Originally published by Global Christian Relief
When the inferno of war in Sudan arrived on the doorstep of Fatima’s family, they knew they had a difficult decision to make. One of their sons had already gone missing in the war, so Fatima, her husband and their remaining children began the dangerous journey into South Sudan to seek refuge there. They witnessed horrific scenes of destruction, but they pressed on. Now a Sudanese Christian convert, Fatima, had yet to discover hope in Christ and feared greatly for her family’s safety.
Fatima, then a Muslim, had no idea that she would soon encounter Jesus, lean on the hope that only He could provide, and face the unimaginable consequences of leaving Islam.
Last summer, while living in the harsh conditions of the refugee camp, Fatima heard the gospel preached for the first time. The hope and joy of Christ prompted her to make the dangerous and seemingly impossible decision to leave Islam.
She knew the consequences of this would be grave. She had heard of the sufferings inflicted on others who left the faith: social isolation, physical abuse, even death. Nevertheless, Fatima made the bold choice to give her life to Jesus.
“I accepted the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord, and I found freedom and eternal life in Him,” the Sudanese Christian convert said. “My faith means a lot to me. It means total freedom from the bondage, which kept me like a slave for decades.”
Against the wishes of her Muslim husband, Fatima and her children began attending church. He threatened to kill her if she did not denounce her Christian faith and return to Islam.
But when Fatima refused to give up her faith, her husband assaulted her. He brutally beat her with a metal rod, severely injuring her femur.
“Next time, I will kill you if you do not stop attending this church of your Jesus,” her husband threatened.
But Fatima was not intimidated. “Even if you kill me, my spirit will go to God, because you have only killed the physical body.”
Despite the trauma she has endured, her faith has only grown stronger. She prays that her abusive husband will also find eternal life in Jesus. She has seen firsthand that, as Romans 8 says, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
“I have decided to follow Jesus,” she said confidently.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we are so grateful that Fatima has found hope in You and amazed by her example of praying for the one who persecutes you. We join Fatima in praying that her husband will come to salvation through You.
We pray for their missing son. Let him be found safely. Please provide for the dire financial needs that Fatima and her family face as well. Continue to grow their faith despite the immense persecution and challenges they face. Thank You, Father. Amen.
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