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Christmas portrait of Elnura from Central Asia

2 min read

Elnura from wishes us a Happy Christmas from Central Asia

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Elnura from wishes us a Happy Christmas from Central Asia

For deaf Christians from a Muslim background, they have already faced difficulties from society because of their disability. Becoming a Christian then introduces them to the possibility of also facing persecution because of their faith - from their families and local communities. For the deaf Christian community, support and training is provided in many ways, through Open Doors, – income generating training, computer skills, how to repair mobile phone, beauty & make-up training and sign language training for hearing adults/children within families.

Elnura is a part of this deaf Christian community. With the sign language training course she followed, she now can communicate with other deaf children and adults. She also received a Christmas gift from Open Doors.

Christmas Gifts in Central Asia have for many years a huge impact on believers and non-believers. These projects contribute by providing Christmas Gifts during events for children and adults. These events are very important for the church, since they make it possible to:

  • Reach out; this is the only time when some families open their houses to allow brothers and sisters to come, especially poor families (which are the majority)
  • Visit those who left the church under pressure or for any other reason.
  • Visit orphanages and hospitals, with gifts and a Christmas program.
  • Encourage the children from (deaf) Christian families.

Naira: “I really see Elnura being more open because she received love and attention from the deaf Christian community. The Christmas gift really gave her the feeling that she is seen and loved, not only by us, but also from God. So many deaf children are ignored and not seen. Pray for many young girls like Elnura. Many of them are depressed and are not attending a school. Thank God that we meet them during our visits, and we can invite them to a sign language training. And by that we start to meet these vulnerable girls more often. They now also shared their traumas in abuse and beatings. My heart feels broken when I hear these stories. Please, pray for the young deaf girls, that they are safe and that they feel loved by us and God.”

*pseudonyms used

PLEASE PRAY

    • Thank God that the deaf community is more aware to pay attention to their children.
    • Thank God for the many informal meetings mentors like Naira has with young deaf girls, but also boys.
    • Pray for Elnura, that she may receive in what she needs to be a beloved child of God and a powerful member of the Deaf Christian community. Pray that God will lead her where she can serve other deaf children.
    • Pray for healing for the traumatized young girls. They are helped by Open Doors trauma counsellors.
    • Thank God for the impact of Christmas gifts, provided by Open Doors, in lives of deaf young people, who feel often ignored and not loved.

GIVE TODAY

Every PHP 2,250 provides trauma counselling to a

persecuted child, bringing hope and healing.

Every PHP 3,350 provides vital emergency food to three families affected by violent persecution.

Every PHP 4,700 gives a year’s education to a persecuted

child, helping them have a brighter future.

GIVE A GIFT