In her early twenties, Youstina carries responsibilities that many young women her age do not have to bear. Coming from a financially struggling family in the MENA region, she works long hours in a clothing factory to support herself. The physical demands of her work have caused ongoing back problems, yet her greatest challenges have come from home.
Youstina grew up in a household marked by violence and abuse. Her father abused both her and her mother, and her two brothers followed the same pattern. Although she shares a close relationship with her mother, her home has long been a place of fear and emotional pain.
In her community, speaking about abuse is considered shameful, and unmarried women are generally unable to leave their family home before marriage. As a result, many women endure difficult circumstances in silence.
Since 2017, AWEMA’s workers have walked alongside Youstina through discipleship and mentoring. Through this journey, she came to faith in Christ and found a safe place to share her experience of abuse. The ministry helped her understand that she was a victim, not guilty, and connected her with specialized support.
At the beginning of her healing journey, Youstina struggled with depression, shame, and a deep sense of isolation. Through the Lord’s faithfulness and the support she received, she gradually began to experience healing. She learned to establish healthy boundaries, recognize her worth in God’s eyes, and take practical steps to protect herself. One practical step Youstina took to protect herself was installing a lock on her bedroom door. Having a room of her own—a blessing that is not common in many homes in her community, where siblings often share bedrooms—allowed her to create a safer and more private space within an otherwise difficult home environment.
The transformation became visible to those around her. Once hesitant to speak, Youstina now shares her testimony with other young women facing similar struggles. Her friend Sandy describes her as more courageous and hopeful, able to participate openly in the group and continue growing spiritually and emotionally.
Youstina has also grown professionally. After AWEMA’s ministry worker connected her with sewing training, she developed valuable skills and has since been promoted at work.
She now serves faithfully in Sunday School and helps minister to other girls. Although her family situation remains difficult, Youstina continues to pray faithfully for her family. She is learning to forgive while maintaining healthy boundaries and relating to them with love. Her hope is to continue serving the Lord, helping other girls who are struggling, and one day becoming a healthy and loving mother.
Reflecting on her journey, Youstina says:
“I am able to love myself, accept myself, see my circumstances differently, and walk with God more deeply.”
Her circumstances have not changed dramatically, but she has. Through discipleship, specialized support, and the faithful work of God in her life, Youstina has moved from shame and fear toward healing, hope, and a deeper relationship with Christ. Today, she is encouraging other young women to believe that transformation is possible.
Through your support, women like Youstina are finding safe places to heal, discover their value in Christ, grow in spiritual and emotional maturity, and become sources of hope and encouragement for others.
* Names changed for identity protection.
Your support can help more women like Youstina find healing, hope, and restoration in Christ.