Zaid* is a Yemeni Christian who came to faith from a Muslim background. When his dad found Zaid’s Bible, he beat him and kicked him out of the house. Here’s why Zaid is determined to keep following Jesus and how he wants to ‘strengthen what remains’ in Yemen.
*Name changed for security reasons.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Zaid
My vision is to live like Paul. He lived in a dangerous place just like I do. He was surrounded by Pharisees. I’m surrounded by extremists. Yet he transformed his community from darkness to light. This is what God has called me to do.
Zaid is a Yemeni believer. Under secure protection, he has agreed to share his story.
Growing up I prayed often. I went to the mosque and followed all the rituals to please God, but deep down I wasn’t convinced. I went online to read about other religions. They were kind, but I didn’t always believe them.
One night, God came to me in a dream. I was in a green place, I saw a bright light. It said ‘I left the 99 and came for you.’
I felt unspeakable joy. I knew I had encountered the true God. I tried to contact some people online to learn more about Christ. People reach out to me, but I was fearful to meet them. But when I read my Bible I always felt safe. Jesus told us that in this world we will have trouble but He told us not to worry.
I decided to get baptized. I met a man in the street and we walked to a public pool. There he quietly baptized me. Then we left right away. I never saw him again. That was the first time I met another Christian in my country.
My family noticed a change in me. One day my father found a Bible hidden in my room. He beat me, imprisoned me at home for three days and then kicked me out. I had nowhere to go, no food. I spent several nights on the street. I wondered if it was all worth it.
But I remembered the words of Jesus: ‘What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?’ I knew the cost was worth it.
I want to see God change my country. But in Yemen we cannot share our faith openly. We could be imprisoned, tortured or even killed. As a human I’m scared. But if fear traps us how will anything change? There are more than 40 million people here. My vision is for every town to have its own house church.
Your support strengthens me. Many believers have lost their families because of their faith but your prayers let us know we are not alone. Pray that Yemen will come to know Christ. If we don’t take risks we will never see change
People Interviewed and their Titles
Zaid* – name changed for security reasons.
Recording Location
Yemen
Organization featured in this Story
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
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