Zainab’s Story
Zainab was formerly a devout Muslim, wearing the hijab and adhering to strict Islamic practices. However, about six months ago, she encountered Jesus and surrendered her life wholeheartedly to him. Since that life-changing moment, one of our key ministry partners in North Africa has been walking alongside Zainab to encourage her.
Our partner first met Zainab through a casual conversation about faith and the teachings of Christ. Even then, God was stirring something deep within her. As she listened intently and learned more about the message of salvation and the grace of Christ, Zainab decided to accept Jesus as her Savior.
“I was on the wrong path all my life,” Zainab said, “but now I have found the truth through Christ. He is the only one who will save me and bring me into eternal life.”
With this newfound conviction, Zainab made the courageous decision to step away from Islam. She removed her hijab and stopped participating in Islamic prayers. But her family, especially her brother and mother, noticed the changes and confronted her, asking, “Why don’t you pray anymore? Why don’t you go to the mosque? Why have you stopped wearing your hijab?”
At first, Zainab found ways to apologize politely and avoid confrontation. But as her faith grew stronger, she knew she had to be honest with them. Eventually, she summoned the courage to openly confess her faith to her family, saying plainly, “I believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior of my life.”
The reaction was immediate and severe. Her family cursed her and placed her under house arrest, preventing her from leaving the home or using the phone.
Despite the extreme isolation, our ministry partner continues to receive updates about Zainab through one of her friends. He knows few details about her current circumstances, yet he remains hopeful and trusting that the Lord will make a way for Zainab through these difficult times.
Zainab’s decision to follow Christ has come at a great cost, yet her faith remains firm. Will you join me in praying for Zainab, that the Lord will protect her, that her faith will not waver, and that she will remain strong in both spirit and body? Her courage inspires me to do what I can to provide support through our partners in North Africa. Zainab is our sister in Christ, and we are a part of her global family.
Every movement of God around the world is made up of individuals like Zainab who experience personal life change as they meet Jesus and encounter his love. Yet her story is also a reminder that God is inviting each one of us to participate in his global mission of love, reconciliation, and transformation. God is at work in different ways in different places.
Looking ahead to next year, our vision is simply to expand our global ministry impact in three ways:
- Sending North American workers to serve globally
- Partnering with national leaders in over 70 nations
- Multiplying everyday disciples who are making more disciples
But we can’t do it alone. As we look to 2025, our goal is to raise $340,000 USD to fund this leading edge of our ministry mentioned above. This is a big goal and yet a group of generous donors have already pledged to match your donations (up to $170,000) toward this Global Ministry Expansion Campaign by December 31, 2024.
Will you join us by donating today and seeing your mission impact doubled?
Bruce Enns
General Director
