FORGOTTEN BUT NOT FORSAKEN: The Story of Leah Sharibu
Imagine being just 14 years old, ripped from your home, and held captive for your faith. Imagine your classmates being freed, but you alone being left behind because you refuse to renounce Christ. This is not a story from centuries past—it is happening right now.
This is the story of Leah Sharibu, a young Nigerian girl who remains in captivity because she refuses to deny Jesus. Her story is not just one of suffering; it is a testimony of unshakable faith that challenges us today. How far are we willing to go for Christ?
On February 19, 2018, Leah was among 110 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists from a school in Dapchi, Nigeria. The attack was terrifying, but after intense negotiations, the majority of the girls were released. However, Leah was not among them.
Why? Because she refused to renounce her faith in Jesus Christ.
Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image (Daniel 3:16-18), Leah stood firm. She was given a choice: deny Christ and be freed, or hold on to her faith and remain a prisoner. She chose Jesus.
Leah's mother later revealed that before her capture, Leah had been passionate about her faith, often leading prayers in school. This strength remained even as she faced unimaginable threats. Despite the pressure, she refused to say the words that would have secured her release: a simple renouncement of Christianity. Instead, she boldly declared that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Jesus Himself said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). Leah lived out this verse with unshakable courage.
Since her abduction, little has been heard from Leah. Reports suggest she has been forced into marriage and has had children while in captivity. Yet, her testimony continues to inspire believers worldwide.
Her refusal to renounce Christ echoes the words of Paul: “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Leah, though only a teenager, understood this deeply. She knew that her faith was worth more than her freedom.
Leah’s story forces us to ask difficult questions. Would we have made the same choice? In a world where faith is often convenient, are we ready to stand firm when it costs us something?
Jesus warned us, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). Today, millions of Christians face persecution, especially in parts of Africa where extremists seek to silence the Gospel. Yet, the Church stands strong, because believers like Leah refuse to bow to fear.
Leah’s boldness did not appear overnight. It was nurtured by her upbringing, shaped by faith-filled parenting. As Christian parents, we have a responsibility to raise our children in a way that equips them to stand firm for Christ, no matter the cost.
Leah’s suffering continues, but so does her testimony. We must not forget her. We must pray for her and for every Christian enduring persecution. And most importantly, we must ask ourselves: are we living with the same boldness for Christ?
Let us raise a generation that will not bow to fear. The call is clear. The question remains: Will we answer?