From Despair to Redemption: Aisha’s Journey of Faith
She was beaten for reading the Bible, sold by a stranger, jailed on false charges, and nearly ended her own life. But even in the darkest moments, God was writing a redemptive story. Aisha’s journey from trauma to testimony reveals the unstoppable grace of Christ at work in Pakistan.
Seeds of Faith Amid Poverty
In a humble village nestled in the rural landscapes of Pakistan, Aisha’s story unfolds—a powerful testament to resilience, suffering, and the redemptive power of Christ. Married with four sons, Aisha and her husband, a sanitary worker, have faced more adversity than most could imagine.
At just 13 years old, Aisha was growing up in extreme poverty. Her mother sent her to work caring for a disabled girl from a neighboring family. This girl attended a Christian school, and Aisha often accompanied her.
“From this school, I started to know about the Bible, and my interest was rising day by day.”
She began secretly reading the Bible. “One day my family caught me and found the Bible in my pillow. They beat me badly,” she recalled. That punishment would continue for five years. “I was so discouraged,” she admitted. Desperate for freedom, Aisha eventually ran away from home.
Betrayal and Survival
Alone and vulnerable, Aisha was deceived into a life of exploitation. “After spending some time in this dirty life, I managed to run away,” she said. Hungry and penniless, she asked a hotel waiter for help. “I was thinking that he would help me,” Aisha said. Instead, “he sold me for 10,000 rupees to a man who kept me with him.”
She was later falsely accused of theft and jailed. “I was so discouraged with my life. I tried to attempt suicide,” she shared. Fearing responsibility, the police released her.
An Unexpected Refuge
Homeless and without family, Aisha wandered aimlessly—until she met a man “who had a fear of God in his heart.” He listened to her story and, despite family objections, gave her shelter and eventually helped her rent a small house. The two later married and relocated in search of a new beginning. But life remained difficult. “When we settled in this place, we had no work. My husband had no job, and we didn’t know anybody,” she said.
They found a room near a cattle farm where they still live today.
A New Beginning
After five years in this place, workers from a local Compel International partner ministry visited their area. “I was so happy because after a long time, I met Christian people,” Aisha said with joy. The sisters began visiting regularly, sharing the Word of God.
“I was persecuted many years ago because of the Word of God… But the Lord had never left me. I was so happy and felt freedom in my soul.”
Over the course of a year, these women discipled Aisha and her husband. “They educated me for one year about Christ,” she said.
On October 10th, a milestone of grace arrived: “The happiest incident in my life is that I got married on October 10th. My husband and I were baptized on October 10th. I am so happy.”
Now, they attend a local church regularly. “We are happy that the Lord has saved us,” she affirmed.
From Crushed Spirit to New Life
Aisha’s journey echoes the truth of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” From rejection, exploitation, and despair, she has found refuge, salvation, and community through the Gospel.
Through the support of donors and prayer partners, Compel International and its local ministries are able to reach women like Aisha—offering hope where there was once only fear and despair.