One week after Sabina* gave birth to her son, her husband abandoned her for being a Christian.
Earlier this year, Sabina (29) from Bangaldesh gave birth to a baby boy. On the seventh day after the birth, her husband left her, accusing her of being a Christian and saying he could not continue the marriage. Besides being a new mother, she had no income and is now placed in an extremely vulnerable position.
In Bangladesh, a woman may have higher education, financial freedom, and emotional strength, but full independence in decision-making is not always guaranteed. Often, women still depend on the male members of their lives—sometimes their father, sometimes their brother, and after marriage, in most cases, their husband.
Where do Christians experience the
most persecution?
Sabina first learned about Christianity while studying for her degree and working in a Christian organization. Her employer was involved in social work and welcomed people of all faith backgrounds. Through this, she came to know Christian people and their culture, and she loved it. Gradually, she began learning about Christ.
She had married a Muslim man, and was hoping for a life filled with love and stability. After her graduation, she left her job at the Christian organization and worked for one year on a government contractual project. After her contract ended, she began to notice changes in her husband and later realized that he had married her mainly because she had a stable job.
Despite this, she chose to stay with him and moved near the capital of Bangladesh, where her husband opened a tea stall business. Sabina became a housewife.
A local evangelist who works in that area used to visit the tea stall and shared the Good News with both of them. Her husband rejected it, but Sabina, already familiar with the Christian faith, became more interested. Over time, she accepted Christ.
I do not know how I will survive with my child alone, or how I will continue my faith in Him."
However, her husband did not accept this and did not allow her to meet the evangelist. Despite these challenges, Sabina continued to attend church secretly from time to time. The church pastor and the evangelist warned her that if her husband found out, the consequences could be serious. Still, she chose to continue learning about the Lord.
Since her husband left, she has been unable to contact him. Sabina shared, “Now I am living with my brother and mother, who are not believers. My brother’s financial situation is not good, and I have become an added burden to them. I do not know how I will survive with my child alone, or how I will continue my faith in Him.”
An Open Doors partner is standing with her in this challenging time through prayer and providing emergency food support for her and her baby.
Will you pray for them today?
Pray
Pray that God will provide for Sabina and her baby, meeting their daily needs and giving them stability. Pray that God will protect her and place supportive people around her during this difficult time.
Pray that Sabina will remain strong in her faith despite rejection and hardship. May the Lord encourage her heart.
Pray that her husband and family members may come to understand the truth and that their hearts may be softened.
*representative name and image used
