Faithfulness and Joy Amid OppressionExemplo

Standing Firm in Christ 

Kalimi Bibi has had a difficult life, but she and her husband are committed to Christ. They have struggled financially, never having enough to feed their four children or provide medical care for their mentally challenged daughter. In 2011, two of their children were killed in an accident. That same year, Kalimi’s husband suffered two heart attacks and had to stop working. Kalimi was tempted to give up on God many times, but she continued to trust that He would give her peace and rest. 

To help support the family, Kalimi worked as a housekeeper for a Muslim family. As she worked, Kalimi repeated Bible verses that she was memorizing. But when her employer heard her, he told her to stop. 

Her employer then began to harass her. “Accept Islam, then you will get peace and happiness in your life and home, and I will give you money for your family,” he told her. Kalimi told him she wouldn’t give up her faith in the Lord Jesus. Later, he began to abuse her physically and pressure her to accept Islam. When the man’s wife told Kalimi to just follow along, Kalimi told her, “I pray to the living God, and I cannot do this.” 

In 2012, Kalimi’s employer again tried to force her to accept Islam. This time he raped her and told her that if she told anyone he’d kill her. Fearing for her life, Kalimi told no one. Then, last year, it happened again. This time the man beat her severely before raping her. Kalimi told the man’s wife, but she didn’t believe Kalimi. She then quit her job. 

Last year, Christians from around the world heard about Kalimi’s family and helped with living expenses. They also helped them start a small convenience store to provide income. Her husband is physically unable to sit for long in the shop, so Kalimi and her son handle most of the work. Her daughter is in a special hostel for mentally challenged children and is able to attend school with assistance. 

Though life is still hard, the family’s faith remains solid. They regularly attend church and prayer meetings, and every Tuesday and Wednesday evening, Kalimi goes door to door with a group of women offering prayer. “Every Friday, I am fasting and praying as thanksgiving to the Lord and also praying for you who are helping me and my family,” she said. 

Being a martyr doesn’t always mean giving up your life. It simply means being a witness for Christ. Kalimi lived out her faith at her job. 

Dear Lord Jesus, we praise You that Kalimi stood firm in You even after she had experienced such trauma. We thank You that she remains faithful to You and continues to minister in Your name. We ask for Your grace and courage for her and other Pakistani women like her who face terrible treatment because they follow You. We know You weep for them, Jesus. You also weep for those who persecute them, and we pray for their salvation. Lord Jesus, may we be reminded of Kalimi’s bold witness today, inspiring us to be bold for You among our friends, family and neighbors. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Photo caption:  Kalimi and her daughter