The martyrdom of Stephen
The early Christian writer Tertullian once wrote that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church,” for as one dies for Christ he plants a seed of faith which blossoms into a new plant bearing fruit and new life for many. That was hahappened here when Workitu, an Ethiopian Muslim woman, converted to Christianity from Islam and was beaten to death by her husband in front of her children. Only it did not scare them, but prompted them to learn about their mother’s new faith, and not only have they become Christians, but they have converted many of their friends and people in their village.
Never be afraid to witness for the Faith, even unto death. There are fates far worse than death, and there are also some things worth dying for because Christ is who we are to live for:
After Workitu was beaten badly by her husband and neighbor in March, she was taken to a clinic located in a nearby town. After spending a few days in the clinic, she was referred to a hospital. Unfortunately, Workitu succumb to her injuries while being transported to the hospital. Police have arrested the husband and neighbor and charged them with homicide.
Although Workitu has now perished, her devotion to her faith was not lost on her two sons.
Open Doors reports that Workitu’s two sons, Mustafa and Kedir, made the decision to become Christians following her death. As Workitu was the only Christian in their family, the men told Christian leaders in the town that they wanted to learn more about the God their mother worshipped.
Along with Workitu’s sons, one of Workitu’s Muslim friends also decided to follow Christ.
“Workitu is like Stephen,” a local evangelist told Open Doors. “Her death was honored by the bringing of her sons to new life. I know she would have been extremely delighted had she witnessed her sons’ decision to follow Christ.”