• 26 min
Women in the Islamic World: Persecution, Faith, and Hope with Leila from Lebanon
Prisoners of Hope
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You can watch the podcast in video format here.
Joshua Youssef sits down with Leila from Help The Persecuted's Lebanon office to explore the unique challenges faced by Christian women in the Islamic world. From inheritance laws to civil rights, Leila shares eye-opening insights about how women are viewed and treated differently in Islamic countries...all the more so if they profess faith in Jesus Christ. Hear incredible stories of transformation, including a former female suicide bomber who found Christ, and learn how Help the Persecuted provides safe houses and support for vulnerable women and children fleeing persecution.
Episode Highlights
[00:42] - "It's a Man's World"
- Discussion of women's legal status in Arab countries
- Inheritance laws and naming rights
- How Lebanon compares to other Middle Eastern nations
[02:49] - Civil Rights and Marriage
- Limitations on civil marriage in Lebanon
- Women's inheritance rights
- Personal story of a woman questioning religious inequality and coming to faith
[07:29] - Safe Houses and Protection
- How Help The Persecuted protects vulnerable women
- Story of a Yemeni woman who found safety and faith
[11:22] - From Terrorist to Believer
- Incredible testimony of a former female suicide bomber from Iraq
- Her conversion experience and current nursing studies
- The voice that called her back from violence
[14:00] - Ministry to Children
- Sunday school programs and Bible story resources
- Church involvement and special programs
- Support through illustrated books and activities
[15:14] - Lebanese Church Response
- Initial hesitation toward Muslim-background believers
- Growing acceptance as refugee crisis expanded
[17:25] - Personal Faith Impact
- How serving persecuted Christians strengthened Leila's faith
- Testimonies of gratitude despite poverty
- Examples of faith in extreme hardship
[19:50] - Dreams for the Future
- Vision for an educational center for refugee women and children
- Focus on English language education
- Addressing transportation and accessibility challenges
[20:59] - Thanks and Prayer
- Josh and Leila express thanks to each other
- They end in a time of prayer