I read a story today that has made me stop and think. A woman in Sudan is being sentenced to death for being a Christian. "Ibrahim was born to a
Sudanese Muslim father and an Ethiopian Orthodox mother. Her father left
when she was 6 years old, and Ibrahim was raised by her mother as a
Christian... However, because her
father was Muslim, the courts considered her to be the same, which would
mean her marriage to a non-Muslim man is void.". Not only does this one sit heavy because I too am a Christan but because of my Ethiopian born children. Because she choose to live her life serving God, her marriage is void and her life will be ended if she doesn't renounce her belief in God. I ask myself what I would do in this position. I may get mocked and slammed for the beliefs I hold tightly to, but never once has it lead me to a place where my life could be taken from me. It says her Christan husband waits, praying. And I too join in praying for her release and for the many others whose lives are in danger because they live for God. Ibrahim is pregnant and has her 20 month old son in the prison with her. Her husband is said to be physically dependent on Ibrahim and struggling every day on his own.
According to the article "Christian in Sudan sentenced to death for faith; 'I'm just praying,' husband says"
-"The country imposes Sharia law on Muslims and non-Muslims alike and
punishes acts of "indecency" and "immorality" by floggings and
amputations, the commission said."
-"Since 1999, the U.S. State Department has called Sudan one of the worst
offenders of religious rights, counting it among eight "countries of
particular concern."
It says that her lawyer has even received a death threat but so far continues to stand for her, although he fears his life. I can't imagine what Ibrahim, who never was a Muslim, her son or her husband are thinking right now. I pray that they will be strengthened to remain true and trust God at this time.
And I am left thinking about how I respond the the problems I face ever day. How would I respond if my life was at risk because I am a Christian? What thoughts would go through my head if I was in jail? Would my faith be enough to trust that my son and husband will be ok without me? Would I give up my fears for my unborn child? Would I re-think being a follower of Jesus? Would I live in fear or anger? I hope my faith would increase and that my trust would grow deeper. I hope I would cling to the hope of Life, for I believe that if they do take Ibrahim's life, her soul is eternal and that she will live on more fully then ever in heaven. My perspective on my day has changed. As the sun streams in my window, I see words of freedom written on my walls. I am free to worship. I'm free to call Jesus Lord of my life. I am free to be a Christian and not be jailed or sentenced to death. And inside me burns more passion to fight for those who can't. To speak up against the injustice. To pray for mercy and grace. I am moved to my knees, and I cry out to know what can be done for Ibrahim and others like her. And suddenly my problems and the ridicule I face seems to fade...
http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/15/world/africa/sudan-christian-woman-apostasy/index.html?sr=tw051614faithsentence1030aVODtopPhoto
No comments:
Post a Comment