My name is Rima*, and I am from India. I was born and brought up in a wealthy Muslim family. My parents did not have a good relationship, which made home life difficult and unhappy for all. When I was 14, I was assaulted by an older man which left me deeply traumatized. I didn’t feel I could tell my parents about this and didn’t know what to do.

My home life became more and more unbearable so I ran away to a neighboring city. I figured nothing could be worse than what I had known.

New City, New Life

In the new city, I faced many challenges and felt more alone than ever. As I tried to figure out my life, at the age of 15 I got married.

My husband attended a Christian fellowship and tried telling me about God, but he didn’t know much himself. Besides, I wasn’t too interested.

Married Life Was Not Easy!

As can be expected, my husband and I had many problems. We did not understand each other at all and fought a lot. We were both too immature to know how to deal with our differences. I was still very lonely and sad and wanted to give up on my life. I had no peace in my heart.

A friend knew how troubled I was and told me that if I contacted Christians, they could help me. She had heard that a pastor was coming to our village to start a Christian home fellowship group and thought I should look into it. I figured I had nothing to lose. I found out when he was coming and attended the meeting. I liked what the pastor had to say about Jesus and His love and started going to the meetings.

Changes Inside Out

I now know that God was working in my heart. Gradually, my love for God grew and I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I plan to be baptized soon.

My husband and I are getting along much better these days. When hard times come, I pray and tell God about it and He reassures me and helps me heal from the things that burden my heart.

Every situation in my life has been allowed by God to be used for His purpose — to draw me to Himself. Little by little, He is changing me.

Note for Prayer — Rima has had no contact with her parents since she left home. Pray that as she grows deeper in her walk with Jesus, she receives the desire and courage to reconnect and hopefully reconcile with her parents, reaching out to them with Agape love.

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