A Vision of Jesus Changes Everything
Tina was born in Iran, where she grew up in a nominal Muslim family. Her life took a turn in 2006 during a difficult time when her father fell ill. A Christian friend prayed for her, and Tina experienced an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. Shortly afterward, she had a vivid vision of being trapped in mud, then cleansed by blood from a cross, and heard a voice say, 'I am Jesus, your Savior.' This encounter led her to embrace Christianity in 2007, and she dedicated herself to serving in an Assemblies of God congregation. She attended discipleship classes and served in church media.
Christian Persecution in Iran Intensifies
However, Tina's faith journey was not without challenges. After marrying a fellow church member, her husband renounced his faith and became abusive. Using his government connections, he threatened Tina when she refused to divorce him. In 2013, as persecution against Christians intensified, her church was shut down, forcing meetings underground. Returning from a Christian seminar in Istanbul, she was detained at the airport and nearly charged for carrying Bibles. Fearing arrest, Tina fled to Turkey and sought asylum.
God Provided Healing and Refuge
While in Turkey, Tina was diagnosed with cancer. Through prayer and medical care, she survived the ordeal. Her prayers were answered when a congregation in Toronto, Canada, sponsored her resettlement in partnership with the Office for Refugees, Archdiocese of Toronto (ORAT). In Canada, Tina found a new home and family, starting a fresh chapter in her life. Her story is a testament to Jesus's guidance and provision through her trials, ultimately leading her to peace and freedom.
