‘Rashid’ and ‘Babiyah’ (not their real names) are believers in Jesus Christ who fled their home country after facing severe persecution because of leaving Islam to follow Jesus. Hoping to begin a new life in freedom, they sought refuge in the Balkans, married, and began raising their children in what they believed would be a safer environment.

While living in one Balkan country, their children attended school alongside the children of a man originally from their home country who owned a hotel business. After a conflict arose between the children, this man began directly threatening Rashid and Babiyah. He claimed to know everything about them: why they fled their home country, the identities of their families, and how to contact them. Fearing for their safety, the family avoided him and moved to a different apartment.

Over time, they discovered that this man was involved in serious illegal activities, including human trafficking. Even more alarming, he had paid government officials to gain access to Rashid and Babiyah’ asylum files, allowing him to read confidential details of their case. Despite relocating again and trying to distance themselves completely, the danger did not subside.

Months later, their worst fears were realized. Their Muslim families back home managed to locate them. Babiyah received a threatening message from her family stating that they knew where they were and that they would come after them. Given that Rashid had previously fled because his Muslim family wanted to kill him for his faith in Christ, this threat was both credible and terrifying.

At that point, it became clear they could not remain in that country. Rashid and Babiyah made the difficult decision to flee once more. They crossed the border into a neighboring country and applied for asylum there. Because they did not have visas, the journey was especially difficult. They spent the night at a police station before being permitted to submit their asylum application.

They left everything behind once again: their home, friends, and the fragile stability they had built, clinging only to the hope that this new country might finally offer safety and the freedom to follow Jesus without fear. This family needs assistance. They have funds for a month or two, but Rashid needs to find work once again in a new country.

I asked Rashid, “How do you find strength in such difficult situations?” His answer, “Honestly, God’s word strengthens us; prayer and reading the Bible give us strength. I repeat this every day to myself.”

Please continue to pray for Rashid, Babiyah, and their children: for protection, for favor with asylum authorities, and for a place where they can live in peace after so many years of running. Their story is a sobering reminder that for many believers, the cost of following Christ continues long after conversion.

-- Brother Dave