“Victory After Suffering”

“Victory After Suffering” Married less than a year, Mihret was eight months pregnant when Muslim men attacked and killed her husband, a young Ethiopian evangelist. Mihret herself was badly beaten, and doctors feared for the unborn baby’s life. By God’s grace, both mother and child survived. One month after the attack, a healthy baby girl named Birhannesh, meaning “light to the world,’ was born. Alone, with a newborn to care for, Mihret struggled through her grief. In addition, she was without means to support herself and her child. When Open Doors learned of her situation they developed a plan to help Mihret become financially independent. With their help she opened a small kiosk selling Ethiopian coffee, tea and baked goods. As her business grew, Mihret purchased goats and other livestock, and rented a piece of land to plant grain, ensuring that both she and her daughter are financially secure. In a message of gratitude Mihret writes: “The Lord has replaced everything I have lost. Through Open Doors support I was able to see a bright future and could realize better the purpose of God in my life, even if the process is painful. Today I have milk for my baby girl, sheep to fatten and a donkey to carry water from the river! It is your prayers and encouragement that have opened my eyes to see God’s hand and His greatness. There is victory after all the sufferings.”  One With Them Be one with Mihret, as she gives thanks for His many blessings... then read and pray through Isaiah 40. One With Them CHALLENGE We have read about Mihret. Stories like hers – martyred pastor’s wives without a visible means of support – occur throughout the persecuted church every day. Please prayerfully consider a financial donation to train these woman in a trade. You can do so at Open Doors USA at this link. 2013.06.21

You are the light of the world … (Matthew 5:14)