In many parts of the world, the second largest world religion, I*lam, has a stranglehold on numerous countries. No other religions are allowed and women have no rights, being totally under the subjection of men.
Nevertheless, the g*spel of J*sus C*hrist is being spread undercover, B*bles are being distributed, and be*ievers are placing their faith in our Lord. This true story reflects the cost of becoming a believer as well as the blessings.
A was born into a deeply devout M*slim family. Both her father and mother were highly respected religious leaders in their community. Growing up in a strict I*lamic province, A, like so many of the children around her, attended religious school with the expectation that she would one day become a devoted and exemplary M*slim.
When the time came for her to be married, a period of deep suffering entered her life. Her husband was older and freely exercised his right to abuse her. Much of her married life was marked by violence and tears. She gave birth to a daughter and then the marriage ended in divorce.
A returned to her parents to live. But her life took an unexpected turn. A encountered the L*rd J*sus personally — and everything changed.
When her family discovered her new faith, the consequences were very severe. She experienced intense persecution at home. Her own older brother beat her, believing that action would drive out the “devil” that had caused her to follow Jesus. For months, she was even chained inside her home because of what her family considered the “sin” of leaving her former religion. She was pressured and finally forced to again confess faith in something she no longer believed.
Yet through all of this, A remained steadfast in her faith in J*sus. In an environment that offered no support — and very much hostility — she secretly studied the B*ble and quietly grew in her relationship with God.
Later, she met a younger man who eventually became her husband. Fearing further abuse or rejection, A kept her identity as a b*liever hidden from him.
One day, she connected with a group of underground C*ristians who discipled her as well as trained her to share the g*spel among her own people group. This same underground group some years later began sharing the g*spel with her husband R.
To their surprise, R was very open and responsive. One day, when R was riding with them in a car, the group began to talk about J*sus again. Suddenly out of the blue, R quoted a B*ble verse. The workers were stunned. Then he began telling them a B*ble story.
Finally, R made a confession — he had been a secret believer even before marrying A. For years, both husband and wife had hidden their faith from each other — each fearing rejection or danger — until the truth came to light. Today, R and A serve side by side, sharing the G*od N*ws with their own people group in a very challenging region of Southeast Asia.
Please pray for this committed man and woman to remain strong, united, and fruitful as a couple, and that many would come to know J*sus through their lives and testimony. Pray that J*sus appears in dreams and visions to unbelievers. Pray that those who come to believe in J*sus will find people to disciple them in their faith. Pray also that many more would be called to spread the g*spel where none have heard.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
