Release Women
ENCOURAGING OUR SISTERS - INSPIRED BY THEIR FAITH
Hannah's story
Egyptian Christian 'Hannah', a former Muslim, is a young wife and mother. Here she talks about her life and the pressures she faces.
One of the greatest concerns of Muslim women who convert to Christianity in Egypt is, not surprisingly, for their children. 'Hannah' is a young mother who has grown up with persecution.
'I came to know Jesus when I was 18 years old. I was attracted by the person of Jesus and also I had a vision, seeing the wooden cross. However, that vision didn't touch me like I was touched when I heard the story about the life of Jesus.
'I didn't declare my conversion but when I embraced Jesus, my life and my behaviour changed. My mother noticed that change and she began to treat me in a completely different way. She didn't talk to me at all and she forbade all my sisters to do so. I had to eat alone, stay in my room and not go out. So I was like a prisoner at home.'
At first Hannah's incarceration proved a heavy burden - but good was to come from it.
'While I was at home I was able to listen to a Christian radio station. So despite being imprisoned in that house I was able to grow up as a Christian.'
Eventually a man came to the house seeking to marry Hannah. He was officially a Muslim, so the family agreed that he could do so. In fact, the man was a Christian but because converts are not allowed to change their religious status on their identity papers, for official purposes he was still a 'Muslim'.
FORCED TO MOVE
Hannah, her husband and child have moved many times because of security fears.
'When the [state security] found out where we lived, they told the neighbours that we are converts. So we had to move from one place to another. We are settled for a while and then it happens again.'
However, Hannah's greatest concern is for her child.
'I really wish he could have a normal life. He is living as a Muslim at school and a Christian at home. Having two personalities like that is really difficult.
'Please pray for women converts in Egypt, that they will have the power to be able to stay in their families, because it really hurts the family when a woman leaves. Pray for women in Egypt in general, because the situation is that they are inferior to men with hardly any rights or freedom.
'Pray also for us, that God will deal with our fears, and for our protection.'
OUR VISION
Release Women's hope and vision is to ensure that our suffering sisters are known by their sisters in the UK. We want to build the unique relationship between us to enable all of us to learn, pray and grow in the love, life and light of Jesus.
'For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.' 2 Corinthians 4:6
The work of Release:Women is growing! Are you able to be a part of this? We need volunteers who would be willing to join us in telling others about the work, starting prayer groups, helping with funding applications, and offering admin help.
Please consider this and contact Gene on 01689 823491. You really could make a difference to Hannah and so many like her.
COME TO OUR CONFERENCE
Release: Women is having a special heart2heart conference on November 13, 2010, in Nottingham. Please book this date in your diaries now.
More events are planned for Release: Women in Scotland and Northern Ireland. For further details please contact Linda in Scotland (01294 602674) or Florence in the Belfast office (028 9334 0014).