Courage in Somalia

Her wrists are raw from chains, her feet blistered from the heat of the ground, yet 17-year-old Nurta adamantly clings to her the One who saved her soul, Jesus Christ.

All those around her, including her family that has chained her to a tree, violently urge her to return to the worship of Allah. They have beaten and cajoled the young Somalian woman, alternately reciting the Qur’an and dosing her with drugs to “cure her” of Christianity, which they perceive as a “mental illness.” According to Voice of the Martyrs, Nurta has been suffering for her faith since May. Believers from that region of Somalia implore the Church to intercede on her behalf.

As I ponder her courage and fortitude, I am amazed - Nurta, the same age as Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas, isn't wavering back and forth in a teen-angst identity crisis - she is absolutely certain of her identity in Christ, and she is proving it by enduring pain. Yesterday, I found myself wondering if she's ever heard of Hebrews chapter four, which explains that our high priest, Jesus, is able to understand her pain. I hope so. And I pray that the Spirit sustains her, and that she is able to approach the throne of grace with confidence, and receive mercy to help her in her time of need.