A Widow in White

Rahel lives in a part of central Ethiopia where extremist rebels and Muslim groups often target Christians. In April 2023, the body of her husband, Tesfa, was discovered inside their church building along with that of another church member. The two men had been brutally killed, and the news of their deaths sent fear through the congregation. Police are still uncertain who is responsible for the attack.

“I believe that it was a plan of the demons,” Rahel said, “to scare us and also to scatter believers.”

Learning to Live for Christ

Rahel wasn’t always committed to Christ.

Like many Ethiopians in that region, Rahel’s family visited the Orthodox church but also worshiped local gods and animal spirits. Rahel said those occult practices provided an opportunity for demonic influence in her life. At age 15 she married Tesfa. Over time, Rahel began to suffer from an unknown illness combined with severe depression. She said she felt oppressed by satanic forces.

One day she shared her situation with a Christian friend named Sebele. “I didn’t really believe that God would save me, but I just wanted to try anything that could keep me alive to support my children,” Rahel said.

Sebele offered to pray for Rahel. “If God helps me to stay with my children, then I will accept the God you are talking about,” Rahel said. Overjoyed, Sebele responded, “The God I worship can raise the dead!”

Sebele prayed for Rahel and took her to church. Rahel was so weak she could barely sit. But when the pastor prayed for her, she said she felt something like a big weight fall off her back. Her strength returned and she easily walked home. “I became a free person,” she said. “I believed in Jesus and was delivered from the oppression.”

Tesfa was away at the time, but when he returned, he was amazed at the change in his wife. He visited the church and also became a follower of Christ. The couple raised their children in that church family, and Tesfa eventually became a deacon. Then came the attack.

Rahel was visiting relatives the night Tesfa was killed. When she returned home, she was surprised his shoes weren’t at the door. She asked her daughters where he was, and no one knew. Then some people told her to rush to the church. When she arrived, her 16-year-old son was there, tearing his clothes and crying out, “They killed my father!”

Rahel refused to accept the news at first, but the commotion at the church convinced her. Later she tried to comfort her children but didn’t know how she would provide for the family’s needs. She did know that God cared.

“I sensed something even before his death,” she said. “‘Don’t be afraid,’” she said the Lord had told her. “‘I will be with you, and I am like a caregiver for you.’”

A Change of Garments

After Tesfa’s death, Rahel followed the common local tradition of dressing in black clothing to express her love for her husband and her deep loss. She continued wearing black long after his funeral, but a Christian leader challenged her choice of apparel.

“Was your husband with the Lord when he died?” he asked. “Are you with the Lord? Do you think that we need to dress in black as Christians?” The leader added that wearing black was a local tradition of many who have no hope. But she, as a Christian, had hope that her husband was with the Lord in heaven and that she would see him again. After that admonition, Rahel began wearing white clothing.

Today Rahel is active in her church, just as she was for many years with Tesfa. With help from the global body of Christ, she has experienced God’s provision.

“My situation was very difficult and shocking,” she said. “But God always encourages me.” She said he is constantly reminding her that “‘I am your leader. I am your provider. Put your trust on me.’”

Internally, Rahel’s heart has changed, much like her clothing. She said she feels no anger toward her husband’s killers.

“What do I say as a woman of God? I give them mercy, I pardon them. I forgive them,” she said.

Rahel knows someday she will see her husband in heaven, and they will both be dressed in imperishable garments. Until then, she asks others to pray for her and her family. “I just want you to pray for my children. And also pray for me to be strong in my faith and finish the race.”