Rifqa Bary had her more-than-fifteen-minutes of fame a few years ago when she ran away from home. When her Muslim parents found out that she had become a Christian, she says they threatened to kill her. She even says her mother told her that the local mosque called and said they would "take care of her" if her father did not. Fearing that she was going to be victim of an "honor killing" she fled to Florida from her Ohio home.
Her custody case became a cause celebre among Christians, and an embarrassment for Muslims. Rifqa tells her story in Hiding in the Light, a heartbreaking yet challenging tale of one teen's determination not to forsake her savior. American Christians typically don't have to hide their Bible from their parents, living in fear that her father will discover it, yet treasuring it above all other possessions. American Christians typically aren't threatened by their parents with death if they continue to practice Christianity. American Christians typically don't have to carefully plan to be baptized in secret. Rifqa's experiences pointed me to a deeper appreciation for my family, freedom, and salvation in Jesus.
This poor sister in Christ has suffered and experienced more in her short life than most Western Christians ever will. Her steadfastness in the face of persecution from her family and others should be an inspiration to all of us. Her experience may not be typical of American Muslims who convert to Christianity, but I have know Muslims from other countries who have been similarly rejected by their families of birth (thankfully not to the death, but the "dead to me" variety). Let's pray for Rifqa and other persecuted Christians that their witness will be strong and draw other Muslims into the loving arms of Jesus.
2016 Reading Challenge: A book by an author less than 30
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