Jesus Triumphs for Noura
Names, locations, and images have been changed to protect the identity of individuals in sensitive regions.
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ashes.” – Psalm 113:7
This is the story of Noura, a Tunisian woman whose life was marked by rejection, isolation, and grief—until Jesus Christ stepped in. Through an unexpected friendship, a film screening, and a desperate prayer, she discovered the living God who sees, hears, and answers.
From Tradition to Trauma
Noura grew up in a conservative Muslim household with one sister and two brothers. As a young adult, she entered an arranged marriage with a man who followed strict Salafi teachings. Over time, her husband’s beliefs became a tool of control and cruelty. Noura endured years of emotional and physical abuse, and when she finally sought divorce, he retaliated by forcing her to leave her two daughters behind.
Determined to rebuild her life, Noura moved to another Arab country, where her sister lived. She found work as an English teacher, but her heart remained tethered to Tunisia. Despite occasional calls, her ex-husband kept her from regular contact with her daughters. Then the pandemic hit, and all communication stopped. For over a year and a half, she was completely cut off.
A Chance Encounter
When travel restrictions lifted in 2021, Noura returned to Tunisia, hoping to reunite with her children—but her ex-husband still refused any access. She began teaching English again and met Leila, a young woman who had recently become a follower of Jesus.
Their conversations grew quickly in depth and trust. One day, Leila invited Noura to a local baptism celebration.
“What is baptism?” Noura asked.
“It’s when people publicly choose to follow Jesus,” Leila replied gently.
Noura was stunned. “Do you mean they left Islam?”
“They are following what they’ve come to know as the truth.”
Despite her shock, Noura agreed to attend. It was her first time at a Christian event. When a pastor asked for someone to read a Bible passage, Noura raised her hand—without understanding why.
“I didn’t even know what made me do it. I stumbled over the words, but something inside me felt alive for the first time.”
The Turning Point
Leila shared more about Jesus—the Son of God who came to reveal the Father’s love. Though Noura outwardly dismissed it, inwardly she began searching: watching videos, reading articles, and comparing what she learned to the beliefs she had been raised with.
A few weeks later, Leila invited her to watch the Jesus Film at Christmas. As Noura saw Jesus healing the sick, showing compassion, and teaching with authority, she was captivated. She expected a triumphant ending. Instead, she wept as He was betrayed and crucified.
But the story wasn’t over.
“This was not the ending I expected—it was far more beautiful and powerful than anything I could imagine.”
Two days later, Noura cried out to God:
“Lord Jesus, if You are truly the living God, You know how much I miss my daughters. If You answer this prayer, I will follow You.”
The next day, her ex-husband called—for the first time in over 18 months. He spoke gently, invited her to visit her daughters, and allowed her to see them freely.
Noura knew it was not coincidence. It was divine mercy.
A New Life of Faith
From that moment, Noura committed her life to Jesus Christ. She felt peace and joy she had never known. Leila became her sister in faith, walking beside her in discipleship. Together, they began learning how to follow Christ and share His love with others.
Their growth didn’t happen in isolation. Noura and Leila are part of a wider network of women across the Middle East who are being discipled and equipped through ministry teams trained by Compel International. What began as a secret online fellowship has grown into more than 25 in-person groups across the region—each one multiplying hope in places where the Gospel remains unknown.
Noura now teaches English at a government school, where she quietly reflects Christ’s love in a context that is often hostile to faith. Yet she views her role as a calling—a daily opportunity to plant seeds of truth through integrity, kindness, and courage.
Please pray that the Lord would protect her, deepen her faith, and use her testimony to draw others to Himself.
“I once felt forgotten and unseen, but now I know that the Lord Himself saw me, heard me, and answered me. He is alive—and He changed my life forever.”