
We live among wolves
In Yemen, simply following Jesus can get you killed. But Zahra shows what courageous faith looks like in this war-torn Middle Eastern country!
One gloomy weekday, Zahra* received the call: “Anis* was dead.”
Anis was Zahra’s brother in Christ. Together, they went on visits to meet and tell others about Jesus together. “God was working through us!” Zahra says. “However, when the extremists took over our town, Anis started receiving threats: “‘You infidel … we will kill you.’” A week later, extremists assassinated Anis.
“I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it,” Zahra remembers. “It was a very difficult time for me. I was haunted by the messages he had shown me a week earlier. I was terrified. What if I was next?”
“Despite the dangers …”
It’s daunting to live out your faith in a country like Yemen, which has been in the top five of the Open Doors’ World Watch List for several years. And yet, God chose Zahra to be His messenger amidst the darkness, to bring light to the people around her.
Today, Zahra serves as the leader of a women’s ministry in Yemen. She disciples several women, meeting them face-to-face and creating a safe space for them to deepen their faith. This is desperately needed in Yemen, which has been in the middle of a brutal civil war for more than a decade.
Although her ministry puts her at great risk, witnessing the spiritual growth of these women over time has not only been a source of great joy for Zahra but has also reinforced her belief in her calling.
“I believe God has put me in this place to impact the lives of these women,” she says. “To bring them hope, and to reflect the true light of Christ amidst the horrific situation we are all living in.”
Zahra knows she is followed by the secret police. “We live among wolves, and we know that,” she explains. “We know that very well.”
However, this reality does not stop her ministry. “We are afraid of the extremists and the government itself,” she says. “[But] I have chosen this way, and I know of the trials that come alongside this decision. Jesus took my pain, my suffering and my guilt; He carried His cross, and now it’s my turn to carry the cross and continue the journey.
“Despite the dangers, God is at work.”
Zahra knows firsthand what can happen if she’s discovered or targeted. The call she received telling her about Anis’ murder will never leave her memory. It’s proof of the potential cost of discipleship in Yemen.
But God is at work in Yemen – and in Zahra’s heart. She knows He is with her, even as she mourns Anis’ death and lives with the dangerous reality of her ministry. “God was with us as we faced these arduous days,” she says. “I can testify that I came out of the struggle stronger than before with a smiling face, knowing that God helped us all throughout.”
Through local partners, Open Doors helps Christians in Yemen as they follow Jesus. Your gift today can help Christians like Zahra stand strong for Christ, no matter what.
*Names changed for security reasons. The photos are of the real Zahra and are disguised to protect her identity.