When Shana and her family decided to follow Christ, she knew it could be costly.
Neighbors in her village were furious that they left Islam. What she did not expect was they would one day falsely accuse her young son of a serious crime to punish them.
Shana is a kind lady who teaches Sunday School in her village. Her sweet smile and joy are contagious. Since her husband’s stroke, she is the primary breadwinner for her family.
No one could tell by looking at her what her family has gone through. Two years ago they were terrified and on the run.
When an older man in the village was accused of seducing a girl from another village, Shana’s neighbors seized an opportunity. They falsely accused her young son of being connected to the crime and convinced the girl’s parents to file a police report against him on a charge equivalent to human trafficking.
The innocent boy faced six months in jail. Worse, the accusation alone could follow him forever, destroying his reputation, education and job prospects, future, and his life.
The threat forced their family into hiding. They moved every night to stay safe.
Christian Freedom International provided shelters and hired a lawyer. Our co-worker arranged a meeting with the girl’s parents who did not know Shana, her son, or the motives behind the accusation. When they learned the truth, they asked the police to remove the boy’s name from the case.
Shana and her family were able to return home and resume their children’s ministry. Her small home is once again a place of light in her village.
Shana and her son are free today because believers like you stood with them.
Shana expressed her appreciation for supporting her family during their ordeal:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak.
I received your help during our time of danger.
One year ago, my son was falsely accused by our neighbors in a case.
My son was in sixth grade at that time. My family and I suffered a lot. We were very scared, hopeless and worried about his life. My son could not go to school or outside. He could not stay at home. If this case had gone on, we would have been destroyed.
We did not have the strength and money to handle this case. We prayed to the Lord and asked for help. By the grace of the Lord, CFI extended its helping hand like an angel to our side. Then we saw a ray of hope.
If CFI had not helped to remove his name from the case, we would have been destitute. I and my family are eternally grateful and thank CFI. I hope that CFI will be by our side for the rest of our lives.
Please pray for courage for Christians like Shana’s family. Their ordeal sent a chilling warning to other Christians that at any time, false accusations can strip everything away.
But it also brought encouragement. They see they are not alone. They are part of one body in Christ, supported by brothers and sisters like you who will not turn away.
Your gift can provide safe shelter, legal aid, and courageous advocacy when persecution strikes. You help to protect families when faith puts them in danger. And you help ensure that God’s love continues to shine, even in dark places.
Hebrews 11:1 comes alive in Shana’s house church where God’s Word inspires unshakable faith.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”