Synopsis/Spoilers:
This biography of Rifqa Bary, a Sri Lankan girl living in the US, is a powerful story emphasising the plight of Muslims who convert to Christianity. An Indian Muslim, she finds life and joy when she receives Christ, so much so that it cannot be hidden from the family for long.
She carries out her faith in secret: reading the bible in the toilet, baptising in a river out of the way with a few witnesses, finding reasons to go out in order to attend church, so on. It's a joyful affair that must be done quietly as if it's not something to be exposed or mentioned.
Her parents somehow find out and, since her father is predisposed to physically abusing her, goes into a rage and threatens her death unless she recants. Then the mosque in their community discovers the problem and that's when the whirlwind of insanity happens. She finds her chance to flee, pleading with many people and Christians along the way for their help, to the chagrin of some and disbelief of others. Through it all, Rifqa is well-cared for by people whom God had introduced to her in the past, especially a youth pastor who made tremendous effort in her initial escape and the subsequent years.
The journey takes her through much distrust and anxiety and pain. Because of her need to submit herself to the authorities and clear up the impending prosecution as a runaway delinquent, Rifqa is subject to the judiciary system - jail and a string of foster homes. As a strategy to ensure the court doesn't just close the case on her and send her back home to imminent death (of which the parents say is not true), her lawyer stirs up a media frenzy. The tactic was to ensure she gets more publicity and thus create more pressure on the authorities to deliberate harder on her case. This tactic delayed her being returned to parental custody for 2 years, till she became an adult and no longer eligible to be tried as a delinquent or runaway.
Review:
The danger is very real and with careful story-telling, she makes herself felt by the reader, letting you into her shoes to experience the situation through her first-hand account.
Her 2 year journey charted here tells us more about this God she believes in too. It is amazing to see the extent of her love, reciprocating the love of Christ who died for her. Where there seems to be no hope in her dire situations at times, Rifqa uses Bible verses or biblical examples to remind us of where she draws strength. When problems surround you, it's easy to be overwhelmed and to despair or give in to fear... unless one looks to the God in control of all the difficulties.
Because her story is so personal, it's easy to emphathise with her, cry with her and be held in suspense too. Her 2 years living in fear and without full security of people she trusts is a consistent theme through her recount. She lives as a foster child, giving readers a glimpse at the program for homeless or underprivileged children in USA. It's not something a child should grow up with.
The amazing thing is her life now as an adult is the stability and new family blessed by God despite her trials. You can follow her and keep updated of her life on FB @hidinginthelight, and pray for her to be a beacon of light through which Christ shines.
