Worke, who is of Muslim origin, reflects the persecution of many Christian families and communities in East Africa. We know that there is a “crown of life” for those who suffer for Christ (Rev. 2:10).
A native of Ethiopia, Worke* walked through the fire and came out on the other side, but did not emerge unscathed. It still testifies to the faithfulness of God. The scars on Worke’s face and body are a painful daily reminder of the high price that those who convert to Christianity in East Africa must pay.
East Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking beauty of nature and at the same time the harshest reality of life. Despite all the harshness of East Africa, it is also home to friendlier Africans, such as Work Temesgen*, a Christian of Muslim origin.
Called to Follow Christ
Like many African children, Worke did not grow up protected from the harsh realities of life.
“I was born in Ethiopia. My childhood was extremely difficult. Every morning before going to school, I had to look after our animals. Then in the afternoon I walked 10 kilometers to school. My family was very poor,” she says.
“After a few years, I stopped going to school because it was too difficult to walk such a long distance on an empty stomach. Sometimes I even lost consciousness.”
The local church preached the gospel when Worke was a child. Worke’s parents were Muslims, and although they were not very spiritual, it was very dangerous for Worke to go to church or meet other believers.
“Late at night, while my parents were sleeping, I snuck out with my girlfriend. We went to church and listened to the sermon. Sometimes there were conferences on Sundays where people from different places gathered.”
“I decided to follow Christ”
When Worke reached marriageable age, she was married to a man of Muslim origin and they moved to another country. But Jesus’ call to follow her followed her wherever she went.
“The Word of God that I heard called me, even though I was married. After my husband died, I decided to follow Christ. I told my neighbors about this and started going to church with them. But then my husband’s family found out that I started going to church and converted to Christianity.”
Her late husband’s relatives were outraged when they learned of Wark’s conversion. The brothers took everything from them – their bed, their store, and their husband’s ID.
“We were kicked out of the house. So I took the children and left. They called me worthless and unfaithful. They said that no one loved me and I had nowhere to go,” she recalls.
Walking through the fire
To support his children, Work began selling goods on the streets. Despite daily challenges, her small family managed to feed themselves. We also thank Christians for their help in this area.
However, Worke was hated by the Muslim community. In 2016, he was attacked, her son was killed, and she almost died in an attack.
“They broke into my house and spilled fuel everywhere. I didn’t understand. Arriving home, I started preparing dinner for my grandson. When I lit a match on the kitchen stove, my hands burned.”
“I tried to take off the veil, but my hair caught fire. I don’t know what happened after that. My daughter and strangers took me to the hospital.”
Worke suffered third-degree burns all over her body and was unconscious in intensive care for three months. After the attack, her arm and face were severely damaged.
However, one day she woke up seeing Jesus in a dream: “He said: “Get up, Worke.” This amazed the doctors.
Although Worke recovered, she was left with painful scars on her face and throughout her body.
“This event greatly influenced me. I struggle with amnesia and always forget things. I use maintenance medications. I believe God will help me overcome this.”
“He supports me”
Worke’s testimony is based on a strong faith that carried her through the fire.
Speaking about her relationship with Christ, Wark says, “He encourages and strengthens me. He sustains me through all the trials. I am grateful to God for helping me. I live by His commandments and promises.”
Worke is a living example of this reality. But also a testimony of God’s hope, love and salvation. With the help of our local partners, Open Doors was able to support Wark. We helped her pay her hospital bills and get basic necessities. In addition, we helped her open her own business.
“God is amazing. It’s a miracle that I’m alive. I could have been dead already, but Christ and you helped me. You and other Christians helped me so that I would not have to return to Islam to survive. I cling to Christ.”
Worke’s faith is tested by fire (1 Peter 1:7), which makes it lasting and more precious than gold. Now she wants to confess her loyalty.
“I would like to tell people about the gospel and how Jesus helped me in difficult situations. My husband and son died, but I found peace in the Lord.”
*name was changed it for security reasons.
Source: Ex-muslimi Worke kantaa arpia uskonsa vuoksi – “Kristus pitää minut liikkeellä” | Open Doors Finland
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