How this young believer transformed into a bold witness for Jesus in Southeast Asia

“That day, I started walking in the fear of the Lord, not the fear of men.” —Fiona* in Southeast Asia

The day Fiona shares about was the first time this usually reserved young woman from Southeast Asia (we can’t specify the specific country for security reasons) stood up for her faith.

She was at her job when her Muslim colleagues initiated a conversation about religion, once again targeting Christianity.

That important day, Fiona refused to remain silent. Instead, she spoke boldly: “Your statements are speculative and false,” she told them. And rather than retaliate, the group quickly dispersed. Since then, Fiona says her colleagues have refrained from mocking her faith.

Where Fiona lives, Christians are the minority, considered “infidels” or traitors in the Muslim-majority culture. The challenges that believers face in their daily lives can be overwhelming. Legal restrictions on women’s rights, workplace discrimination and diverse social perceptions of women’s roles and rights create a complex environment.

Seeing the need to equip Christian youth and young adults to respond to and withstand these cultural challenges, Open Doors’ local partners launched an in-depth Bible study program to give young believers like Fiona a deeper understanding of the Word of God, because the confrontation that Fiona faced isn’t unique.

Frequently, believers in this country find themselves confronted with questions about the Trinity and other aspects of the Christian faith. They need a biblical foundation to respond to these questions. The Bible study program focuses on understanding Scripture, using historical context and in-depth study of the passages. The goal is to empower participants to respond to these questions whilst fostering an environment of understanding and compassion.

Reflecting on the recent incident at her job, Fiona recognizes that her newfound strength came not from her own resolve but from the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. She is thankful for the program organizers and the profound impact this deep dive into the Scriptures has made on her faith journey, enabling her to rise above adversity and boldly defend her beliefs while nurturing a stronger spiritual connection.

Before participating in the program, she didn’t feel confident enough in her knowledge of the Bible to defend her faith, particularly when her Muslim colleagues bombarded her with questions about the Trinity.

Her transformation is evident. Fiona has also become a beacon of hope for a friend struggling with their sexual identity. Her unwavering acceptance and love for her friend have created a safe space where they can discuss their problems and difficulties.

“My friend asked me, ‘Why do you accept me when everyone else pushes me away?’” Fiona shares. “I told her, ‘My faith teaches me to love everyone regardless of their background.’”

Thank God for the work that’s being done in Southeast Asia! Through your prayers and gifts, Open Doors’ partners are empowered and resourced to respond to needs of believers and start a Bible study program like this one—equipping them to be both salt and light in their communities.