When Charlotte came to faith in Jesus, she faced persecution and threats from her own family that forced her to flee. But through education and fellowship, she is thriving in her new home.
Charlotte is a 12-year-old girl from the Central African Republic, who came to faith in Jesus through her uncle. When her father learned that she had left Islam, he threatened to kill her. When his threats did not work, he made plans to marry her off to a 45-year-old Muslim businessman.
Her churches decided it would be safest to help her flee to an aunt who lives far away from her hometown. Through the support of people like you, our local partners provided financial help for her relocation and education.
Charlotte has since turned 13, and after returning to school, successfully completed year 4.
Charlotte\'s aunt used a part of the money to start up a small business. She opened a stall in front of the house, selling things like cassava flour, onions, groundnuts, and palm oil.
Charlotte told our partners, "Aunty uses some of the profit to buy food, clothes, and shoes, and also gives me some for Sunday offerings in church.
"I thank God every day for using you to save my life. I can never forget that, and I pray every day that God will bless you all."
Charlotte continues to attend her local church weekly, and is active in the Sunday school ministry.
“I am glad I am here,” she said. “I can pray freely without fear, and with the other children. We can pray and sing together. Doing this was not easy when I was still in [my hometown].”
Charlotte wants to become a fashion designer. She holds on to 1 Corinthians 1:4 - I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. Please pray for her and other children facing persecution.
Open Doors aims to "strengthen what remains and is about to die" (Rev 3:2).
Your Monthly Donation can help us to provide continuous support to the persecuted church worldwide and enable us to respond immediately to emergencies.