Mariam, a Guinean woman, is married to a Malian farmer named Kalilou, who has two wives. Their family currently resides in Bancoumana, one of the villages where we served.

Mariam met Brother Yaya, an evangelist on the Malinke project, in a sewing workshop. After introductions and discussions, they realized they had already met each other, and Mariam gave Brother Yaya her family address. A few days later, Brother Yaya visited Mariam’s family, getting to know the husband, co-wife and other family members. When Brother Yaya revisited Mariam, he brought his wife and two children. It was the beginning of a relationship between the two families.

One day, Mariam visited Brother Yaya, finding him and his family praying. Without hesitation, she joined the group. That day, Brother Yaya did not discuss the subject of religion with her.

“Brother Yaya,” Mariam said, “I knew Christians in Guinea and even attended one of your schools when I was a little girl. I love Christians and the way they do things. I want to know more about Christianity.”

Brother Yaya mapped out a Bible study program with her. She began studying and sometimes participated in prayer meetings. At first, her husband did not object to his wife attending church, sending prayer requests with her and babysitting their daughter when Mariam attended Sabbath worship. A few months later, Mariam was baptized. Soon, things got complicated. Family members started complaining about Mariam’s baptism. When Mariam fasted with the church, her family refused to talk to her or eat her food. Her co-wife always made fun of her, joining with those who eat pork, don’t pray, and drink alcohol, eventually negatively influencing Kalilou’s position toward Mariam.

Mariam remained firm in her new faith. Meanwhile, Kalilou looked for ways to keep her away from the church, forbidding her from visiting Brother Yaya and his family, accusing her of committing adultery with him and encouraging rumors to spread like wildfire throughout town. People stared at her and talked about her everywhere she went.

Kalilou also involved Mariam’s parents in this matter. But firmly, Mariam told them, “I am ready to do anything to follow my religion, even if you disown me or it costs me my life.” Her fierce resistance to leaving her faith set Kalilou back for a while, and Mariam continued attending church.

Then one day, Mariam’s husband took a stick and beat her. He also attacked the evangelist, holding him responsible for the discord in the family. But Modibo, Kalilou’s elder brother, said to him, “Kalilou, do not attack the evangelist ever again.”He then instructed Brother Yaya to find a solution to the problem. “Sir, tell Mariam to follow her husband’s will and not to return to church.”

“Modibo,” Brother Yaya said, “Neither Kalilou nor anyone has a right to ban a person who wants to attend church. God has called them. And God has given me my mission in Bancoumana—to preach the gospel to everyone and welcome with open arms all who want to give their life to Christ.”

Seeing the seriousness of the situation, Modibo rushed to call an older man to intervene. Not long afterward, Mariam arrived at Brother Yaya’s place crying, with wounds all over her body. As she explained what happened, she said, “Kalilou threw my luggage outside. He said he can no longer live with me as long as I am a Christian.”

At eight o’clock that night, the older man came to see Brother Yaya, pleading for Mariam to return to her husband. After listening to Brother Yaya’s explanation, the man finally understood what was happening. “Please forgive everything Kalilou has done to Mariam,” the older man said. “But, please, may Mariam return to her home?”

On August 19, 2022, Brother Yaya and Mariam’s family were invited to a meeting at a councilor’s office. The councilor, to defend Islam, led the conference his way. He did not give the floor to Mariam or her husband to explain. He only listened to the intervention of Brother Yaya, who explained how he met Mariam, his family’s visits to her household, and her baptism.

“I can tell that you only speak the truth,” the councilor confirmed to everyone. “Please, though,” he continued, “I ask that you stop teaching Mariam if her husband is not in favor.”

Brother Yaya’s answer was as emphatically clear as it had been to Modibo previously. “No one has the authority to prevent God’s will. God led me to Bancoumana to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ—good news that targets everyone without exception.”

“Then, from this moment on, Mariam is forbidden to visit Christians,” the councilor said as he concluded the meeting.

Indeed Mariam was absent for a Sabbath. But the following week, she and her little girl were present at the service. In her testimonies, Mariam explained how she discussed the situation with her husband. “Husband, I have already embraced Christianity. No one forced me. It was my choice, and you have to respect my choice. Otherwise, you may seek a divorce.”

“Fine,” Kalilou replied, “Don’t ask my permission anymore when you want to go to church.”

Kalilou now allows Mariam to attend worship services on the Sabbath with their daughter, but he will not permit her to visit Brother Yaya. Please join us and the brothers and sisters of the congregation in prayer for Sister Mariam, Brother Yaya and the many who regularly face intimidation and persecution.

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