Life is hard for women in Iran. For women who convert to Christianity, it’s worse. But even amid danger, women are finding strength and dignity.
Tears rolled down Sahar’s face as she was driven away from the family home. The pain was overwhelming, and she cried out to God – “Why are you allowing this to happen?”
Sahar, a new convert to Christianity, was thrown out of home when her husband discovered her faith. Separation from her two young children was heart-breaking. But while Sahar’s suffering was devastating, it’s not unusual. Christian women who’ve converted from Islam, both in Iran and around the world, face intense persecution.
Growing up in Iran in a Muslim family, Sahar felt empty. For decades, she searched for God. It was only when her sister-in-law gave her a New Testament Bible that Sahar found peace.
“I read it from cover to cover, and when I closed the book I felt a calmness covering my spirit, soul and life. I was transformed through Christ.”
But in choosing to follow Jesus, Sahar took an enormous risk.
Iran is the eighth most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian, according to the 2023 World Watch List. And women from the Middle East and North Africa, who’ve converted from Islam, are among the most persecuted believers in the world. For women, persecution is hidden, complex and violent… Forced marriage, divorce, rape and physical beatings all happen behind closed doors.
It means millions of women and girls suffer in silence.
“I am able to share with other women who were Muslims and now are Christians what God has done in my life.”
Sahar
Sahar was imprisoned for her faith, but today, she lives in Turkey and ministers to other persecuted Christian women – restoring their strength and dignity. “I am able to share with other women who were Muslims and now are Christians what God has done in my life. Women who are having similar issues as me. I can share my experiences with them, teach them, be by their side, pray for them and guide them.”
This is only possible with your support. Your gifts and prayers can give courage and confidence to persecuted women. Through discipleship training and trauma care, they can be strengthened and equipped to reach their God-given potential.
please pray
Lord God, Thank You that You see Your daughters – that none of their suffering is hidden from You. As You have promised, You are ‘close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18). I pray that my persecuted sisters would heal from their trauma and be empowered to reach their God-given potential. Please give each woman and girl peace, joy and strength, and equip Sahar and all those who support persecuted Christian women. Amen.
Please give
Will you see the hidden persecution of Christian women and equip them for change?
Every HK$235 could provide three persecuted women with a Bible in her language.
Every HK$355 could help a woman or girl receive trauma care so she can heal and realise her God-given identity and worth.
Every HK$470 could train four women to withstand persecution with courage and confidence.
