The very real cost
Those in charge at Ali’s work did not agree with or accept his new faith. Ali lost his job, salary and pension. Even worse though, he lost his family and wife. After his spouse rejected him, in his own words, “Everything seemed to be falling apart.”
And his church, where he found refuge and fellowship, was raided by government enforcers. The church was ordered to cease prayer and fellowship gatherings immediately. Ali was taken and interrogated several times for his act of worshipping Christ; Islamic Republic enforcers even followed him and kept tabs of where he went and who he talked to. The pressure of the enforcers became so great that Ali escaped as a refugee to Turkey, where, for the past five years, he’s been caught in a cycle of debt and poverty.
“Looking back,” Ali states, “It was undoubtedly painful to go through all that, losing a job and family unit is never easy, nor desirable for anyone. It was pure agony. However, God used every situation as a teaching moment for His later work.”
Please join us in praying for Ali and the persecuted Christians in Iran. Pray Ali will not shy away from his faith, but continue to share it openly and boldly. Although abandoned by his family, pray he will feel comfort and love from his global family in Christ. And pray Ali will find meaningful work, where he can share his gifts and talents with others.
Lord, please hear our prayers for our dear brother, Ali, and let Him feel Your presence through his continued trials and persecution. Amen.
About The Author
Tim Dustin is a staff writer for Global Christian Relief, a nonprofit Christian ministry that works to strengthen persecuted believers and raise awareness regarding Christian persecution. For more information, visit our website at GlobalChristianRelief.org.