When Juhar Bekele became a Christian in 2016 while living in Hurumu, Illu Ababora Zone, in Ethiopia, he knew his life would change dramatically.

Now a minister, husband, and father, Bekele said his life changed most when he had to trust in Christ as he faced rejection, threats, and violence for leaving Islam.

“After giving my life to Christ, I began sharing the gospel with my community,” Bekele said. “My decision was not accepted by many people around, especially within my Muslim community. As soon as I started spreading the gospel about Jesus, people began to hate me. I knew my life would never be the same.”

The hostility forced him to leave his home and move to Metu in search of safety and freedom to continue his ministry.

However, the persecution followed Bekele to Metu, where he was beaten because of his faith. Bekele moved again, this time to Jimma, hoping to find peace for himself and my family. Life in Jimma remained difficult and dangerous.

Bekele moved several more times because of harassment and threats. In December 2025, he was attacked again while secretly ministering in underground house churches.

“Sometimes I do not sleep peacefully because I fear I will be attacked and even killed,” he said. “But I still believe God has called me to continue his work. Despite living under pressure, I have refused to abandon Christ. I continue preaching the message of Christ in different towns across southwest Ethiopia. My ministry has continued to grow even during persecution and hardship.”

In nearly every corner of Ethiopia, Christians suffer violence. The conflicts vary in their sources, but the outcome too often ends the same way: death or displacement. In the North, the Tigray War looms large, casting its long shadow of fear, death, and destruction. But Christians enduring these realities refuse to deny Christ to make their lives any easier.  

“I have suffered because of my faith, but I cannot deny Jesus,” Bekele said. “Even when people threaten me, I still want others to know the hope found in Christ.” 

Bekele’s courage has inspired the people he serves. They, too, have faced opposition because of their faith. Living in constant fear has deeply affected his daily life and his family. Bekele said he often worries about his safety and his family, but ultimately trusts the Lord.

“I always feel unsafe wherever I am, but despite the fear, I believe God is with my family and me,” he said. “He will strengthen me every day.”

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