• 27 min
The Widow's List
Prisoners of Hope
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When a widow's husband is murdered for his faith, she's left with seven children and a death threat. When explosions strike near Yasmin's home and doctors say her son won't survive, she makes a desperate prayer that changes everything. When Bushra's husband dies, she can't even afford to bury him.
Joshua Youssef and Samar share stories from our Widow's List ministry—a high-risk ministry rescuing widows who face double persecution as women in Islamic societies and believers in Christ. Hear how sustainable businesses are breaking poverty cycles and reaching entire families with the gospel where such work can mean imprisonment or death.
Show Notes:
Persecution Hotspot: Women in the Middle East (0:44-3:49)
- Women seen as "half of a man" in Islamic societies
- Loss of husband means immediate loss of financial stability, social standing, and legal rights
- Christian convert widows face double persecution for faith and gender
- Increased vulnerability to exploitation without male protection
- Introduction to Help The Perseucted's Widow's List Ministry
- Samar joins as ministry leader
From the Frontlines: Growing Up as a Woman in Muslim Culture (4:17-9:00)
- Joshua's personal story: Egyptian aunts inherited 50% of what uncles inherited
- Samar's perspective on Middle Eastern women as "second citizens"
- Women's identity and status entirely tied to husbands
- Ministry helps women understand their worth in God's eyes
Bushra's Story (9:00-12:44)
- Lebanese widow with three daughters, persecuted in Egypt
- Ministry paid funeral expenses, opened a shop for income
- Store now generates enough for tuition, rent, and living expenses
- Breaking the cycle of poverty through sustainable business
The Extra Risk: Women and Children (13:25-16:13)
- Greater legal restrictions on evangelizing women and children under 18
- Story of martyred husband's widow with seven children
- Dangerous six-hour rescue operation by field team
- "It's worth it" - saving whole family for Christ
Yasmin's Story: From Iraq to Restoration (16:13-19:32)
- Lost husband to stroke, son injured in explosion
- Prayed: "Lord, if you heal my son, he's yours"
- Fled Iraq, came to church exhausted wearing all black
- Ministry provided year-long support including eye surgery
- Doctor amazed at healing speed: "Your funds brought my sight back"
Prayer Segment (19:32-22:07)
- Prayer requests: reach people where they are, right timing for provision
- Protection for team doing high-risk work
- Thanksgiving for being God's hands and feet
Questions from Listeners (22:18-25:55)
- Rescue, Restore, Rebuild explained
- What persecuted Christians teach about faith
Connect with Us:
- Submit questions: podcast@htp.org
- Support persecuted believers through Help The Persecuted: htp.org/donate