Here is a story of a young girl, Azerbaijan, who was recently kicked out of school for standing up for her faith in Jesus. She chose to share the truth even though it cost her. I am in awe of her courage and commitment to Jesus. The four children listened to the pastor visiting their home in Azerbaijan. The pastor explained to the children’s father how Jesus saves people from sin.
But the children were not really paying attention, except for the youngest daughter, Sara. Sara was amazed at the pastor’s story of salvation. She did not want to miss a word.
But the children were not really paying attention, except for the youngest daughter, Sara. Sara was amazed at the pastor’s story of salvation. She did not want to miss a word.
Trouble at School
Sara decided to follow Jesus and accept His offer of salvation. She could not keep silent about her new faith! That is what got her in trouble.
One day, when Sara was 16, she talked about her faith in school. Her teacher said, “All the other students follow Muslim traditions. But you do not!”
Sara was silent.
A friend of Sara’s stood up. But he did not help her. Instead, he scolded her and told her that her faith was wrong and that Islam was right. (Islam is the religion of Muslims.)
Another student stood up and tried to make peace. He said that one student was calling people to Islam, and Sara was calling people to Christianity. The “peacemaker” said both of them were calling people to God, so both were fine.
The classroom was quiet. The problem seemed to be solved.
Then Sara said quietly, “That’s not right.”
“What’s not right?” asked the surprised teacher.
Sara answered, “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ No one can come to God except through Jesus. I do not accept any other way.”
“Go away!” the teacher said to Sara. “Go away now!”
Sara ran out of the room.
Expelled
On Monday when Sara returned to school, the teacher sent her to the principal. Sara told the principal about her faith.
“I am older than you,” said the Muslim principal. “I know more than you do.”
“God reveals Himself to people of all ages,” said Sara.
“You talk way too much!” the principal said. Then he kicked her out of school for good.
Sara cried as she left the school. On the way home, she met a Christian from her church and told him what happened. “The Lord is above all,” said her friend. “I know He will be with you.”
A worker from The Voice of the Martyrs visited Sara in Azerbaijan and encouraged her. “What do you want to do when you grow up?” he asked her.
“I want to love God,” Sara answered.
Ask God to continue to encourage Sara. Pray that school teachers and principals who do not know Him will open their hearts to His love.
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