on to faith in the face of persecution.

Your prayers serve as a precious reminder of the hope we carry as one body – please continue to stand with them in prayer.

If you haven’t already, please sign the Arise Africa petition to advocate on behalf of the church in Africa against injustice and violence. The deadline to sign (2 November) is fast approaching, and every voice is crucial in amplifying the call for justice, protection and restoration for our brothers and sisters.

*Name changed for security reasons