In a bustling Syrian marketplace, where ancient traditions blend with daily commerce, Ittack's skilled hands worked leather into practical beauty. Like generations before him, he followed the rhythms of Islamic life—daily prayers, community gatherings, family obligations. But beneath the familiar routines, questions stirred that would lead him down an unexpected path.
An Unexpected Encounter with a Christian
In the midst of the constant motion of market life, an unlikely friendship formed, and the bustling marketplace became holy ground. A man came up to Ittack asking for help finding some equipment, and soon, the two stuck up a friendship. Something about this man, Musa, intrigued Ittack—he had a constant, quiet peace about him.
Their conversations over leatherwork and tea gradually shifted from trade techniques to deeper waters—discussions of faith, purpose, and the nature of God's love. Through Musa's gentle witness, Ittack encountered a message that would transform his life: the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.
Musa told Ittack many things about the Lord as they worked together, and he helped Ittack find a church, which he soon joined. Soon, Ittack gave his heart to Christ!
his faith exposed...and a sword on his neck
For seven years, Ittack kept his faith a secret. But one day, his wife sensed that he was secretly attending church. He said that he was, and he shared the gospel with her...but she vehemently rejected him.
The entire family, who are strongly affiliated with ISIS, came around him and threatened to murder him for his faith. They put a sword to his neck and demanded that he say the Shahada, the Islamic confession of faith. When he refused, they relented...but forced him to divorce his wife.
He took his children with him and fled for his life to Lebanon. Yet geographical distance proved insufficient protection. His ex-wife's family, leveraging their extensive network through ISIS, tracked them down. In a calculated move, they forcibly took his children, using them as bait to lure Ittack back to Syria.
Imprisonment and torture
What followed was six months of imprisonment and torture, punctuated by a single repeated demand: renounce Christ and return to Islam. They said that if he would give up faith in Christ, he could return to his wife and see his children, whom he so dearly missed. However, Ittack refused. Frustrated, the authorities decided to release him after his wounds healed so that he had no way to prove he had been tortured.
After his release, the torment from his wife's family was relentless. Ittack tried to flee to Europe, but they monitored him and prevented his escape. When his father died, he returned to Syria for his funeral. However, his family filed a report against him that barred him from leaving the country.
Knowing that he would have to remain in Syria, he rejoined his old church. His faith had cost him everything, but he remained committed to Christ.
However, persecution continued...in drove. His faith was known throughout the town. He faced continuous persecution and harassment. His neighbors assaulted him, but he dropped the police complaint because he was afraid of what might happen. Then, his house was robbed, and extremists assaulted him again. Yet Ittack's faith was unwavering.
REBUILDING HIS LIFE AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING
When our Field Ministers met Ittack, they were moved by his steadfast faith in Christ after so much loss. They encouraged him in the Lord, and, knowing that the area he was living in was life-threatening, provided immediately-available Lightning Funds to help him rent an apartment for a month in a safe place while creating a plan for long-term stability.
Since then, we have, because of your faithful support, helped him find a safe place to live so that he can begin to work towards starting his own leatherworking business through our Enduring Livelihood Ministry.
For Ittack, it has been a huge relief to be in a place of safety. While the journey of healing and restoration continues, we are grateful that his faith in Christ remains as strong as ever. Because of your faithful prayers and generosity, he has been given new hope for his future!