Daughters of Hope: Stories of Witness Courage in the Face of Persecution

by Kay Marshall Strom, Michele Rickett

Throughout the world today, Christians continue to face intense persecution, and Christian women are often the most vulnerable. In Pakistan, Christian girls are systematically kidnapped, tortured and raped. In China, underground church leaders are sent to labor camps for hosting illegal home meetings. In Sudan, Christian women are captured and sold into slavery or mutilated and left to die. And in many Muslim countries, a woman can be killed by her husband or father for converting to Christianity. In this deeply moving book, Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett tell the stories of persecuted Christian women from around the world. From Africa to the Middle East to Asia, they give voice to our sisters persevering under the yoke of oppression and injustice. Each section provides specific prayer points and practical action steps to equip us to respond to the issues at hand. Above all, these stories remind us that suffering is part of the call of followers of Jesus. The challenges do not mean that God has abandoned us. Rather, God is active and present with his suffering people. Do not be discouraged. Take heart from these daughters of hope.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Kay Marshall Strom is the author of forty published books. Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, curriculum, stories for children, two prize-winning screenplays, and booklets for writers. Kay speaks at seminars, retreats, and special events throughout the country. She and her husband Dan Kline love to travel, and more and more Kay’s writing and speaking take her around the word.

Reviews

[Catchastar · Rating 4 out of 5]

disturbing. i cried. it makes our american version of Christianity seem so shallow and cheap, and brings up the question: do we really know what it is to be a Christian? have we been threatened with death if we refuse to renounce Christ? or are we just following along because everybody else does it?

[Jacqui Harbinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the world today Christians continue to face intense persecution and Christian women are often the most vulnerable. In this deeply moving book the writers tell us stories of persecuted women from around the globe. Although this book is 20 years old it's message is still applicable today. It is sobering to think that in our comfort and ease many in other parts of our world are suffering simply for believing in Christ as Saviour. We are truly blessed in our country but with such blessing comes responsibility. It is easy to get overwhelmed reading these stories and think we cannot do anything to help these situations. But each one of us can do something. The bible proves that over and over again. Just think of the stories of Abigail and Esther or even the Samaritan woman in John 4. We all have a part to play in making the needs of the persecuted known whether it is financially supporting projects or praying for those suffering in prisons or even in going to help practically. This book has challenged me personally and I believe has stirred me out of my comfort zone. Nothing I face daily compares to the struggles some of these people face for simply following Christ. I believe it is important that we lift up our eyes and see what is happening around the world to our brothers and sisters in Christ. In doing so our perspective would change so dramatically that we would want to do something ... anything to help!

[Janet Maisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

All over the world, women and girls face starvation, displacement, illiteracy, sexual exploitation and abuse. Statistics show that the world’s most oppressed are overwhelmingly female.

This book tells stories of deep pain, inspiring courage and hard-won hope. They are stories of God working through compassionate people to rescue and restore lives, creating new paths.

Addressing physical suffering, education, sexual protection, prison, war and spiritual life, the authors provide practical action steps and prayer points that open avenues for you to get involved as God leads. Read, speak and pray that the forgotten might be free.

"This is a moving and inspiring collection of personal stories about real girls from Asia to Africa surviving violence, abuse, discrimination and injustice . . . and the role of God's hand in turning lives of desperation into lives of hope. Marshall-Strom and Rickett make the facts and sociocultural realities of their worlds come alive, and they challenge us to question our own assumptions about whether or not any single person can make a difference. . . . Everyone's help is needed to truly end this oppression and abuse."

—Dean Hirsch, president, World Vision International

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible stories of faithfulness by women today living in cirumstances and situations, I can't imagine. How grateful I am to live in the US

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories and insights were amazing, though the writing was not the best. Definitely recommend.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and heart breaking. Recommend it to any sister in Christ. Really opens your eyes.