Send joy to Aicha and her family

From a human perspective, Aicha should have little to be joyful about.

She’s been beaten by her relatives. Her parents can’t always make ends meet. And her extended family has rejected her. But joy burns bright in the eyes of this 12-year-old from Burkina Faso.

Why? Well, it might have something to do with the promise of Christmas.

“Christmas is the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world,” Aicha says. “Christmas is not about food and clothes, but receiving Jesus in our hearts. The main message of Christmas is that Jesus the Son of God was born to save the world.”

As Aicha retells the miraculous story of Christmas, it’s clear how much it means to her. Though she is young and has suffered ongoing persecution for following Jesus, she has a steadfast faith and fervour for others to know God. “This is my message to the whole world,” she says. “No matter the life you live, come and receive Jesus as your Saviour. Jesus loves you, and He will save you from your sins.”

Aicha came to faith in Jesus when she was only seven years old. Her childlike faith has consequently led her brother, sister, and parents to Jesus, but this has not been without cost.

The family was rejected, and Aicha was beaten by her uncle for trying to attend church. But they have continued to follow Jesus despite the opposition and rejection they have faced.

Today, you can send Aicha joy through a Christmas card.

Write a short letter/card of encouragement to Aicha and her family.

As you write to encourage Aicha and her family, use these prayer points to pray for them:

• Aicha asks: “Please, pray for God to bless me so I can take care of my parents and siblings.
• Aicha’s mother, Asseta, asks: “Pray for my husband to be made completely whole, walk properly and do the work of God.
• She also asks: “Please, pray for my children to be Godly children who serve the Lord.”
• Pray for children around the world who suffer for following Jesus – that they will know God’s comfort and love, and have joy for the future.
• Pray for Open Doors partners as they strengthen and encourage the children of the persecuted Church.

How you can encourage them

• Write in simple English and keep your sentences short; three to four sentences should be enough.
• Be encouraging and include one Bible verse.
• Please show SENSITIVITY – do not dwell on the family’s plight, or share about the blessings of life in your country.
• Do not offer assistance or advice that may be useful in your personal context, but may not apply to Aicha and her family’s context.
• Children and artists are also welcome to draw the family’s picture (preferably on an A4 page), as we’ve seen how encouraging this has been to others such as
  Pastor Soré.

For security

• Do not mention Open Doors in your message.
• You may provide your name, but do not provide your full address.
• Do not send money or make proposals to help.
• Do not include photos of yourself
• Do not criticise their religion or religious extremists, its government, judicial system, or political leaders.

Deadline to contribute
Please send your drawing by Friday, 30 April 2027

How to send it
Scan and email pictures to [email protected]