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Insults. Humiliation. Attempted murder. When Jorina and her husband studied a Bible given to them by a missionary and trusted Christ in northern Bangladesh, they had no idea that decision would come at such a high price.
Jorina now knows that Jesus' words to His disciples in Matthew's Gospel also apply to her and her husband as His modern-day disciples:
"You will be hated by everyone because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Matthew 10:22
Open Doors partners have been walking with Jorina and her family, helping them to stand strong in their faith. Recently, our team captured her hard but powerful story on film as she bravely shared her pain.
"After [our conversion], in the eyes of the Muslims, we were seen as terrible people," she says. "They hated us and treated us differently. [Our neighbors] even threatened to murder my husband because we had left Islam. They set a specific date, saying they would kill him in his house that day."
But God had so much more planned for this couple. He has used Jorina and her family in ways she could never have imagined.
A few years ago, Jorina followed the path of Islam. Today, she is discipling women, showing them that in God's eyes, they are valued and loved.
"In Bangladesh, within Muslim society, women are often neglected," Jorina explains. "But as believers, we value women and want them to know the way to Heaven and have the opportunity to become [discipleship] teachers as well."
And because of your prayers and gifts, she and her husband now lead a house church—despite ongoing threats. For several years, Open Door partners have worked with the couple's ministry, supporting them to build a house church, offering legal aid and financial assistance, if needed. Our field partners also built a tube well for Jorina's family when their community cut off their access to clean water.
"[Open Doors partners] have supported us in various ways," she says. "When I go through persecution, or when any of our church members go through persecution, they always stand beside us."
Jorina's story reminds us that God has a plan for all of our lives as we abide in Him. While we might not be able to see the potential, our Creator is working—rescuing, restoring and redeeming His people!
Jorina is determined to continue sharing the gospel and building a Kingdom legacy: "In our church, there are 20 to 25 families, and there are children in those families," she says. "We will not live forever, but I want this place to be a strong foundation for Jesus Christ. I want the children of this church to grow up and work for our church so the Good News of Jesus Christ will spread out from here, and everyone will know. They already know that people are coming here and there are Christians here; I want this to continue."
