Paul’s fellow workers recited the Shahada, and al-Shabaab let them all go, but Paul remained firm in his conviction.
“Then, they shot him,” Peninah shares.
In the days after the tragic loss of her husband, Peninah’s faith was tested.
“I asked God if this was His plan or the devil’s. I lived a life full of questions. I almost lost my faith,” she says.
The grief and unanswered questions left a devastating wound in her life. And the responsibilities as a single mother at the age of 24 nearly crushed Peninah.
“Life became hard, I struggled because I was alone, I became dependent with no one to help me. Even food was a challenge to get,” she shares.
But through God’s plan, a friend connected Peninah to Open Doors. We were able to help Peninah through trauma counseling.
“The training helped me heal my wounds, to share my suffering and accept the Lord to lead my life. It taught me that all the hardships we pass through did not happen because God had left me but because there is a reason. It restored my joy, talking to people and growing my faith. I almost lost my faith because what happened was too heavy for me,” she shares.
In addition to this, we’re helping Peninah learn a trade and supporting her to attend classes for dressmaking. We’ve also provided her with a sewing machine. Soon, she’ll be able to start her own business.

Author: Open Doors USA
Open Doors USA is a community of Christians who come together to support persecuted believers in more than 60 countries. We are a 501c3, non-profit organization with more than 60 years of experience and a long track record of financial integrity.