02/20/2024 Middle East (International Christian Concern) – Zahra’s life had been a series of challenges from persecution for her decision to believe in Jesus, marked by unwavering faith and deep personal sacrifices. Having embraced Christianity more than a decade ago, she had dedicated herself to instilling the teachings of Jesus in her children despite being married to a Muslim sheik.  

The love for her family and her commitment to her faith eventually led her to a difficult point – her husband divorced her because of her secret faith being discovered, leaving her alone and separated from her children. 

With a heavy heart, she sold her family’s inherited apartment to fund her sister’s cancer treatment. Tragically, her sister passed away, leaving Zahra alone and grappling with the burdens of several diseases herself. Unable to work during her recovery, she faced the harsh realities of poverty and hunger, all the while holding on to the hope of reuniting with her children and sharing her faith with them.  

She says, “I am ready to bear everything – illness, pain, poverty, and hunger – but my only dream is to get my children back and for them to accept Jesus before I die.” 

Stories such as Zahra show the depth of faith in the face of persecution that thousands of Christians from Muslim backgrounds live out in the Middle East. ICC walks with these believers in helping them to safely continue to grow in their faith, and to provide for themselves and their families through small businesses and personal care.

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