Aicha lives in Burkina Faso and is only 12, yet she’s already experienced hardship and violence for following Jesus. This Christmas, she wants a gift from God Himself: to be filled with His Spirit so she can preach the gospel.
MEETING PASTOR STEVEN
Aicha was born into Islam. Her entire family were Muslim. Many of them still are.
But then she met Pastor Steven, a travelling evangelist, and almost immediately became the first in her family to call themselves a Christian.
Aicha was seven years old and seemingly courageous in her decision. But following Jesus wasn’t a difficult choice.
“I told the pastor I would like to give my life to Jesus, because I heard that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life,” she says sweetly.
Why wouldn’t she follow Him? Why wouldn’t anyone?
But not everyone agreed with her decision.
THE DECISION
“My father’s older brother and my mother’s younger brother used to beat me because of my faith,” Aicha says sadly. “One day, I dressed up to go to church, and on the way, my uncle met me. He beat me then forced me to go back home.”
She was still only seven. It was a crushing confrontation. One of many. Sometimes, her aunt would join in the violence, furious that Aicha no longer followed Islam.
But Aicha refused to let their hostility break her.
“Despite the trials, I persevered because I wanted to follow and serve the Lord,” she says. “I continued to go to church, joyfully, to hear God’s Word.”
Her mother and stepfather, Asseta and Idrissa, quietly observed their daughter’s newfound faith and resilience. They didn’t mind that she joined her Christian friends in attending church, but they had questions.
“When my parents found out I was going to church, they asked why I had made that decision. I told them I went to church to hear God’s Word. I heard that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.”
IT JUST TAKES ONE
Aicha is now 12 years old. Her younger brother and sister also attend church. It was clear to their mother that since following Jesus, they were not the children they used to be.
“I used to listen to the children’s conversations, and I realised there was a change in their behaviour,” Asseta says. “When they play and a child insults another child, they will quickly remember the teaching they received that Jesus is not pleased with insults. It’s the same thing when a child refuses to share, they remember that Jesus recommends sharing what we have with others.”
It hadn’t escaped Asseta’s notice, either, that her children were now wiser and more obedient, or that while pleading with her relatives to stop beating Aicha, she felt a surge of pride over her daughter’s defiance. Aicha never gave up her faith, no matter how hard they hit her. Asseta respected that immensely.
“I believe that God was the one who gave such a boldness to our children, to persevere despite the persecution,” Asseta reflects. “It was God’s plan for the children to stand firm, then lead us, their parents, later to be saved.”
One girl living for Christ has brought salvation to her entire family.
A FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Asseta and Idrissa eventually accepted Jesus, thanks largely to Aicha’s influencing conduct.
But there were other powerful instances, like when a voice told Asseta three times to find Pastor Steven. Idrissa was critically ill and traditional cures weren’t helping. The voice assured her that the solution would be found with the man of God.
Pastor Steven led Idrissa to Christ and when Idrissa’s health started improving, Asseta accepted Him too. It was a decision that stirred up more hatred from their relatives, who evicted them from their home without pity or remorse.
But because of this, Aicha’s family came to the attention of Open Doors, who paid for crucial treatment Idrissa desperately needed. He has completely recovered, much to the delight of his family.
“We are thankful to the ministry for such great and timely support,” Asseta says warmly. “The joy the ministry’s support brought to us is that my husband was able to receive effective medical care. It was the answer to the cry of our hearts.”
Just one of several reasons Aicha and her family are excited to celebrate Jesus this Christmas. Aicha’s heart is on fire to serve her family and her God.
“Please pray that God blesses me so I can care for my parents and siblings. Also pray that I may be filled with the Holy Spirit and preach the gospel everywhere. Happy Christmas.”
Please pray for Aicha, her family, and other persecuted families this Christmas. If you would like to support them, you can do so here.
