Laura's Story

Finding Christ in Vienna

My name is Laura.

I grew up in South America, but I have lived in Vienna for the past 20 years.

Before I accepted Jesus as my Savior, my life held some overwhelming difficulties. I was very small when my parents divorced. Our family was torn apart by those I thought would always be there for me. I could hardly grasp the situation. I only had the feeling that no one loved me. I wished to be in a real family—mine was fragmented at best. I wanted to run away. Life was filled with problems, and my childhood was not particularly easy or pleasant. At that time, I began to talk to God because, in my heart, I had always believed in Him. On the inside, I was never really alone. He always protected me and never left me desolate. He was my only friend even though I did not understand much about Him. Nonetheless, I often felt very sad.

Many years later, I moved to Vienna and married a Muslim. For a short while I was happy, but the relationship became very tense, and I began to miss my solitude. Then my daughter was born. I was overjoyed! Despite the worsening problems with my husband, I wanted to save my marriage. I truly wanted my daughter to have that which I was deprived of—a real family.

In the confusion, I turned to the One who had never left me desolate as a child—I began to pray. I wanted to be free, not just from the relationship, but also from the hatred, fear, and crushing tension. I spoke with my sister who had become a Christian. She still lived in South America, but she gave me the Hudsons’ phone number. I was able to speak with them briefly and visit their home. They invited me to come to church, but my Muslim husband refused to let me attend.

Several months after meeting the Hudsons, my life took a terrible unexpected turn. My lovely young daughter was gone! My husband had kidnapped her and fled to Algeria. I was devastated. I didn’t want to live anymore. I was distraught and furious. In my grief I demanded, “God, why are you taking away the one good thing that you have given me?”

At that time, I didn’t understand that this kidnapping was the way that God had chosen to bring me to my desired freedom. During this turbulent time, I visited the Hudsons’ church. There I learned that Jesus was my only hope—not only for the paralyzing circumstances I was facing, but also for my whole life and purpose. Jesus had died for my sins, and because of that, I could have a real relationship with Him! I confessed my sin to God and prayed for His forgiveness. He freed me and gave me new life. I thank Him for the freedom from my hatred, anger, and bitterness.

Sometime later, God miraculously orchestrated a way for my daughter to come back. We lived in a wonderful routine that included love, growth, and friendships through our church family. Although she rebelled as a teen and young adult, God used some hard times in her life to bring her to Himself. She was recently married to a wonderful Christian man, and is actively involved in a strong, Biblical church. I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness to me!

I still encounter difficult situations as I continue life’s journey, but I have peace and joy in my heart. Through the difficulties, I can grow more like Jesus. God continues to teach me and give me His mercy, new every morning. Although I certainly have my ups and downs, I often remind myself of God’s faithfulness throughout the years. He has held me under His wing and has shown me His care and comfort each step of the way.