Faith
Sudanese Pastor Jailed After Muslim Family’s Accusation
Faith Facts
- A Sudanese pastor was jailed after helping a young woman who turned to Christ.
- The woman’s family threatened the church and refuses to release the pastor.
- Church leaders urge international aid to protect converts facing danger in East Africa.
A Sudanese family expelled 18-year-old Amona Ibrahim Kaki from their home in a South Sudan refugee camp when she embraced Christianity. Pastor Joseph Shawish, who helped provide her refuge, was dragged to the camp police by a family member and remains in custody without charges.
Amona quietly turned to Christ after secretly reading the Bible and attending church; her decision led to threats and violence from her Muslim family. The local church faces increased hostility as the family blames them for her conversion and demands her return, but leaders refuse, citing concerns for her safety.
“I wouldn’t allow her to go back, because I know very well the reaction of the family,” said one church leader. “So, I want the girl to stay with me because she is very young, and it’s risky for her to return.”
Amona shared, “My mother took a stone and chased me away from the house, and my older brother told me that we will never stay together in one house, and that one of us must die. He said as long he is alive, he will never allow me to live in the house.”
Church leaders call on international organizations to help protect Christians who commit their lives to Christ in hostile environments. In a nation where Christians face persecution, believers must remain steadfast and uphold the values of faith, family, and freedom as guided by biblical truth.