Jerome comes from a very influential Muslim family.  Two members of his mother’s family are in the Parliament.  Jerome became a secret Believer in Jesus Christ and had to flee for his life when his family found out that he had left Islam. His father said, “You are no longer my son.  Just go away and stay away.”

A Christian who befriended Jerome helped him to settle in the North and even helped him to start a small business, a shop of some sort.  Jerome found a place to live, got married, and had 3 children.  A jealous competitor claimed that Jerome did not have a license to have a shop.  Jerome was convicted (although he was innocent) and was required to pay a fine and spend one month in prison. 

Jerome’s wife, who is illiterate, was frightened by this turn of events and told him upon his return that she didn’t want to live under these circumstances with the unrest and insecurity.  He tried to assuage her but she was inconsolable.  She called her family who began bargaining with Jerome.  She wanted a divorce and dowry (money).  Jerome was devastated, as he loved his wife and children dearly.  He wanted to keep the 3 children from 2 to 4 years of age.  His wife agreed to let the two older girls stay with their father, but wanted $1,000 to release the little boy to him. 

Jerome went on to raise the children alone.  His identity papers still state that he is a Muslim because Muslims are not allowed to change their religious identities.  This means that his children must attend compulsory Muslim religious classes and pass exams in Islam even though at home they are taught Christianity.

Please pray for Jerome as he raises his children alone and develops his faith in Christ and passes it on to those kids.

A Ministry to Persecuted Christians