Ten years ago, Samira and her husband arrived in Chicagoland from Iran, carrying with them a powerful testimony of God’s work in their lives. Samira first encountered Jesus Christ in a dream while still in Tehran. This vision stirred in her a deep longing to learn more about the gospel and follow Christ, but she needed a safe place to seek Christian instruction.
During their travels in Europe, the couple passed by a U.S. embassy and, upon seeing the American flag, felt compelled to enter. In what they still describe as nothing short of a miracle, their application for a tourist visa was granted. With that, the door to a new chapter in their lives opened.
Upon their arrival in Chicago, Samira reached out to multiple churches in search of guidance, but there was silence—except for one reply. An LCMS pastor responded and met with them, introducing the couple to Messiah for Muslims. Within just a month, Samira began catechesis and joyfully received baptism.
Pastor Hesham also walked alongside them as they applied for asylum. In those early months, a caring Lutheran family in Naperville offered them shelter until they were able to begin providing for themselves with temporary work permits.
Now, after a long ten-year journey of faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s timing, Samira and her husband have finally been granted asylum by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This approval not only secures their safety but also gives them the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in one year.
We give thanks and praise to God for His faithfulness and for the way He continues to reveal His grace through Messiah for Muslims and the faithful Christians who walk alongside those seeking refuge in Christ.
