My key chain

I have a key chain. It's a green key chain. It's a beautiful key chain. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

One of the most heart-wrenching scenarios that VOMC covers is the frequent abduction of Christian girls. They're sold or otherwise forced into marriages that often become their worst nightmare. For quite some time, I prayed that they would be released... and I stopped there. What else could I pray for? I thought the only hope for these girls would be their complete and unconditional release.

Then the Lord pointed to the children that they would inevitably have, and I started to pray for them. I remembered Paul's admonition to women that they should maintain a quiet and gentle spirit and in so doing hold some hope of seeing their unbelieving husbands come to Christ.

Enter VOMC's monthly publication from May, 2018. As I read of North Korean women who were sold into marriages with Chinese men¹, I realized again just how crucial the ministry of a Christian sex slave can be. Dr. Eric Foley of VOM Korea shared the story of MG. Although she was forced into a marriage she didn't want, shares a house with a man who sometimes treats her poorly and lives much of her life in secrecy because she's an "illegal," she shares Christ at every opportunity.

Then I thought of my key chain. Why my key chain? Well, I recently attended a women's retreat where we focused on persecuted believers and how we can support them. The organizer had poured endless hours and every bit of her energy into the weekend. As part of our gift packages, we were given resin tags hand made by this lovely lady. Each of the tags has the name of a persecuted sister on one side, and a verse on the other side.

Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance.
(Hebrews 6:12 NLT)

We received the tag on a beautiful ribbon, decorated with bling and attached to a little beaded cross. I decided to shorten the ribbon and tie it to my keys. Well, the rigors of residing in my purse rendered the ribbon short-lived (sorry Vanessa) and the cross is getting  a little stretched. I'll be putting the cross on a simple chain to hang around my neck, but I've simply attached the tag to my keys. Every time I pull out my keys, it's a visible reminder to pray for "my gal." Her name is Hanan Girgis.

Hanan Adly Girgis
Photo: World Watch Monitor

Hanan's story struck me especially hard when I read about it. I'd read about other girls who had been kidnapped and forced into abusive marriages, but Hanan's story brought tears to my eyes every time I remembered her. When I looked up her name during the weekend retreat, I realized that it was no happenstance that placed her name in my hands on a daily basis. How will I pray for her in light of everything I've learned recently? I'll continue to pray that she'll be released to her heartbroken family. I will certainly pray for her safety. I also find coming before God with these requests:

• "Cause her to look into the eyes of her little ones and long to share You with them. Give her the courage to do so and wisdom in how she brings them the gospel."
• "I pray that her husband will see the character of Christ in her and be drawn to the One who alone can bring satisfaction and peace."
•  "Provide Your Word, whether that's in a secret place on the way to the market or in a hidden corner of the house, or eventually in the open with her newly redeemed husband."
• "Bring her to other Christian women who are in a similar situation, even if she meets them when being forced to go to a mosque."
• "Give her perseverance in her faith. Please do not allow her to grow weary, but to cast herself on the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain her in the faith of her fathers."
• "Comfort her and let her know that she is most certainly not forgotten. She is loved. She is Your princess. Reassure her of this."

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¹Ask to read my copy of the May 2018 publication from The Voice of the Martyrs Canada. Subscribe to it here).