Written by: Open Doors SA
Article source: JOY! Magazine
The persecution of Christian families and their children is harsh in Central Asia. Being a Christian goes against the clan identity, which says that being born in this region means someone must be a Muslim. The reality is that persecuted children and their families must display resilient faith, wisdom, and resolve in the face of relentless persecution.
Ailin*, a teenage girl, is the only hearing person in her family. Both her parents are deaf, which puts her at an immediate disadvantage. Many people in their Muslim-majority community see deafness as a curse, leaving those unable to hear and their families vulnerable to abuse. Furthermore, the family follows Jesus – so the persecution is intense.
Although Ailin is severely persecuted, she stays strong in her faith. Here she is kneeling and praying.
Young, persecuted and alone
From a young age, Ailin went to church with her parents. As a teenager, her own faith developed. But it left her alone and isolated…
“As I got to know Jesus Christ, I became intentional about going to church. But my relatives started to prevent me,” remembers Ailin. “When I attended church and prayed, they forbade me. They tried to force me to renounce my faith.”
Ailin had no one to defend her. “Because my parents are deaf, they can’t answer or say anything,” she explains. “Relatives told me I had to be a Muslim because our whole clan are Muslim. They said: ‘Your parents can’t hear, so they can’t explain this to you.’”
Interrogated by the police
As the wider family opposed their faith, they reported them to the authorities and the police became involved. One day, Ailin woke up at 6:30am, hearing a knock on the front door. “When I went out, I was shocked. There were more than 15 policemen. It was just me, my mum, and my brothers at home. I asked if I could call someone, like our pastor. They said no.”
The police found Christian literature in the house, and Ailin and her mum were dragged to the police station to be interrogated. “I remembered God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10 and found strength to face the interrogation,” she says. Miraculously, Ailin and her mum were released without any charges.
‘The entire world celebrates Christmas’
Although Ailin’s life is unbearably difficult throughout the year, she expe-riences extreme joy during the Christmas season. Sitting around the festive table in their home with her parents and brothers, she is truly happy. Christmas is the one time when this family has a reason to celebrate…
“We remember the birth of Jesus Christ together,” says Ailin. “We cook and play games. I really like this holiday because the entire world celebrates Christmas and it’s a lot of fun.”
A strong believer
Thanks to the gifts and support of Open Doors’ partners, Christmas is a time of joy for this brave teenage girl and her family. “I have never experienced the kind of love that you have given me. I tell you what moves me, and we pray together. I have learnt about Jesus. I’m becoming a strong believer because of Open Doors.”
Your gifts and prayers today can encourage young believers who, after all the Christmas celebrations, must face their relatives and neighbours who do everything in their power to pressure them to abandon their faith in Jesus. Visit opendoors.org.za to help them have a joyful Christmas season.
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This article is featured in the December issue of JOY! Magazine, which is now on sale nationwide! Pick up your copy from any leading supermarket, or read a digital version of this issue here: https://joygifts.co.za/product/joy-magazine-december-issue-2024/
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Date published: 18/12/2024
Feature image: Ailin*, who lives in Central Asia, faces persecution from her wider family.
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