Sometimes following Jesus means leaving what’s familiar and safe. On the Monday edition of Live the Promise Susie talks with Rifqa Bary, who made headlines in 2009 when she left Islam – and her family – and chose to follow Christ.
Rifqa grew up in Sri Lanka in a strict Muslim family. After a childhood accident resulting in the loss of her right eye, and sexual abuse at the hands of a family member, she was plunged into rejection by her parents.
“Growing up I had all these questions… I looked to the god of my parents but it did not work. You’re not supposed to question Allah; you just obey. I’m studying for hours, at age seven I start fasting… doing everything but there’s an emptiness that does not go away.”
When Rifqa and her family moved to America, she started attending a public school. It was there that she heard about a God who would hear her when she prayed and wanted a relationship with her. Rifqa secretly attended church with a friend and attained a Bible. She gave her life to Christ and soon faced persecution and death threats from her family. After a season of tension and threats she fled her home, determined to follow Jesus regardless of the cost.
She tells her story in the book, .
Rifqa now lives in an undisclosed location and is hoping to pursue a legal career to advocate for vulnerable people. She gives these words of encouragement to those who are struggling today.
“The biggest, sweetest gift I’ve received is the hope I have in Jesus that this is not the life I’m living for. In a beautiful and supernatural way, God has given me a hunger for heaven where all things will be made new.”
Key Scriptures: Philippians 3:8
Theme Song: I Need You Now by Matt Redman
