Walking Through the Fear with Jesus
In Zanzibar’s Magharibi region, 21-year-old “Faraja” is quietly holding on to a recent decision she made that has transformed her life.
Faraja comes from a deeply devoted Muslim family and is known for her knowledge of Islam’s teachings. However, since May, she has been secretly growing in her new relationship with Jesus.
Because of her family’s deep commitment to Islam, Faraja has kept her new faith from them. She told International Christian Concern (ICC) that her family strongly despises conversions to Christianity, and she fears they could harm her and force her to abandon her faith.
For that reason, she prays quietly in secret and attends church services discreetly, taking care not to draw attention to her involvement with the church, which ICC connected her with.
“For a long time, I carried a burden that I could not explain,” Faraja said. “Even when I was in school, I experienced things that brought fear and disturbance into my life. I felt troubled for many years, and there were moments when I did not know where to find peace. Since I received Jesus, that burden has been lifted. My health has improved, my heart has peace, and I truly believe the Lord Jesus has delivered me from what had been tormenting me for years.”
Counting the Cost
Today, Faraja lives with her sister in Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, and continues secretly attending church services and discipleship classes. She is learning the foundations of the Christian faith and preparing for baptism. Those walking closely with her said her desire to know Christ has remained strong despite the risks she faces.
“Faraja is eager to learn more about Christ and is continuing with discipleship and teaching about salvation,” said her pastor, an ICC partner. “We are praying that God will strengthen her, protect her, and help her remain firm. A young believer who has recently come to Christ needs both spiritual guidance and encouragement, especially when they have to live in secrecy.”
Members of Faraja’s church said her situation is one that many young converts face, as they navigate family expectations and their own economic survival.
“Young believers who come to Christ from Muslim backgrounds often carry many fears at once,” a member of the church said. “They are learning a new faith while also worrying about where they will live, how they will survive, and whether the people closest to them will still accept them. The church must stand with them not only in prayer, but also in practical ways, because these are real struggles that affect every part of their lives.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her future, Faraja continues to attend church and study her Bible whenever she can.
“I know following Jesus may cost me many things,” she said. “I may lose the support of everyone I love, but I have found peace in Christ, and that peace is something I can never get elsewhere. Whatever happens, I have decided that I will continue walking with Jesus.”