A Christmas Wish from Iraq — and the Savior Who Answered

Zainab is 27 years old. She wrote to us from Iraq. Her message was not long, but it carried years of silence. She was forced into marriage before completing her education. Today she is a mother of two young boys. On the outside, her life appears stable. Inside, she feels unseen.

She wrote: “They forced me to marry before I could finish my studies. No matter what I do, no matter how much I try or achieve, my husband does not see me. He gives me no attention. He tells me I am limited… that he cannot love me. He says hurtful words.

Our social media post asked: what is the greatest gift you wish for this holiday?
She replied, "I want him to say that I am precious.”

That was her Christmas wish. Not jewelry. Not money. Not freedom. Just to be told: You are valuable.

We responded gently, reminding her that the Lord sees her, not only her tears, but the silent endurance behind them. We shared with her about Jesus, how His love is not earned, how the cross was not only for forgiveness of sin but also for the restoration of identity. We told her that because of what Christ did, her worth is not determined by a husband’s approval or rejection.

Her reply revealed both longing and hesitation: “Is it possible that Christ loves me as I am? But how is He Lord? Your words are beautiful. I wish I could understand them in my heart and mind. But I am Muslim. What should I do?”

This was not resistance. It was a trembling heart standing at the edge of truth.

The follow-up team carefully explained that Jesus came for everyone not for one people group, not for one background. We spoke about Him as Lord, not as a distant ruler, but as the Son of God who entered human suffering. We encouraged her to ask Him personally to reveal Himself to her.

Her next question was honest and practical: “If I do this… will my life change?” She was not asking about religion. She was asking about survival.

We explained that Christ changes us from the inside first. That circumstances do not always shift immediately, but perspective does. Identity does. Strength does. We shared that walking with Jesus requires endurance, perseverance, and learning His Word daily. That transformation is both spiritual and practical, renewing the mind, reshaping responses, anchoring the heart.

Then she said: “I want this. How do I begin? What do I do?”

And so, through messages sent across borders and screens, we prayed with her. A prayer of repentance. A prayer of surrender. A prayer inviting Jesus to be her Savior and Lord. Zainab chose to accept Christ. There was no dramatic music.No church building. No audience. Just a young Iraqi mother in her home, whispering yes to a Savior who had always seen her.

Her journey is only beginning. Her marriage has not suddenly transformed. The emotional neglect is still a reality. But now she is not walking through it alone. She is learning that her worth is anchored in Christ, not in human validation. She is discovering that Jesus does not call her “limited,” but beloved. That the One who was rejected understands rejection. That the One who endured the cross can strengthen her through endurance.