I was only seven years old when the Soviet Union collapsed, bringing severe economic hardship to my nation of Tajikistan. My mom was already working two jobs, but now even that wasn't enough. With nowhere to turn, my mom faced an impossible choice: sell her children or give us away-or sell her own body. It was only in later years that I realized . . .

My home had become a brothel.

The streets weren't safe. Now my home wasn't safe either. Would I end up in the same situation as my mom? Just when I thought suicide was the only answer, a friend invited me to church. Growing up in a Muslim country, I had no concept of Christianity, but that day . . .

I fell deeply in love with Jesus.

My heart had come alive, but the brokenness remained. When civil war broke out and my life was upended once again, God came to my rescue. For the first time, I experienced the stability and safety of a loving home. Today I can testify that the pain I endured has given rise to my areas of greatest strength. Welcome to my story!