Ex-Islamic teacher: ‘Jesus as sweet as pineapple’

An Islamic teacher who has come to faith in Christ is now selling pineapples – and telling customers: ‘Jesus is as sweet as a pineapple.’

‘Abdu’, who grew up wanting to be an Islamic scholar in Ethiopia, attended Qu’ranic schools and after 15 years became an Islamic teacher. But last year he met an old friend who had become a Christian. The friend frequently shared the gospel with Abdu, to the extent that Abdu started to rethink his beliefs.

Eventually, Abdu put his faith in Christ. His enthusiasm for teaching the Qu’ran waned, so much so that local Islamic leaders noticed. They found out that he and his wife had become Christians and fired him immediately. Abdu lost his income and his home and was not allowed to rent a house in the area.

He had no training or skills to help him get a job in the secular marketplace. But some Christian friends introduced him to Voice of the Martyrs (VoM), who helped him launch a micro-business selling pineapples. Abdu often uses his new job to tell others about Christ, telling them ‘Jesus is as sweet as a pineapple’.

Even in nations where Christianity is, ostensibly, the majority religion, life there can be hard for Christians from certain backgrounds living in some areas. Ethiopia, with a population of 72 million and rated 39th on Open Doors World Watch List, is one such country. Ethiopians who convert to Christianity from Muslim backgrounds, particularly in eastern areas of the country, risk harsh treatment. They may receive death threats or may be forced to flee their homes. Women face the threat of rape, forced marriage or (if married) divorce and separation from their children. Extremist Islamic mobs have attacked churches in some places, taking advantage of ongoing political instability and violence. Christians who move from a traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Church background to a Protestant denomination also face persecution.