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Persecuted Egyptian Christian prays for son’s murderers

February 23, 2024 by Abigail Hart in Persecuted Christians in Egypt

On April 9, 2017—Palm Sunday—Mar Girgis Church in Tanta, Egypt was bombed by Muslim extremists. Another church in the area was also attacked. In total, 44 Christians were killed with another 100 injured. One of the believers killed at Mar Girgis was 22-year-old Soleiman Salem. We recently sat down with Soleiman’s mother, Heba, to hear how she’s coping with the loss of her son seven years later.

“He was a quiet, simple person who was forgiving and kind,” Heba says. “He loved to serve others. He was a deacon and Sunday school minister. He always volunteered to help whenever there was a need.”

We asked Heba how she’s been doing, removed from the event by seven years. “The Lord has comforted me and stood with me,” she answers. “I have been very close to God since Soleiman’s death. The parting of my only son is still very hard, but at the same time, I have joy for him … I am confident he is rejoicing with Jesus Christ.”

However, for Heba, she hasn’t always had such a positive outlook. She says, “When I remember the explosions, I am always reminded of my grief and that I am a persecuted Egyptian Christian. After the bombing, I really struggled. I grieved intensely and became very depressed. But over time, God strengthened and comforted me. If it were not for God’s support, I would have lost my mind.”

Knowing Heba’s heart is full of Christ’s love, we asked her how she feels about those who coldly murdered her son. She courageously answers, “I forgive them, and I do pray for them. I pray God would touch their hearts of stone and bring them to Him to be saved.”

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In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” We can’t fully understand the intensity of Heba’s loss, but are inspired by her depth of faith, to honestly love and pray for those who took so much.

Heba passed along some prayer requests. Join us now in prayer for our dear sister.

Lord, we’re inspired by Heba’s bravery, that she falls on her knees and prays for those who persecute. We ask that You continue to strengthen and encourage her and strengthen and encourage all persecuted Christians across Egypt.

God, we always feel the loss of a loved one, even after years of them being gone. Continue to be with the families who lost loved ones on April 9. Help them feel Your comfort and perfect peace. Amen.

*Representative photo of Heba, a persecuted Egyptian Christian

About the author
Tim Dustin is a journalist for Global Christian Relief where he shares stories of Christian persecution out of Egypt and the rest of the world. Get the latest blogs and prayer requests at GlobalChristianRelief.org

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