3/3/2025 Egypt (International Christian Concern) — Although he was raised in a Muslim family in Egypt, Anwar felt that God had a different plan for his life, even from an early age.
As he grew up, he became convinced that the God he had read about in the Quran was not the true God. He soon developed an interest in Christianity. As he read Christian literature and watched Christian programming on Satellite TV, he decided to follow Jesus in 2012. Five years later, his wife, Hana, put her trust in Christ, too. The couple is now raising their 7-year-old daughter as a Christian.
“Since becoming Christians, we have attended Bible study groups with devoted believers,” Anwar said. “We have kept our faith hidden for years, but we know that eventually, we may have to face the consequences if our secret is revealed. We understand that following Christ comes at a cost, and we are prepared for it.”
To earn income, Anwar works as a security guard. He also helps a friend make pastries twice a week for extra income. He and his wife live near their families and relatives visit them often. Recently, their daughter started talking about Jesus and praying in front of her cousins, raising concerns among relatives.
Fearing for their safety under Sharia law, Anwar sought help to rent an apartment away from their families. The move would also help alleviate transportation costs, as they hope to find a new home closer to their daughter’s school.
In February 2023, an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer learned about the family’s challenges and helped them relocate to a safer place and covered their rent for six months.
“Now, as always, I can acknowledge that God always cares about me and my living conditions,” Anwar said. “At a time when everyone was complaining about high prices and poverty, God was saying to me, ‘Don’t worry about anything. I will provide for you, your home, your daughter, and your wife.’ God met our needs even before we needed them. Thanks to your help, we can pray and praise God in our home without fear or restrictions, and we can host a meeting that serves believers from a Muslim background. Thanks to you, I can provide for my family without financial pressures.”
A few months later, ICC staffers learned that Anwar had been laid off and, lacking a permanent contract, he had no benefits. We brainstormed ways to help him support his family. Since he is skilled in making baked goods, we provided him with the necessary equipment for his project. Now, Anwar is successfully making and selling food.
“Although the high rents and living costs posed challenges, the service provided us with the necessary tools for preparing food at home, including making pizza and sweets, which greatly helped us to make a living,” he said. “I am grateful to have supportive brothers and sisters in the Lord now.”
To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email [email protected].
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