A Story From the Middle East
Iran can be a very difficult country for girls like Mitra.* Mitra’s father cursed her for being a girl and for bringing shame upon his family. She could feel his disappointment and anger even from the time she was just a child. He finally forced Mitra to marry a man who treated her no better. She felt like she was constantly being raped and abused. Mitra was only 13 years old.
Another Voice Enters Her Prayers
Despite her difficult situation, Mitra did her best to survive. Her marriage bore her three sons, and she continued with her daily Islamic prayers. She read her Koran and traveled several times to Mecca. However, life became even more hopeless: her father, brother and husband were eventually all killed by the Islamic government of Iran. Her prayers intensified until one morning, when her heart became filled with something very different. Instead of the name Mohammad on her lips, she began to repeat the word Isa — the Muslim word for Jesus. Mitra immediately felt His presence. Jesus permeated her thoughts, and she wanted to learn more. She found a Bible written in Farsi and would read it secretly in the bathroom. The fear of being discovered as a Christ-follower was too great a risk.
“I want the Word of God not only for me but also for my children’s children and all generations to come.”
Mitra became angry and frustrated at not being able to share her faith. The unavoidable persecution from her family and community was too great a risk. She made the very difficult decision to leave Iran and relocate to another country where she could practice her newfound faith.
But the cost was great. Mitra has not seen her family or her sons in nearly 12 years. “I miss my sons so much,” Mitra shares. “But then, how much greater does God miss His own children?”
Finding Purpose and Power
Mitra’s love for Jesus and her zeal for His Word led her to a group of other believers who were translating the Bible. God has given her the gift of linguistics, and today, she and hundreds of other translators continue to translate for more than 60 languages spoken in the Islamic Republic of Iran that are still in need of Scripture. The risks remain great, and the sacrifices are overwhelming. But Mitra’s hope is to see the Bible in her own language. She prays that day would come soon.
A Celebration of Miracles
Recently, in an undisclosed country, an amazing gathering took place to celebrate the translation work being done for Iran. Despite pressure from local Islamic authorities and constant police raids, hundreds of translators came together to see the Word come alive, releasing the first texts of these translations. There was worship and prayer, joyful dancing and shouts of praise to God. It was an epic celebration of the constant work of His people to see His Word in every language.
And among the small crowd, Mitra was there.
*Pseudonym