Born into a Muslim family in Haroji Wado, a community near Ethiopia’s western border with Sudan, 14-year-old Fatuma’s life changed after she decided to follow Christ in November 2025.

Instead of finding acceptance, she became the target of persecution from her community and family, forcing her to flee her home and go into hiding.

“When I accepted Christ, I felt a peace and love I had never known before,” she said. “I knew following Christ would not be easy, but I never imagined that my family would abandon me because of my faith. I lost my home, but I could not deny Christ.”

The hostility intensified after her community and family learned about her conversion. They turned against her, viewing her decision as a betrayal of their religious traditions. Threats started, leaving Fatuma with one option: to run for her life.

“I was told that I no longer belonged in my family,” she told an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer. “They told me I had brought shame to my family and community. Every day I feared that someone would find me and kill me. They warned me that if I did not return to Islam, they would kill me. I had nowhere to go, but I trusted that God would not leave me. The community and family I had known started threatening me. They told me I deserved to die because I had become a Christian. I realized I was no longer safe.”

On Her Own with Jesus

Today, Fatuma remains in hiding, separated from her family. The uncertainty of each day weighs heavily on her, knowing that being discovered could place her in danger. Yet, amid these threats, her faith continues to sustain her through fear and loneliness.

“I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with emotions knowing that I no longer have a place to call home and family,” Fatuma said. “I have lost many things, but I have not lost Christ, and I always feel encouraged when I think about God’s mercy towards my life, despite the threats.”

Despite the constant danger, Fatuma refuses to abandon Christ.

“They can take away everything, but they cannot take Jesus from my heart,” she said. “Even if I must keep hiding, I will continue to follow Christ.”

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