Here in Guinea-Bissau, when someone accepts Jesus as their personal Savior, a series of problems begin. It is very common for families to expel from the house those who convert to Christianity. There are also cases in which the recent convert is prevented from eating in the house where he lives. In some situations, the convert is physically abused.
Some time ago, one of the local leaders presented us with the case of a recently baptized young woman called Adama, who was facing difficulties with her Muslim family. They did not accept her decision to follow Jesus and kicked her out of the house. Thankfully, Adama was welcomed to temporarily stay in the home of one of the church elders. We then felt impressed to offer her a job (helping us with the house and children) so she could have some money for her basic expenses.
We also decided to help her with her studies. This meant she would have to look for her personal documents at her parents’ house. When she went to get the documents, her mother refused to hand them over.
“Only when you abandon Christianity will you have access to the documents.”
Adama was sad but did not give up her walk with Jesus. She also continued trying to interact with her family, hoping something could improve their relationship, but it was difficult.
Later, sad news shook Adama’s family. Her younger brother, just eight years old, fell ill and passed away. It was a painful loss for the family, especially for Adama’s mother. I quickly arranged to be present at the funeral to support the family, especially Adama. With two local leaders, I went to the family’s house, which was primarily full of Muslim people. Adama welcomed me and quickly introduced me to her mother, to whom I spoke some words of comfort while holding her cold, shaking hand. She wasn’t crying, but she was visibly downcast. After a couple of hours, we said goodbye to the family and returned home.
Despite the sadness that death always brings, two things made me very happy. Adama’s mother told her she was happy I visited their house. She said my words were important and have helped her in her grief. As a result, Adama’s relationship with her family is being restored, and her mother is gradually allowing her to return to the house. In the meantime, Adama is staying with us. Although the situation is not yet resolved, God is working in the hearts of that family.
Adama reported, “Although I am facing difficulties with my family, I am happy. God has given me a new home and family, a family of faith. If Jesus was rejected, I, too, can be rejected. This is a privilege.” She continued, “I am introducing Jesus to one of my sisters, and I hope to share everything I have learned about Christ with my family so that they, too, can accept Him as their personal Savior.”
