Following our recent post about how women in the Middle East are discovering Christ through the Pure Heart TV ministry, our social media follow-up team leader shares Samar’s story.

Since the start of the war on October 7, daily life in Gaza has become fraught with fear, uncertainty, and tragedy. As team leader for our social media follow-up, I connected with a lady by the name of Samar through our Pure Heart page, where she recounted her traumatic wartime experiences.

Last July, Samar bravely opened up about the emotional stress she was under, her struggle with her faith, and her perception of an unjust God. Despite her despair, a video discouraging suicide brought her some peace and motivated her to seek support. 

Later that year, she detailed her life as a married mother of three, working at a medical center to support her family, and dealing with marital issues. She talked about her initial faith and feeling disconnected from God. However, after accepting Jesus, she found a renewed sense of hope. Over the next few days, I discipled her, offered emotional support, and witnessed first-hand how she had grown in the Lord.

On August 22, she recounted a miraculous event that strengthened her faith in Jesus. Despite her financial struggles, Samar aided an elderly Muslim woman who needed medication. Samar used her last funds to help this woman, even though she couldn’t afford to buy stationery for her children’s schooling. She felt a strong need to give all the money she had to the ill woman. Unexpectedly, her children’s school decided to cover her stationery costs, which convinced her that Jesus was real and cared for her. 

On September 18, she shared her experience of sensing Jesus’s presence and guidance in times of fear. Our conversations continued, even with interruptions due to her son becoming sick.

However, the outbreak of war on October 9  led to urgent prayers for Samar’s safety and protection. Tragically, the next day, she reported the heartbreaking news of her cousin’s death and the destruction of her home by bombings. One small miracle occurred before her cousin’s death—Samar had spoken to her about Jesus, which led to her cousin’s salvation! Sadly, as fear escalated, our communication dwindled, and Samar eventually went missing. 

On February 20, 2024, Samar contacted me from a church shelter, confirming her family’s safety but expressing profound despair. Despite her hardships, her request for prayers demonstrated her continuing faith. Currently, Samar’s mental health is severely affected, understandably so.

Let us pray for a ceasefire and for the safety of Samar’s family and all families in Gaza. May Samar rise from this ordeal as a living testament to God’s glory.