The Islamic month of Ramadan was especially difficult for Afaf this year. Not long ago, her family discovered that she had become a Christian. Their reaction was harsh and frightening, and under pressure, she felt forced to pretend that she had returned to Islam. During the days of fasting, Afaf did everything she could to stay away from home so that her family wouldn’t notice that she wasn’t observing the fast. She spent her hours surrounded by other believers — people who could encourage her, pray with her, and remind her she wasn’t alone. Even so, the weight of secrecy and fear followed her everywhere, and every day felt like a test of endurance. Pray that the Spirit will give Afaf strength, courage, and perseverance, and pray that she will find joy even as she faces trials of many kinds. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2 ESV).