I’m so happy to share my story with you today! I’ll call myself Aisha for safety purposes. I live in Chad, in north-central Africa, and my family and I suffered much for the sake of the gospel. We began to follow Jesus after we saw His power and love demonstrated through our neighbor, a pastor. He had compassion on our family when my son Mansour* was in prison, coming to visit him and praying for him. When I became sick, he helped me purchase medicine.
When it was discovered that I was a Christian, my conversion was announced at the mosque. I managed to escape out a back window and flee to the pastor’s compound. Unfortunately … they held my daughter Ameena* hostage and reported me to the police.
I spent five days in the church compound and then went before the police. The whole church followed us there. There were no legal grounds for my summons, but it still took a while for them to release me. My daughter was finally released, too, and the church helped us go to another area where we could be cared for.
Even though it is hard to make ends meet, I depend on God. Material needs are nothing.
Matthew 5 says “blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” It comforts me. Job suffered, why not me? I know one day I will also be set free. Jesus suffered on the cross. I am also ready for that if it comes.
Mansour influenced me to believe, but my faith has a big impact on him too.
“She encourages me to pray even in my heart,” he says. The pastor has given him a Bible in French, and he is reading it. Open Doors gave us support to start a business making puff rolls, and Mansour plans to open a small restaurant. Thank you so much for your support! God bless you.
*Name changed for security purposes
Photo caption: Aisha and Mansour
