For many believers, Sunday is a day of peace, worship, and fellowship. But for Ester Felisian Wakala, a recent Sunday was nearly the day she lost her life.

Wakala, a gospel minister in Zanzibar, Tanzania, has devoted her life to serving God and leading a small Christian fellowship in a region where believers often worship under pressure and fear. The mother of two has quietly continued her ministry despite growing hostility toward Christians in the area. 

As Wakala led a worship service one Sunday afternoon in April, a group of violent men suddenly stormed into the gathering carrying sticks and other weapons. Panic spread through the congregation as the attackers disrupted the service and began assaulting her in front of the believers. 

“I remember that afternoon very clearly because we were just worshipping peacefully,” Ester said. “People were singing, and there was nothing unusual happening. Then suddenly, a group of men entered the church shouting and carrying sticks. Before anyone could understand what was happening, they began attacking me. They beat me so badly that I fell to the ground. I could hear church members screaming around me, but I could not even lift my head. At some point, I could no longer see clearly.” 

The attackers also damaged the church, tearing roofing materials and stealing iron sheets and timber, leaving the place of worship exposed. Church members rushed to assist her and took her to the hospital, where she remained for a week receiving treatment. 

Even after being discharged, Wakala said she could not abandon her calling.  

“While I was in the hospital, many thoughts were going through my mind,” she said. “I was in pain and weak, and I asked myself why people would hate us for believing in Jesus. But deep inside, I still felt peace. I kept praying for strength. I knew that if I stopped worshipping out of fear, then those attacking us would think they had succeeded. So even after I was discharged, I returned to fellowship because I believe this work belongs to God.” 

Days later, Wakala faced another attack. At around 10 p.m., as she prepared for bed, masked men arrived at her home. They cut her electricity, broke a window, and forced entry. 

“When the lights went off, and the window broke, everything happened so fast,” she said. “They entered wearing masks and began beating and stabbing me. I was alone and terrified. They kept telling me to leave Christianity and convert. One warned me that if I continued leading a church there, they would kill me. I was afraid, but I could not deny the Savior I serve.” 

Wakala was later abducted, driven into a forest, and left injured.  

“I only had a kanga wrapped around me,” she said. “I thought I was going to die. But I began to move while praying. I saw vehicle lights in the distance and made my way toward them. Some people later helped me. It was only God’s mercy that I survived.” 

Rev. Onesmo, who visited Wakala, said her courage continues to inspire many believers. Despite the attacks, Wakala continues her ministry cautiously, asking for prayers as she rebuilds her life and calling. 

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