Twenty years ago, when Hana was six, her father, Tekleab, was imprisoned because of his work for the Lord. He was a doctor in Eritrea, Africa, but it was his ministry there as a church leader and Christian writer that sent him to prison. With a strong faith, he counted the cost of serving Jesus and prepared for what might come to pass. To this day, he has not been released. About her father, Hana says that she deals with the heartache and hardships by “looking at tomorrow and saying, ‘I trust you, Lord. I trust that your will will happen in his life, whether it is to glorify you by his imprisonment or to glorify you by coming out in the future or even glory in death and in suffering.’” Hana believes that God is sovereign and knows that suffering for Christ is part of being a Christian. Because of this, she does not view the persecutors as enemies. With forgiveness she prays for their souls and with perseverance her faith is strengthened. Hana can inspire us to set our mind on Christ and choose to live in his light of hope, love, and forgiveness.
Let’s pray, using 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, for Hana and her father, Tekleab:
Thank you, Father, for our sister and brother in Christ, Hana and Tekleab. You know every detail and emotion of their hardships. Satisfy them with your sustaining love. You called them to share in the glory of Jesus, and you are faithful to be with them. By your Holy Spirit, enable Hana, Tekleab, and their family to stand firm in their faith and to continue to grow in knowledge of you. In your love and by your grace, bring them hope, encouragement, and peace as they serve you in the situations you have placed them. You are sovereign and worthy of all worship. May your will be done.
Continue to pray for the body of believers as you work through a Heart Training book.