A new faith family.
Following Jesus comes at a cost.
Born and raised in a strong Muslim family, global partner, Shadrach* with Ibsa Abdia, knows firsthand that following Jesus comes at a cost.
“When I became a follower of Jesus, I was kicked out of my home and my parents refused to pay for my school fees. I ended up staying with a friend, but began to be persecuted when they found out I was a Christian.” he shares.
Paying his own way through school to become a teacher, Shadrach met a woman from central Kenya who encouraged him to attend Bible College. With a burden to see his home reached with the gospel, he decided to return his family in 2011.
“When I returned, my parents finally accepted me back and I began to reach out to a few young men. Our fellowship grew to five people and we began a church fellowship in my house.”
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they keep my word, they will also keep yours.
John 15:19-20
While often meeting in secret for fear of being exposed to more persecution, Shadrach shares that it’s through building relationships that the door to the gospel is being opened.
Read more of Shadrach’s story here.
Shadrach’s story is all too common to believers in his region, which is 80% Muslim.
He shared with us about the current struggles Faith* is facing. Faith became a Christ-follower 3 months ago. When she decided to follow Jesus, her husband immediately divorced her because of her decision. Her children also disowned her as their mother. Needless to say, this has been a difficult time.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Matthew 19:29-30
Faith’s family may have taken steps to remove her from their family, but now she is part of a new faith family. During the Christmas and New Year holidays, the church community stood alongside Faith to encourage her. “New Year’s Eve, she came to be with us, and she was very jovial and praising God despite her challenges,” shared Shadrach. “We (the church) collected a small amount of money to share with her. Forced from her home, she is also staying with us for now. Though our numbers are increasing, we keep our church communities small to not attract too much attention and reduce attacks against our believers.”
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew 5:44
Join us in praying for those like Faith who cannot openly and freely worship Jesus. Become a Known Prayer Partner to receive updates on our global partners and how you can pray with us.
*Names altered to protect the identity of those working in areas of increased persecution.