In The Trenches

When 17-year-old Nurta’s family found out about her conversion to Christ, they tried everything to make her recant.

At first they thought she was insane. Nurta’s parents took her to the local doctor, who prescribed her medication for a mental illness. Then, in line with Somali tradition, Nurta’s parents began regularly reciting the Quran to their daughter, believing that the Islamic scripture would heal her from her sickness. But Nurta refused to deny Christ—and so the family’s next tactic was punishment and humiliation. Nurta was shackled to a tree by day, and confined in a small room by night.

After enduring months of this torture, Nurta managed to escape her family, and went to live with relatives in a different town. It was here that Nurta paid the ultimate price for her faith.

Two unidentified men approached Nurta while she was on the street, and shot her point-blank in the chest and head. Local sources say the gunmen were either relatives of Nurta, or acting on behalf of the family.

Please pray that Nurta’s murder will not be in vain, and that many Somalis will come to Christ as a result of her bold witness even unto death.

Throughout the persecuted church, it’s women and children—just like Nurta—who are often the most vulnerable and at greatest risk. Please consider how your church or small group can respond to this persecution. For ideas and resources to help you care for the women and children of the suffering church, visit www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.

 

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