When Hannelie Groenewald and her family left their comfortable life in South Africa to serve Christ in Afghanistan, they knew the danger. But God’s call to them was clear, and they went in spite of the risk.

Hannelie became not only wife and mom, but also teacher, doctor and cook in a country not known for welcoming foreigners—especially women. As time passed, God strengthened her faith, even if He didn’t answer all her questions.

She couldn’t have known the extent of the sacrifice her family would be called to make, and in fact says she wasn’t strong enough to make such a sacrifice. But God prepared her, even in the days and weeks immediately before the murder of her husband and children, to stand strong in the face of suffering and persecution.

Hannelie will tell us which Psalm she read over and over again as she waited to hear whether her family was alive or dead, and the amazement of Afghans at her ability to forgive the Taliban murderers. She shares hard-earned truth with listeners who may be struggling to forgive someone who has wronged them, and talks about finding her footing after the loss of her family and seeking God’s plan for her in the future.

She’ll also equip us to pray more effectively for the nation of Afghanistan and our Christian brothers and sisters there. You can also watch a video telling the story of Hannelie and her family, which was produced by The Voice of the Martyrs for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Hannelie’s inspiring testimony will challenge you to consider what you’re willing to risk to share God’s love in an increasingly-hostile world.