People of faith around the world often experience persecution. From physical attacks to emotional and mental intimidation to a loss of benefits for religious minorities, five nations in South Asia alone are labeled by Open Doors’ World Watch List as experiencing “extreme” or “very high” levels of religious persecution. In fact, Open Doors says that 2 in 5 Christians in Asia faced religiously motivated persecution.

Dignity Freedom Network seeks to aid those who suffer because of their faith.

Meet Mercy, a 23-year-old girl with a brave heart and a spirit unbroken by the challenges of her young life. Living in a small village with her loving parents, who are dedicated farmers, Mercy faced not only the harsh realities of life in rural India but also extreme mental challenges that left her at risk for oppression and exploitation.

Hers was a family of faith. Despite the steadfastness modeled by her parents, poverty made their life’s journey constantly uncertain. Formal education and good-paying jobs seemed out of reach.

To compound their challenges, tragedy struck. Radical religious fundamentalists attacked her village. The attackers targeted those of minority faiths like Mercy and her parents. Mercy’s home was destroyed, and she and her parents were forced into a relief camp. Their lack of resources combined with Mercy’s mental challenges were too much to bear.

The situation was dire. Along with thousands of other people of faith, Mercy and her parents entered a dark time that lasted 18 months and showed no sign of relenting. In the relief camps, there was little food, poor hygiene, no medical care, and a constant air of fear. The risk of further attack on those of faith in the relief camp was great. Mercy’s future looked bleak. 

Dignity Freedom Network stepped in during this dark time, providing Mercy and her parents with essential support. From safe housing and nourishing food to counseling and clothing, DFN has created a supportive space for her to begin healing from her emotional scars and physical ordeal.

Today, Mercy stands as a testament to resilience.

Despite the hardships her parents and her village endured because of religious persecution, Mercy regained her strength and spirit. Even though her situation remains relatively unchanged, Mercy has broken the cycle of despair.

Mercy’s story exemplifies how your help can transform lives and how the cycle of giving can continue. “DFN’s help makes others become helpers,” she declared when DFN staff members interviewed her. With her newfound stability and hope for the future, Mercy is not just a survivor; she is becoming a beacon of hope for others in need.