Esther

Explore Esther’s story and those of six other courageous, persecuted women with our Tears of Gold church pack.

See

Esther was captured by Boko Haram as a teenager and held for three years. She was given a choice: marry or become a slave. Esther chose slavery, but it made no difference. She was eventually forced to marry a Boko Haram fighter.

When the fighter was killed, she managed to escape. Seven months pregnant, she eventually managed to return to her village, but she was taunted and ostracised.

“They mocked me because I was pregnant,” she said. Her own grandmother called her names. Heartbreakingly, when her baby was born, they refused to call her by her name, Rebecca. They called the little girl ‘Boko’, as if, somehow, Esther and her little girl were to blame.

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Change

Esther attended trauma counselling workshops run by Open Doors partners in Nigeria.

“I want people to know that women here need trauma help because of the things that have happened. And those with resources can give support, so that many more women may be helped.

“Before I came for the programme, if my daughter was called ‘Boko Haram baby’ I fought with a lot of people and it hurt. But now, even if they call her that, I don’t feel it because I know that’s not who my baby is.

I know God loves me and I cannot describe all the good things He has done for me. God loves me so much, I think I am the one God loves most in the world... All I can say is, ’May God bless you and thank you so much.’”

We encouraged supporters to send messages to Esther and many did, including Jeremy Hunt then in the role of UK Foreign Secretary.

Respond

Pray for women like Esther who have been stigmatised through no fault of their own – that their families would protect them and welcome them back
Give to see change for persecuted women around the world. Help restore their hope and dignity
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