03/02/2023 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – It’s the mother just kidnapped alongside her toddler, fighting to make it out alive who teaches us determination. It’s the daughter whose parents were murdered by a suicide bomber in the foyer of her home, right in front of her, who teaches us courage. It’s the wife, whose husband was killed by radical Islamic militants for his faith who teaches us to rely on our strength in the Lord. It’s the sister who dreams of becoming a surgeon and helping the persecuted and pursues her education, who teaches us the power the next generation possesses. And it’s the orphaned baby whose community takes her in their loving arms to raise her who inspires hope.
These are the stories and the lessons from persecuted Christian women around the world. They are some of the most courageous and resilient humans you will encounter, and their grit is stronger than that of a pearl.
We find her worshiping in the midst of unimaginable grief and despair, with tears in her eyes and arms lifted high. She is the backbone of her family, her church, and her Christian community. In the darkest corners of the world, her light shines bright.
A COMPLEX REALITY
It’s often easy to think of persecution in its most blatant form; instances that are visible and severe, like beatings or murders. The target for these types of attacks are mainly Christian men.
For centuries, however, women of faith have experienced complex and often hidden persecution from their culture and extremists. And for more than two decades, ICC has served suffering Christians at the front lines of persecution ministry.
BRINGING INJUSTICE TO LIGHT
But lately, we’ve seen courageous women bring to light injustices in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini. Her death and the circumstances surrounding it sparked a nationwide protest with Iranians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds taking to the streets.
Women have been the central leaders of the protest with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
GOD IS AT WORK
Throughout the Bible, God placed women in strategic locations to carry out His will and to bring peace and justice into this world. Some He gave positions of authority and power, while others, He humbled to the lowest positions of society: all to be elevated for His glory.
And God is writing that same story today through the brave, humble, and strong women who bring the light of Christ to the darkest corners of the world.
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