It was 2 AM when my phone buzzed. The voice on the other end trembled: “They know. My family found out. I don’t know where to go.” This wasn’t the first time I’d received a call like this, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. For many converts, this is the harsh reality. Fear, rejection, and danger lurking at every turn.
If you’re supporting someone in this situation, you might feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next. Let’s walk through it together.
1. Acknowledge the Fear
Fear is a survival instinct. For converts, fear often stems from very real threats—honor-based violence, community ostracization, or even legal consequences. The first step in supporting them is acknowledging that their fear is valid. Don’t dismiss it with platitudes or overly optimistic reassurances. Instead, be present. Listen. Sometimes, simply knowing someone is standing with them can be the strongest antidote to fear.
2. Provide Safe Spaces
Whether it’s a literal safe house or a trusted community, converts need places where they can breathe freely and worship without fear. In some cases, this might mean helping them relocate, even if temporarily. In others, it could involve connecting them with underground church networks or trusted believers who understand the risks.
3. Navigate Family Rejection
One of the deepest wounds for a convert is family rejection. In Middle Eastern cultures, family is everything—losing that bond can feel like losing part of oneself. Encourage them to grieve this loss. It’s not just a relational break; it’s a death of sorts. Offer consistent support, reminding them that while they may have lost earthly family, they’ve gained a spiritual one that stretches across borders and cultures.
4. Practical Steps for Protection
Help them think through practical safety measures. This could include:
- Changing phone numbers or using encrypted communication apps.
- Avoiding predictable routines.
- Securing sensitive documents.
- Learning basic self-defense or situational awareness techniques.
While trusting God’s protection is essential, taking wise, precautionary steps is equally biblical. Remember, even Jesus fled to Egypt as a child to escape danger.
5. Spiritual Encouragement in the Storm
In the midst of fear and danger, it’s easy to feel spiritually dry or abandoned. Regularly remind converts of God’s promises. Share stories of biblical figures who faced persecution—like Paul, who wrote some of his most powerful letters from prison. Encourage them to find solace in Scripture, worship, and prayer, even when it feels hard.
6. Stand with Them Long-Term
Support doesn’t end after the initial crisis. Walk with them through the long road of healing and adjustment. This might involve helping them find new employment if their job was jeopardized, connecting them with counseling resources, or simply being a consistent friend.
Conclusion: The Power of Presence
Supporting persecuted converts isn’t about having all the answers or solutions. It’s about presence—standing in the gap, offering a shoulder to lean on, and being the hands and feet of Jesus in their darkest moments.
That midnight call reminded me of one thing: no one should have to walk through fear, rejection, and danger alone. And with God’s grace, we can be the lifeline they need to hold onto hope.
The Basin and Towel 