Matthew's house burned by mob

In the heart of Iraq, Mohammed and Hannan, devout Muslims, lived their lives in accordance with their faith. Their days were filled with prayers, obligations, and the rhythms of their Islamic community. However, amidst their dedication, Mohammed’s heart grew heavy seeing the injustices and violence that seemed to spread in the name of Islam.


One night, a vivid dream brought Mohammed face to face with Jesus who was enveloped in a radiant light. In this dream, Jesus gestured toward a majestic church on His right and a mosque on His left. The mosque was filled with sorrowful, tearful individuals. Mohammed chose to enter the church in his dream. There he was greeted by kind, joyful people, praising God and experiencing healing.


Seeking understanding, Mohammed visited his Sheik and recounted the dream. The Sheik, worried about the implications, advised him to learn from the Christians’ positive aspects but to refrain from converting. Nonetheless, word of Mohammed’s inquiries reached his extended family, leading to uncertainty and apprehension.


Upon learning of Mohammed’s exploration of Christianity, his uncle, the family’s leader, confronted him. Mohammed denied any intentions of conversion, clarifying that he was simply seeking knowledge about Jesus. Despite his explanations, suspicion lingered.


Mohammed became aware of a wise televangelist, Rasheed through television broadcasts. Intrigued, Mohammed contacted him, seeking guidance. Rasheed recognized Mohammed’s yearning and suggested that he travel to Turkey where he could delve into Christian teachings and engage with Christian communities.


Mohammed’s uncle, however, remained vigilant. He proposed a condition: Mohammed could leave for Turkey, but his wife Hannan,a devout Muslim must accompany him. She would serve as a witness to his actions and beliefs. Their eight year old son, Ali, would remain under the family’s care, and should Mohammed convert, he would lose his child forever.


As Mohammed and Hannan embarked on what was supposed to be a month-long journey, they encountered a transformative experience that lasted six months. Immersed in discussions with Christians and former Muslims, they both eventually embraced Christianity. Hannan, despite her initial devotion to Islam, found herself moved by the teachings of

Jesus.


Meanwhile, back in Iraq, Mohammed’s family took drastic measures to ensure Ali’s allegiance to Islam. When Ali displayed reluctance to practice the Muslim faith, they resorted to harsh methods of coercion and punishment. They burned him with cigarettes and with a spoon heated over the stove. Only Ahmed, Mohammed’s brother, found these actions unacceptable, leading to more friction within the family.


Upon their return, Mohammed and Hannan were met with skepticism from their extended family, who demanded they attend prayers at the mosque. Observing them closely, the family became convinced of their loyalty to Islam. However, the family’s focus on the exterior obscured the profound transformations occurring within their hearts.


Ahmed, in particular, found inspiration from Mohammed and Hannan’s newfound faith. He began to explore Christianity and soon embraced it wholeheartedly.

Recognizing the danger they faced from their own community, the family made the difficult decision to flee to Egypt where they could practice their faith freely. In Egypt, they encountered cultural challenges and financial uncertainties, yet their faith remained unshaken.

Mohammed and Hannan’s journey reached a new level when they shared their stories on social media. Their extended family’s response was harsh, filled with curses and threats. Pastor Jack, a supportive figure in their new community, advised them to stay cautious due to the risks that Muslim converts to Christianity often face.


Despite the obstacles, the family’s enthusiasm for their newfound faith remained strong. Their decision to get cross tattoos on their wrists displayed their commitment, even as it drew attention from others. Hannan found a job, but her Muslim name and her cross symbol led to questions that eventually made her work environment unsafe.


She quit and was too afraid to go back to get her salary. This wonderful family has very little in earthly goods, but they have peace and joy that only comes from their faith in Jesus Christ. Please pray for their continued growth in their faith and

for provision and safety for them in their new country.