Growing Up Near Mecca
In the heart of Saudi Arabia, where the call to prayer echoes five times a day, many brave souls embrace Christianity, knowing the peril it brings. Among them is Sahar, who was raised in a devout Muslim household close to Mecca. Her life was entwined with the traditions of Islam, yet a longing for deeper truth stirred within her.
A Dream of Jesus
Sahar's transformation began with a dream—a vision of Jesus assuring her, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This encounter ignited a curiosity that led her to discreetly explore the Bible, a forbidden text in her homeland. As she read, Sahar found not only words but a profound connection with Jesus, who became her Savior.
Living a Double Life
Despite the joy of discovering Christianity, Sahar's new faith demanded secrecy. She lived a double life, outwardly conforming to Islamic practices while her heart belonged to Jesus. This internal conflict was not without cost. Sahar faced the threat of persecution, risking estrangement from her family and community.
Her story is mirrored by many others, like Nasser al'Qahtan, who once fervently converted others to Islam but found his own heart transformed after a vision of Jesus. In the clandestine world of Saudi believers, they share their faith in whispers and through secret gatherings, finding ways to spread hope even when it means leaving Bibles in unexpected places.
The Underground Church
The underground church in Saudi Arabia, though hidden, is vibrant and courageous. These believers draw strength from divine interventions—dreams, visions, and miraculous protections that reaffirm their path. One such miracle was a police raid on a secret house church that ended with authorities inexplicably overlooking the group of Christians inside.
Sahar's journey, like so many others, is a testament to the power of faith under pressure. Despite the ever-present risks, she describes a newfound freedom and peace that she never imagined possible. Her story, and those of her fellow believers, resound with the assurance that Jesus is the source of their hope.