Christian ministry supports deaf teenager rejected by his family

Open Doors reports that Hysam, a 16-year-old deaf Christian in Central Asia, was expelled from home after becoming a Christian and being baptized.

Hysam’s parents reportedly told him he could return only if he renounced Jesus and returned to Islam. Leaders from a ministry serving deaf people attempted to mediate with his father and continue to help care for him.

The case illustrates family-level pressure on converts and a Christian support network responding to it. Security precautions prevent independent verification of the teenager’s identity and location.