An Easter Story of Redemption: Muslim Woman with Tragic Past is Made Whole by Christ
"…TEARS FILLED MY EYES, JESUS DIED FOR ME, HE LOVES ME!"
These are the redemptive words of a young woman who had lost all hope.
As we approach Easter, we can all reflect on God's amazing plan to redeem the world - including the Muslim world and former Muslims like Mona.
Mona’s experiences were enough to completely derail her life; but because of Christ’s unrelenting love, she and her family have a new story.
Mona grew up in Syria with five sisters and three brothers but, unfortunately, her precious childhood was cut short. At the young age of ten, she was given away to be married despite the protests of one her brothers.
She experienced multiple nonconsensual sexual experiences and abusive encounters at the hands of her husband. Then, at the age of eleven, she nearly died during childbirth.
Mona lived with this torment and abuse for many years. Her horror stories and pleas for help fell on deaf ears with family and friends. The idea of divorce was more frightening to them than her sufferings, and so she bravely endured until the age of 27 when she and her husband finally agreed to a divorce.
Only a few weeks later, the war in Syria took the life of her ex-husband and Mona fled to Lebanon along with millions of other refugees.
We first met Mona when she came to our center in Lebanon. She recalls, "I wanted to be a Christian," and goes on, "I loved what I heard about your church, and when I came to your church, I loved the teachings." When Mona heard the stories from the Bible, especially the suffering of our Lord Jesus, she remembers, "Tears filled my eyes Jesus died for me, He loves me!"
She eventually brought her new husband with her to the church where we got to know the couple better. After several visits to our Sunday services, and learning more the Word of God, the couple made the courageous decision to follow Christ. Then, despite the danger, they chose to be baptized!
Mona is now living her life for Christ, and she has even led her family to salvation! Everyday she eagerly shares her faith with the Muslim community that she once hated. Despite the life of trauma she endured growing up, Mona is now a conqueror in Christ.
With the Easter season upon us, Mona's story is a powerful example of the faithfulness of God. Although His plan for redemption started over 2,000 years ago on the cross, many in the Muslim world are hearing the good news for the first time.
On behalf of the Call of Hope team we want to wish you a Happy Resurrection Day and thank you for your prayers and support as we bring the Good News to the Muslim world!
Prayer Requests:
Please pray for women and children like Mona who are enduring the same traumatic experiences today. Pray that God would rescue and restore them.
Pray for understanding. As new Christians read God's word, they often have many questions and long to know more. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would speak to them and that Frontline Workers would explain the Word clearly.
Please Pray for new believers that have converted from Islam. Pray for their safety as share their testimonies among their Muslims neighbors.
