12/05/2023 Middle East (International Christian Concern) — Sara’s journey began in secrecy, a clandestine Christian believer in a Muslim family. She discovered the light of Jesus as a teenager. Fearful of her family’s reaction, she lived her faith silently, growing stronger in her love for Christ. As was customary in her family’s Muslim culture, she found herself wed to a Muslim man, her faith hidden like a precious treasure. 

In the shadows, Sara raised her three children with the grace of her newfound faith. Church became their sanctuary, and each was baptized when they expressed Christian faith for themselves. Hamid, the eldest, stood firm in his mother’s faith, a silent supporter in a household that threatened to unravel their spiritual convictions. 

The storm arrived when Sara’s husband unearthed the secret.

Because Sara’s family had left her a lot of property, her husband began threatening her and took everything she had, one thing after another. Her husband tried to influence Hamid and convince him to convert to Islam. He systematically stripped away everything Sara held dear – her possessions, her dignity, and finally, her beloved son Hamid.  

Desperate to shield Hamid from his influence, Sara, with the help of her church, sent him to study abroad. Tragedy struck when news of Hamid’s death reached her, leaving Sara shattered and alone. With dwindling resources, her husband turned his back on the family, forcing Hamid’s sisters to live under his oppressive roof. 

In a desperate bid to support her remaining family, Sara sought work, only to face rejection. Her husband, wielding financial power, began to torment her, threatening to expose her secrets. When Sara could no longer comply with his demands, he heartlessly expelled her from their home.  

Now residing in a safe place, Sara faces the heartbreaking reality of being separated from her daughters. The eldest daughter reached out and sought help from her mother, divulging the ongoing harassment she endures. 

Sara’s plea echoes the pain of a mother who has lost her son and is on the brink of losing her daughters.

“This is my story,” she shares. “I do not know what to do. I am a mother who lost my son because of his father, and I am also about to lose my daughters because of him.” 

Amid adversity, Sara’s faith remains unbroken. ICC comes alongside persecuted Christians like Sara across the Middle East to help find protection and to continue in their faith through great challenges.  

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