“Help! My parents want me to marry a Muslim”
March 21, 2024
Call upon Me in the day of trouble;I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. -Psalm 50:15
“Help! My parents have agreed for me to marry a man from the majority religion. What should I do?”
That’s the anxious message we recently received from a young listener in Tajikistan. Here’s more of her story:
“If I do not marry him, I can face great anger from my family. If I do marry him, I may not be allowed to continue with my new faith. Please pray for me.”
There are very few Tajik Christians. Those who are discovered often deal with harassment and ridicule from family members and friends. Because of Tajikistan's traditional Islamic culture, female converts from Islam are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and violent persecution. If their conversion is discovered, they risk house arrest, beatings, rejection, sexual assault, or forced marriage. Today join us in prayer for this listener and all those who face difficult decisions in Muslim-dominant countries and communities.
Father, we praise You that despite obstacles Your Word is bearing fruit in Tajikistan. Refresh the spirits of those who are weary and discouraged. Give hope to those who are rejected and abused. Meet the needs of our sisters and brothers who are pressured to make difficult decisions when there seem to be no good answers. Guide them, protect them, and encourage them. Soften the hearts of family and community leaders so they are treated with unexpected kindness. As they call upon Your name, make a way when there seems to be none, so You are glorified for all to see. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.
Tomorrow on World Prayer Today we share five ways to pray for Turkmenistan. Hop aboard and join us.