Many (if not most) of you have heard of Mariam Ibrahim. I was shocked and appalled when I first learned of the persecution she was enduring in Sudan simply for her determination to hold fast to her Christianity. With all my heart I wanted to do something to help her. Most importantly, I prayed for her. But I also felt that my involvement could go even further than that. So, I wrote a couple letters to those in government. It is true that individually we may not have much power to make political changes, but if we collectively voice our concerns to those representing us in government, together we may be able to make a difference.
Here is a copy of the message that I sent to Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann:
Dear Congresswoman Bachmann,
My name is Sarah Brown, and I am a 19-year-old Minnesota resident. First of all, thank you for everything you are doing to uphold the Constitution, liberty, and religious freedom.
As a Christian, I was greatly shocked and horrified to hear about the pending execution of Mariam Ibrahim, the Sudanese women who has been sentenced to death simply for her Christian faith. No one–especially a mother with little children–should have to die for their faith!
May I ask what is being done in the American government to fight for this woman’s right to life and religious freedom? We Americans have been blessed with many freedoms; let’s not sit back and passively enjoy them while those in other countries are suffering persecution!
If you are not already doing so, I beg with you to please consider using your position in government and your influence to take some action against the terrible attack that is being made against this Christian woman’s God-given right to follow her conscience. Also, please advise me what I can continue doing in her behalf as well.
Thank you, and God bless!
~Sarah
And, wouldn’t you know it!–just today I received a reply!
In case you find that difficult to read, here’s what it says:
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for taking the time to contact me about your concern for the welfare of Miriam Ibrahim and her family. As your Representative for the Sixth District of Minnesota, your views are very important to me and I appreciate hearing from you.
As a cosponsor of H.RES.601, I agree with you.
In June of 2014, an appeals court in Sudan overturned Miriam Ibrahim’s death sentence for allegedly converting from Islam to Christianity, which is a crime under Sharia law. However, Miriam and her family are still in Sudan and therefore in a precarious and potentially dangerous situation.
On May 25, 2014, Representative Trent Franks (R-AZ) introduced H.Res.601. If enacted, this resolution would urge the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to grant Miriam asylum or refugee status, and reaffirm the United States’ dedication to religious freedom.
Presently, H.Res.601 awaits action in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, of which I am not a member. However, should H.Res.601 or any additional legislation related to Miriam Ibrahim come before me for a vote, I will keep your views in mind.
Again, thank you for contacting me, and for all you do for our community and country. I care about you, and if I or my staff can be of assistance to you regarding this issue or any other, please contact us at the Anoka district office or the Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Michele Bachmann
Member of Congress
Dear friends, I believe that religious freedom around the world will only get more and more restricted in the years ahead. This world is winding up for the final time of trouble which must come before Jesus returns to take His faithful home to heaven.
While the situation of Mariam Ibrahim might seem far away from the comforts of home, I want to instill in you the realization that hit me–that someday soon you could be in her same position! Let’s not sit back and enjoy the comforts of our freedoms, while there are those (however far away) who are having those freedoms taken from them! Please join me in doing whatever lies in your power to fight for religious freedom! Perhaps we may be able to extend our probationary time of liberty so that those around us may have one last chance to accept Jesus Christ before it’s too late!
Sarah E. Brown 