For over a decade, Horizons International’s Pure Heart TV has served as a guiding light for oppressed Middle Eastern women from non-Christian backgrounds. This online platform reaches more than 193,000 Facebook and 38,000 Instagram followers. Our dedicated team is ready to follow up with those who message, comment on content, or engage believers in discipleship. 

Today, we share Samar’s story, a Palestinian woman who contacted Pure Heart TV while experiencing overwhelming depression. She had been speaking with our social media follow-up facilitator for several months when the war broke out on October 7. 

By now, most people are aware of the events unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. Samar opened up about her financial struggles and a lack of support from her husband. She could not afford to pay for necessities, let alone send her children to school. Although she prayed, she had not yet had a personal encounter with Jesus.

She began daily conversations with our staff member, during which she continued to describe the chains she felt until she finally surrendered her life to Jesus.

Miraculously, as Samar embraced her newfound faith, doors began to open. The school provided stationery for her children, and she managed to save enough money to pay for their tuition. Her days became brighter, and she found joy in spreading the message of Christ, especially with an old Muslim lady. Tragically, as the war started, Samar’s cousin, whom she had led to Christ, died in the bombings. Yet, amidst the sadness, there was an undeniable sense of grace—her cousin had found salvation in Christ before her passing.

The social media follow-up team asks for prayers for Samar, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

“Right now, I don’t have any contact with Samar. I can’t reach her, and it’s been a month now. I really hope she’s not gone. I have this feeling that she might still be alive.” expressed our social media follow-up facilitator.

Another staff member, who’s also part of the social media follow-up team, shares another story emphasizing how the transformative impact of faith is evident with people returning after months, eager to know more about Jesus and the Gospel. One Yemeni woman seeking understanding—who is currently undergoing discipleship—discovered the truth by contrasting the Bible and the Qur’an and realized the special authority of Christ. Our staff member had already shared the good news with her 10 months ago, but that lady wasn’t responsive at first. As our staff member put it, she is witnessing how the Lord’s work never goes in vain as they adapt to the needs of those they serve. 

“These women are thirsty, and the harvest is plentiful. However, as we face persecution from time to time, we ask you to pray for strength and endurance to carry out the reaping.” She requested.

Amid trials and triumphs, Pure Heart continues to build relationships with women across the Middle East. The team is witnessing an unexpected surge in the number of women contacting Pure Heart TV to ask spiritual questions, study the Bible, or confess their sins, and many of them are giving their lives to Christ!