The Story of One Christian’s Refusal to Deny Christ
Tariq, a 25-year-old Muslim man in Yemen, felt drawn to the Christian faith. As his curiosity grew, he began to search for information on the internet, and that search led him to a local ministry’s website. He connected with a missionary who discussed Christianity with him and, days later, Tariq knew he’d discovered the true God. He gave his life to Christ.
The missionary with whom Tariq connected lived far away, but she connected him with a local group of believers who began to disciple him, helping him build a solid foundation for his faith and providing the support he needed as he stepped away from the religion of his family. But his abandonment of Islamic prayers and rituals made his father suspicious, and Tariq’s life soon began to spiral.
A Father’s Rage
It didn’t take long for Tariq’s father to learn of his conversion to Christianity, and he was so enraged that he not only beat Tariq, but he also took away his phone and handed him over to an extremist Islamic group, where he was imprisoned for one month and taught the Quran and other Islamic topics.
“His request was that we pray for him.”
“At this time, he was thinking about how to get out and communicate with the believers again,” the ministry leader said. “Somehow, he managed to leave and get his phone to communicate with us. His request was that we pray for him.”
Tariq’s freedom didn’t last long. When his father learned that he had not only escaped but had also refused to recant his beliefs, he beat him again. His mother attempted to defend her son, but this only enraged his father more. He divorced his wife and kicked both mother and son out of their home.
Another Trial Begins
During this time, Tariq was also a college student, and he began to evangelize to one of his friends, sharing the gospel and sending him Bible verses through a phone app. He had no idea that his friend planned to share all of his texts with the college administrators until the day he was summoned to their office, where he was detained and questioned for an entire day.
“At that time, he promised them that he would not speak at the college about the subject of the Christian faith and made a pledge,” the ministry leader said. “But two days later, he was surprised by his dismissal from the college.”
Now, Tariq had no home, no place to go, and no clear path forward. He contacted the missionary who led him to Christ, hoping for advice. She asked her church to pray, told him these battles were from the devil, and encouraged him to stay strong in the Lord.
“He has become a missionary and a faithful servant of the Lord.”
The Lord answered those prayers, and soon, another believer contacted Tariq and offered him a rented room. Tariq was also able to register at a different college. Now, he is studying theology and preaching the gospel through social media. “He has become a missionary and a faithful servant of the Lord,” the ministry leader said.
Help Persecuted Believers Like Tariq
Christians in Yemen live in constant danger, and Tariq is just one example of a believer who was beaten and abandoned because of his decision to follow Jesus. Please pray for these brave Christians, that they will persevere and trust in the Lord’s provision and protection. And please consider a donation today to assist our persecuted brothers and sisters who follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
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