Libya (MNN) — The Gospel continues to leave its mark in Libya, even through tragedy.

Anita Smith recently spoke with Voice of the Martyrs USA about the legacy of her martyred husband, Ronnie Smith, and their mission to share Christ in Libya.

“We wanted to take God’s love and the gospel to Libya, to Benghazi, because we knew that they just didn’t know who Jesus is,” Smith says.

Arch of Marcus Aurelius with view of Gurgi Mosque, Tripoli, Libya (photo courtesy of Z El Baz via Unsplash)

Despite the country’s unrest, the couple found warmth and acceptance among their Libyan neighbors. They developed close friendships and regularly gathered with local families.

Ronnie taught chemistry at the International School of Benghazi, where he built meaningful relationships with his students.

“They spoke English very well, and they really loved him as a teacher,” Smith says.

For the Smiths, everyday relationships were an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love to people who did not know Him.

“We are children of God, and so we are just going to live our lives out. And we wanted to do that in a place that didn’t know Jesus and didn’t know His extravagant love, His gospel,” Smith explains.

Message of forgiveness

In December 2013, Ronnie was shot and killed while jogging in Benghazi. His death left Anita a widow and their young son without a father.

Ajdabia, Libya (photo courtesy of Benjamin Price via Unsplash)

Just five days later, Anita publicly forgave her husband’s killers on national television. She also expressed her continued love for the Libyan people, many of whom had welcomed and cared for her family.

Her forgiveness demonstrated the Gospel’s call to love even one’s enemies. Anita wanted those responsible for Ronnie’s death to encounter the love and forgiveness of Jesus.

“That’s what causes people to come to know Jesus and to come to know what the gospel is,” Smith explains.

Her testimony continued reaching people long after Ronnie’s death. During the interview, Smith learned of a Libyan man who had come to Christ after reading her testimony on Facebook.

Yet the years have also brought ongoing grief for Anita and her son. In difficult moments, she finds comfort in Scripture and the promise of eternity with Christ.

“Our sufferings here are for a short time, compared to the eternal weight that we will receive of glory of being with Jesus,” Smith says.

Pray for Christians in Libya to remain strong in their faith and for the Gospel seeds sown by the Smith family to bear abundant fruit. Join the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on November 1.

Visit The Voice of the Martyrs USA to learn more about the realities of persecuted church.

Header photo: Anita Smith (photo courtesy of VOM USA).