WRITE TO: 16-YEAR-OLD HYSAM IN CENTRAL ASIA

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOUR PARENTS TO COMPLETELY REJECT YOU? WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE TO DO FOR THEM TO NO LONGER ALLOW YOU IN THE HOUSE, TO STOP COMMUNICATING WITH YOU AND TO TELL YOU THEY DON’T WANT OR NEED YOU? IT’D HAVE TO BE SOMETHING PRETTY TERRIBLE, AND EVEN THEN, MOST PARENTS WOULD STILL SHOW CONCERN, AFFECTION AND SOME KIND OF SUPPORT. 

When 16 year-old Hysam* from Central Asia told his parents he had become a Christian, he knew they’d be unhappy. But he didn’t think they’d completely reject him. Being deaf, Hysam has faced plenty of struggles in his life already, so becoming a Christian and knowing he has a heavenly Father who loves him for who he is has helped Hysam grow in confidence. 

But, he’s from a strict Muslim family in Central Asia, and from a region where the majority of people follow Islam. Sadly, it’s common for people in the area to believe that deaf people are cursed, so Christians and churches have been reaching out to the deaf community and showing those like Hysam that they are loved.

When Hysam chose to follow Jesus and got baptised, his parents were extremely angry and threw him out of the house. His mum even told him ‘We do not want to see you anymore, we don’t need you. You are dirty,’

Over the past few months Hysam has been supported by the organisation that is reaching out to the deaf community. He’s living at a church where he helps out however he can. He cleans, keeps things organised and takes part in services for deaf people. He’s also involved in sign language classes.

Could you send Hysam a message of encouragement? Being deaf he often feels ignored, excluded and isolated, so could you send him a quick note to tell him your praying for him and that he has a global church family that are cheering him on?

Guidelines

• Please be encouraging and feel free to include one or two Bible verses
• Let him know you’re praying for him – you could even write out a prayer for him
• Show sensitivity; please do not dwell on what Hysam is going through or share about the blessings of life in your country or your own struggles.

For security

• Do not mention Open Doors
• Do not mention other religions
• Do not refer to Israel, even when using scripture
• Do not criticise religions, religious extremists, governments, judicial systems or political leaders
• Do not send money or make proposals to help
• You can disclose your name and the country you live in, but do not provide your full name or full address
• Do not send photographs of yourselves or anyone else.

Send YOUR MESSAGE TO HYSAM

*Name changed for security reasons