The testimony of a Christian girl is a clear demonstration of how much Christians suffer persecution and oppression in Muslim-majority countries, such as Egypt, where the 14-year-old girl lives with her parents and two 8-year-old twin brothers.
The girl’s problems began when she transferred to a public school after her parents had twins. Due to financial limitations, the young girl attended a school where she shared a room with 70 othre students.
Only she, however, was Christian. All the other students and teachers were Muslim, which until then would not have been a problem if she had been respected, but that is not what happened.
“Bullying and harassment were common practices,” Abertas told Portas. “I tried to adapt, but I felt alone. I felt useless to my parents or to God.”
Insults
The young girl’s biggest problem, however, was the insults she suffered in class. A place that should have been safe for her ended up becoming a hostile environment.
“I was the only Christian in my class, all the girls wore Islamic clothes. Most of the teachers were extremists who apparently hated Christians. My friends made fun of me,” he said.
“I have been hurt by harsh stares and verbal harassment. A teacher insulted me in front of everyone and intimidated me into wearing a headscarf. So I isolated myself, trying to avoid problems,” added the young woman.
Due to the persecution, the Christian girl developed psychological consequences such as anxiety and panic attacks. The situation only improved when the employees of Doors open they intervened, welcoming the young woman into a church and speaking with her parents.
Currently, the minor, whose name has not been revealed for security and privacy reasons, participates in a discipleship group at a local church, and now feels welcomed, loved and empowered to face the challenges of persecution.see also:
How can communities support Christians experiencing persecution in opposed environments?
Interview: understanding the Persecution of Christians in Muslim-Majority Countries
Editor at Time.news: Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about the personal experiences of Christian students, like the 14-year-old girl in Egypt, who suffer persecution in Muslim-majority countries?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The situation for Christian students in regions where islam is the predominant religion can be extremely challenging. Take, for example, this girl’s experience in Egypt, where she was the only Christian in a public school filled with 70 other students. This stark reality of isolation frequently enough leads to bullying and harassment,making an environment that should nurture education end up feeling hostile.
Editor: It sounds profoundly distressing.What specific kinds of bullying and harassment have you observed in similar cases?
Expert: In the young girl’s case, she experienced not only verbal abuse but also intimidation from teachers—an indication of systemic bias. Insults from peers and pressure to conform, like being compelled to wear a headscarf, exacerbate feelings of being unwelcome. Such experiences can lead to serious psychological consequences—she reported developing anxiety and panic attacks, reflecting a broader trend among those subjected to religious persecution.
Editor: That’s heartbreaking. What support systems exist to help individuals facing this kind of persecution?
Expert: Fortunately, organizations such as Doors Open work to offer assistance. They provide safe spaces, like churches, where affected individuals can find community support. In this instance, the church environment helped our young girl regain her sense of belonging and empowerment. Initiatives like discipleship groups not only offer spiritual upliftment but also foster resilience against the challenges of persecution.
Editor: What implications does this have for the broader community, and how can we raise awareness about thes issues?
Expert: This situation highlights a critical need for social awareness regarding the persecution faced by Christians in Muslim-majority countries. By educating the public through testimonies—like the one we’ve shared—we can foster understanding and empathy. Raising awareness can lead to advocacy for protective measures and policy changes that safeguard religious freedoms globally.
Editor: What practical advice would you give to families of Christian children in similar situations?
Expert: First, it’s crucial for parents to maintain open lines of interaction with their children, ensuring they feel safe sharing their experiences.Encouraging involvement in supportive religious communities can provide necessary emotional and spiritual resources.Additionally, seeking professional help from counselors who understand the nuances of religious persecution can be immensely beneficial in managing psychological impacts.
Editor: Thank you for your insights. It’s essential that we continue to bring attention to these issues and support those facing persecution.
Expert: Absolutely. Awareness is the first step towards creating change and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect for all religions.